The meaning of Obama’s victory

It’s only four days since Obama's "historic" election, so it's small wonder people are still trying to come to grips with the meaning of it all.

Today the National Post published the views of two New York Times columnists.
Thomas L. Friedman figures that it’s a historic event symbolizing the end of the American Civil War:

And so it came to pass that on Nov. 4, 2008, shortly after 11 p.m. Eastern time, the American Civil War ended, as a black man — Barack Hussein Obama — won enough electoral votes to become president of the United States. [Notice now that he’s been elected it’s OK to include Obama’s middle name. Or is that only permitted for liberals?]

And then there’s the gonzo Maureen Dowd who has a wide range of expectations:

Obama may be in over his head. Or he may be heading for his own
monument. [Or, one has to assume, anything in between.]

Thankfully, on the opposite page of the Post, classical liberal George Jonas provides a more reasonable assessment:

... to those who may be upset about Barack Obama’s victory because he’s black ... consult your shrink. [You’re a racist.]

... To those who are elated about Obama’s victory because he’s black ... Talk with your physician. [You’re a racist but a good racist with a "better prognosis" than the first.]

... To those who are elated about Barack Obama’s victory because it’s a historic first, I’d say: Sorry, it isn’t. .... When a candidate’s skin colour passes unnoticed, that will be a historic first. [Thomas L. Friedman take note.]

... What about those who are upset about Obama’s victory not for reasons of racism but statism? Those who consider his ideas statist, his executive experience meager and his associations dubious - in short, who are upset for the right reasons? To them I suggest: Democracy isn’t for sissies. [Suck it up and "abide not grudgingly but cheerfully" and work to throw the bum out next time around.]

... To those who think who think an Obama victory is going to be a disaster, I suggest: Relax. Take a stiff drink....Yes it may be a disaster ... America survived disasters.

... to those ready to jump on the Obama-presidency’s bandwagon, I suggest: Put on you crash helmet. It’s going to be a rough ride.

...Finally, to those who are happy because they like Obama’s politics and would have voted for him if he had been white and his opponent black ... Congratulations. You may be wrong about your politics, but at least you’re happy for the right reasons.

Excellent advice, George!