Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma

Optimistic about the future

With all due respect to those who disagree, I want to express my joy, hope and optimism on the election and inauguration of our new President.

I know my story has been repeated over and over in many American households. I honestly didn’t think Obama had a chance of being elected during the primaries, but my kids convinced me otherwise. I guess I was afraid to hope for too much, to think there could be real change.

I’m reminded of the mess the country was in when Bobby Kennedy ran for president, and the way he was able to connect with a broad range of people and make us believe we could do better. For me, Obama’s election is like that, but it’s more.

My family and I were in DC for my son’s graduation from the Marine Corps TBS. While in DC we found our way to the Smithsonian, particularly the section about Lincoln. Reading his words about slavery and equality and his willingness to sacrifice the nation for his convictions about freedom for all really struck me.

Then to walk out onto the DC Mall and see preparations for the inauguration of the first black president, to realize that Lincoln’s dream, Martin King’s dream and the dream of good people everywhere was about to be fulfilled, well, it was very emotional for me.

I have never been more proud of my country, nor have I been more optimistic about her future despite the enormous difficulties ahead.

Dennis Recker

 

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