Posted On: November 10, 2008, 11:33 am CST

Posted By: Regan

There are many silver linings in what many perceive are dark clouds. Let me enumerate a few.

1. In my early years of starting my insurance practice I advertised heavily in the African American community. So, most of my long term clients are black. The day of the election, many of them called my office for service. They were mostly aggressive, rude, and angry. So much so that my staff and I had a conversation about it. It seemed some black leaders were encouraging riots if Barak Obama did not win. I think the rumblings in that community were making them as a whole, entirely miserable. After all, no one wants to step out and start initiating violence. But to all of their surprise, Barak Obama won the election fair and square. I did not vote for him, and I was disappointed. But the following day it was as if the whole world changed for my African American friends. The phone calls I have been receiving have been pleasant, joyful, and best of all peaceful. Perhaps the healing of the open wounds among the African American community will do America more good than the bit of harm some higher taxes may do. We Americans are an educated and strong people and we will survive and thrive in all circumstances. To my knowledge the Democratic Party has not started building concentration camps, or ovens, so we know the world has seen far worse.

2. In anticipation of the riots and civil commotion, I went to my local Gander Mountain sporting goods store on Sunday just before the election to restock my dwindling ammo supply. The vast gun department was filled with people. The kind of ammunition I went to purchase was already sold out. Apparently they were assembling assault weapons in the back room, because they would bring one out every 30 minutes or so, (I was there a long time) and it would immediately be grabbed by someone in the crowd and sold. There was near panic in the store. Considering Mr. Obama's win, I firmly believe the rioting is not a possibility anymore. But I could feel the fear among the shoppers in that store. No one wanted violence, but all wanted to be prepared if it broke out. We Texans truly believe in protecting our lives and property. I guess we all still remember Goliad and the Alamo. A crisis that none of us wants to imagine has been averted by the election of Barak Obama. I guess I'll keep my ammo supply in case Mr. Obama outlaws the sale of ammo. Ha! Ha!

3. The Democratic Party took power in the House and Senate two years ago. Since that time our economy has spiraled downward. President Bush has been assigned all the blame for this downturn. Now that the Democrats have nearly complete power in our government, perhaps blame for our economic woes will begin to be assigned to a party other than mine. Mr. Obama has stated, he believes he may not be able to raise taxes during tough economic times such as these. So, maybe, he'll just slow down a bit, and focus on his justice appointments. As long as they aren't releasing murderers and thieves onto our streets, I can live with whatever they dish out.

4. Finally, it is good to see that our political system still works. It is imperfect, but it is the best in the world. To think that 150 years after the terrible civil war, an African American could be elected President, is such a testament to the collective growth and maturity of our people. This man is an excellent role model to the African American community. He has class and dresses impeccably. He and his wife are highly educated and their children are beautiful and well behaved. Mr. Obama is well spoken and is not prone to breaking out into "Ebonics" to annoy other races. There has been a tendency among African Americans to resist success and education as being "White" or "Uncle Tomish". Perhaps many many educated and classy black people will rise up and break the stereotypes that are rampant in the black community. The baggy pants, fatherless homes, hopelessness, and bitterness may all begin to disappear. This man can inspire the best in all of us, as to how far one can go in this country. From a single parent biracial home to the Whitehouse! How Awesome! Go Obama! Go America! and Go African American Community! It is your time to lead! Show us how far you can all reach! We are here to support, love, and encourage all Americans who desire the "American Dream!" Perhaps we are about to live out Martin Luther King's dream for the first time, so many years after his death. Perhaps we are on the cusp of living out the true nature of our nation's creed, that "All men are created equal".


Regan Latta