Obama has accomplished what Rev. Jesse Jackson has only dreamed of. He has become the first black president of America. Not only that, but he has united the American people. Something that is hard to do, especially during these difficult times.
So it is only fair that he get a T-shirt in his honor, right?
            I sure as heck think so.
            Obama fever has spread from the elderly to students here at Stagg. I know everyone has at least seen one person who owns a piece of Obama-gear. I know a few. If you haven’t seen an Obama shirt on some guy walking around in the hallways, or an Obama pin on some girl’s tote bag, then I suggest you start coming to school.
            As for the commercials, they’re hard to miss. You can own plates and coins with his face for $19.99 (plus shipping and handling). And believe me, it has not gone too far, despite the opinions of bitter McCain supporters. This is a huge deal, and it’s only reasonable that people feel the need to own a piece of history. A shirt, a pin, even a plate is just a way people express their appreciation for the first African American president.
            This adoration for the 44th president is nothing short of amazing. He has the power to bring us all together and make us believe that hope and change is possible. It’s great that our nation has come together. Not since JFK has America had such joy in honoring their leader. Not since Bill Clinton playing the saxophone has a president been called “cool.” But more than that, Americans have admiration and trust for the man they put in office. Very few people in these recent years have been able to unite this country, but Obama has done just that.
            Calling him inexperienced, a Muslim, and using racial terms, Obama bashing has gone too far in my opinion. It’s the one thing that has irked me. McCain has aided in this hate-parade as well. In 2008 the McCain administration showed an ad comparing Paris Hilton and Barack Obama.
Really now, how low can you go, GOP? Though it was a while ago, it still followed Obama like a black cloud. Calling him a “celebrity” is downright lame. Icon is more like it.
            Remember where you were that Nov. 4. When you heard Obama beat McCain. 365 electoral votes to 173. Remember what you felt, and whom you were with on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration. When he took his oath, and stumbled on a few words.
We are a part of history now. Enjoy it, don’t condemn it. There’s nothing wrong with being a proud American.
So pardon me while I order another commemorative plate.