A Moment in Our History
I have vivid memories of Sister Sally Longo talking to my third grade class on the signing of the peace agreement between the United States and North Viet Nam in 1973. It is one of the enduring memories of my youth. I still remember it like it was yesterday. For our students today will likely be such a moment, and I feel privileged to be here to share it with them. In a way, I feel a bit like I imagine Sister Longo must have felt on that day 35 years ago, except that this event is bigger.
Despite your political views, it is impossible to deny the historical significance of this election. “This,” as journalist Gene Robinson put it tonight, “is a demarcation, there was a before and there is after.” I sat with my wife and children as the results came in and tried to make comparisons with this event, the election of an African American as President of the United States, with another that might be as noteworthy. I thought of only four; the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Yorktown, Appomattox and perhaps the first moon landing.
I would like you to comment here, for my students to see. You may, if you’d like, share your thoughts about this event, or if you prefer, a comment about Senator McCain’s gracious remarks, or perhaps you think there is an event I missed. Please spend a few minutes and give my students some insights into your thoughts. Thank you.
posted by Mr. Tom Norton at
9:43 PM
68 Comments:
Agreed. It is a definite milepost in our nation's history.
Think about how those of African descent have been treated in the history of this country, starting in colonial days. Now compare that with the fact we have just elected an African-American as our President. When I did that last night, I just said to myself “Wow!”
Just 45 years ago, a man stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and said “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” At the time most people probably said “Yea, right” or at the very least “Not in my lifetime.” (That’s what my mother said to me last night). Well, a majority of those who voted for President proved they can ignore the color of someone’s skin enough to elect that person President of the United States. That is a huge change in this country’s collective attitude on this subject.
As I sat watching the developments last night the real impact of this moment in history hit me. I was very touched by the gracious remarks of Sen. McCain - the theme of unity has been sounded. President Elect Obama's speech continued that theme and expounded on it. There is a lot of work to do in this country and I think we are off to a great start. I hope we will support our leaders as they embark on this truly historic moment in our history. I can feel Dr. Martin Luther King smiling down on this country as part of his "dream" has become reality.
This election was definitely history in the making. It is the type of event that makes it into history books! How cool that we are actually here to experience it. Regardless of what you believe, the election was a big step for our nation. I can't wait to see what happens next...
I don’t think anyone can deny that the election of our nation’s first black president is historic. Given our country’s racial past I think this moment has been long over due. But I have never judged political candidates by the color of their skin, ethnic background, religion, etc... I have always wanted the best candidate for my country and the future country of nieces and the students that sit before each day. So I never cared if the candidate was black, white or yellow with purple spots. I base my support of a candidate on the person, their experience, ideas, morals, and my confidence in them to what is best for the entire country. That said I don’t know as person or a history teacher what the historical significance of Barack Obama presidency will be. I don’t think anyone can tell you that. Only time will tell. I don’t think the men storming the beaches of Normand knew the historical significance of their actions. Eisenhower doubted if the mission would be a success. Did the men know what they were doing required bravery beyond most peoples comprehension? Yes. Were they honorable men who believed in honor and duty? Yes. They were average men doing extraordinary things and not out to prove their historical importance or secure their place in history. They were doing it because it was what they believed in. Only time would show the important role they played in U.S and world history and that is why I am not sure what the historical significance of presidency will be. Only his actions and time can answer that question. It’s the old cliché “only time will tell.” I hope for the sake of the country Barack lives up to the historical significant people have seemed to prematurely bestowed on his presidency. For myself I will wait and see and let history be the judge.
This election was certainly ground-breaking, no matter which candidate won. From preliminary polls, it was suggested that Obama would win, but I was surprised at the wide margin of his victory. McCain's words echoed this when he stated, "The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly." I was impressed by McCain's gracious comments and look forward to a new era on January 20.
I agree it is a historical event and we should be proud of how far we, as a nation, have come over the past few decades. It shows what the USA stands for and will be a moment we will remember. Unfortunately, at the polls and around town I still heard several racial comments before and after the election. But, like with all change, not everyone will be pleased. This election shows that the majority of our fine country is moving towards the future and believes in equality for all human beings.
Last night was the most exciting election that I can remember. As I sat an watched President-elect Obamas speech with my 22 year old son and saw the tears in his eyes, it really brought it home for me. I know the students probably don't realize it now, but this is one of those historic moments that people will ask "where were you?" I feel very proud to be an American today!!!!
This was a very big event that our children will ask us about and that we should remember. This is a event that will be remembered for centurys to come.
This is definetly a big date in history. Having the first African American President will surely be remembered by other generations to come. I believe this will change our nation in a positive way.
-Alexis Murphy
I really think that it is an outrage of how many racial people are out there in this world. I agree that this is an event to remember for ever and it is awesome that it happened during the time of the children now. But it is amazing how Obama won with all the racial comments and the people and it is very frusturating how people can think that way and whats going through there heads when they say and think this stuff.
I agree that last night was adefining moment in our nation'n history. He's not going to change our nation, he is going to change the world. I was up watching the election from 6:30 to 11 pm, at first Obama was losing 16 electoral votes to 3then later it was 77 to 34, then it was a murder after that. Now that he is elected the nation will have change...
I am amazed how Obama was elected president with all the racialism in this country. It really freaks me out how people can even think that way and say those things. I agree this is an amazing event in this country's history and it is a thing to remember for ever.
I, too talked to some of my classes today about how they have witnessed an extraordinary event in American history. Some of my students expressed a renewed pride in being an American; this opportunity - an Africian American being elected as President - can truly only happen in America.
I was especially impressed by McCain's final speech, and I think students really need to appreciate his action: he was once Obama's opponent, but now he congratulates him and will do all he can to help Obama (who is now HIS President, too!) better serve this great country. It is not always about winning or losing, and America can only get better when we work together.
I thought that this election, was a huge landmark, but also quite and obvious outcome. The way I saw it Obama was nearly sure to win. All the young people liked his charismatic voice. This caused many youngsters 18-20 year olds to register for voting and vote. There have never been as many newly registered young voters as this in America ever. This was also a huge landmark. Also Obama was a great persuader, he had most of the same democratic policies as the next democrat, but he made up in places where Kerry and Gore failed. He presented them differently. He didn't just say things for no reason, he was talking to you. These things caused Obama to win. The only way that I think Obama could have lost is through something historians call the Bradley effect. This is where people say that they will vote for the African candidate, but they don't.
I found it quite interesting how a short tempered man like McCain be so calm and kind hearted after he lost one of the most impotent elections in America
tyler barker-haray
pr.6
When I opened the TV yesterday night, it was still the start of the election, I can see that Obama has only 3 electorial votes and McCain has 16, I thought McCain had won so I went to eat dinner.(It was boring seeing McCain winning) After dinner which took 20 minutes, the score(or electorial votes) was Obama 176, and McCain 34, I laughed so hard at that. I thought McCain won, but looking at the incredible crushing of Obama's electorial votes, I was both happy and fascinated. My dad said to me this morning that Obama had won the election and became the President of the United States, I was really really shocked. Two years ago, I thought of having a different ethnicity person as the President of the United States(and I bet it on my dad for a present), I was right. This event made history!
I believe that Obama's election will not be an end to diverse presidents. I believe there might be an asian president, a jewish president, maybe even a gay president. All of these are possible in are lifetime, due to the racial cork that was pulled the night Obama became president.
I agree with the other comments- I think that the election was a great event in our history. It definately was a very exciting election no matter who won. Personally, I was hoping Obama won, and the outcome was that Obama did win. I think african americans all over the world are very proud into the steps that will come next. Think about it- the nation just elected the first african american president.
I think Obama handeled the winning very well. He congratulated Mcain and acknowledged everyone in the election. I also thought Mcain handled it well. In his speech he respected Obama, and handled the "booing" situation well. They both were very professional about it, and did a great job.
Also, I believe that the election was very close. Even though Mcain won over more states, Obama ended up having more electoral votes, which helped him win. This event was definatley a big one in history along with the other 4 you have mentioned. I would have been fine even if Mcain has won. This is a great deal to the whole world and in the words of Obama, "There is change in America"
The world is truly going to change.
Even though I didn't get to see the speeches live, i stil thought that wehn we saw them in class, they were very good ones and McCains was very modest.=]
i think that bolth Obama and McCain had well thought out speaches. I think that this date in history will never be forgotton
just like the great depresion
I do think that last night was a very historical moment. I sometimes wonder how Obama is going to do all the things that he said he was going to do. Last night would of also been historical if mccain got elected but he didn't, Obama did!!! I like his plan and how it is going to work(maybe)and it is really going to take all of us.
this election was one of the most amazing elections of my lifeI can remember wen the world trade center clapst
Hey Norton it's Remi. All that i know about the presidential election last night is that Obama won 51 to 49. However in the eletoral votes Obama dominated. I know that it wouldn't have been as much of a big deal than it was last night if McCain had won. The only historic thing would be that Palin would be the first women vice-president. Oh well. See ya tomorrow in class!=)
If either of the canidates had won history would have been made. If McCain had won then we would have had our first female vice president!!
I think this election will be talked most about than any other eletion because an African American was chosen. I thought it's good to have change and maybe having Obama as president will help our country from the issues we are having now.
last night was a very historic event in american history. it was a very posotive step foward for america. i think that sometime later in my lifetime, there will be a woman president and maybe other presidents of different desents like asian or indian.
I think that our country has come a long way in electing an African American president. It is a day I will truly remember. Weather or not I thought it was a good thing, it doesn't matter it still shows how far our country has come and how much further it still can go. I will remember this day like 9/11 and will be happy to share what it was like being 12 (turning 13 in 1 week and 2 days) when the first African American president was elected :)
(Norton how'd i do???? good! right??!?!?
I think this election will be remembered and discussed most in the future. I also think that having Obama as president is a good change in the country and he may help the issues that we have been having.
I think that this is one of the most important events in our history. I thought It was very shocking because I never thought we would have a african american president, but I am happy about it because It shows that the United States Is ready for a change and I think Obama will do well.
Annamarie Malanogne per.7
I thought It was really cool that we are going to have our first african american president. I am happy that we do because we do need a change. I am so excited because when Im older I can share this with my kids and grandkids and to say that I lived through it!
Annamarie
I agree with all of the comments and Olivia's too. :) This was a very big event and a major one in my lifetime and will probably be remembered forever.
Dear Mr.Norton,
I would like to say that i was impressed at the way McCain handled Obama being elected president. When McCain supporters started "booing" McCain immediately reacted and told the people to stop. i though that, that showed strong imbition. I thought that Obamas speech was moving and came from the heart. i think that Obama being elected president will be the start of new amazing things to come in the future. I expect Obama to be an amazing president that will bring to the table many positive changes that will help the U.S in these hard times.
Now that Barack Obama has gotten his message out to the majority of the United States, we know that change has surely come. Even though not everyone voted for Barack, we will learn to believe in why he was elected. Watching the polls last night on CNN/ ABC, there were some close races, but as the night grew old, you knew that Obama was going to pull away. From the begining no one was sure who could win, but Obama and his supporters kept their faith. Sen. McCain gave a very gracious speech to the President Elect Barack Obama. I'm sure that the speech ment a lot to both parties. We know fro sure that this wa the most historic election in history that everyone HAS to remember.
This is a very historic event. Barak Obama is the first African American president. We want to have changes.
This is a definite milestone in our country's history. I think this will lead to great thing.
Indeed it's perhaps never felt better to be an American. Easily the greatest event I've witnessed in my lifetime will be remembered through both the history books and within the enduring hearts of Americans lucky enough to have seen this historic milestone. Not only does it represent how much are country has matured to tear down such a racial boundary, but how together, as a nation we look for change. Roughly 121 million Americans voted in the presidential election, a true sign of patriotism not seen for many years. And of course, Mcain's gracious comments given last night are truly worth of recognition. He made the point that all Americans are in it together, and that regardless of who the next president is, we stand united right behind him/her. Whether or not you saw Mcain fit as president there's no denying he's an admirable man as well as an American hero. The night came to a touching conclusion when the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, gave his speech around midnight. In particular, the ending carries the most sentimental value where Barack Obama commented on Ann Nixon Cooper, a 106 year old woman who voted during the presidential election. He went on to recall all the progress America has witnessed in the past century, and that it's now our time, our moment to make change for our children. We know that the challenges our next president faces will not be easy to overcome, but with government of the people and by the people nothing can hinder the greatest country on Earth, the United States of America. We wish Barack Obama, the first African-American president, the best of luck in the next four years.
Without a doubt, this election was truly remarkable, an this is something I'll be proud to tell my kids and grandchildren I experienced!
However, if I were Barack Obama, I would think I'd get sick of people calling me "the first African-American President". I think that people of all races might have trouble overlooking this, even the attention that they're drawing is positive OR negative. I would much rather be referred to as the 44th president of the USA, because at this time in Obama's life I feel that he would be sick and tired of being almost placed in a new "category" by race/religion. In this case, I feel that it's as if it's beyond just being proud of where you come from, its more like he's trying to get attention (possibly for the wrong reasons and from the wrong people). But hey, attention is attention is attention, and he IS the next president!
My intentions were not to offend anyone by saying this, because I can't deny that as a whole, out country is making progress. Maybe someday we will have a female president or a gay president. I am glad that for now we can overlook how somebody looks on the outside/where they come from and we can focus in on their feelings, ideas, character and leadership skills.
does anyone actually get what i'm trying to say here?
-Kate Simon
Period #2
This was a good article.
GO BARACK (HUSAIN) OBAMA
^what a wanderful middle name... haha
This is indeed a big day in the history of our country. Our children will learn about this when they grow up and we will be able to tell them that we were there and share with them what we remember about this especially important election.
It is impossible to deny that history was made last night. Not only does it open a huge door for those who have felt discriminated against in the past, but it makes me very proud to be an American. If you just take a glance back at the last 50 years, this just shows how far we've come. Now celebrating the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a dream' speech that caused such uproars in black history, to now, when we announce Barack Obama as the President-Elect of the United States of America. The fact that we, as a nation, have been able to go past the color, shape, size, religion, and creed of people just makes me proud for my nation for the first time in my life.
For the future, we can only hope that in the hands of Barack Obama, our country will leave the middle east, become energy efficient, and strive in the eyes of other nations.
As Mrs. Fattal said, it is important to remember every last detail of last night, as we viewed a huge event in history. Just as we still hear of the Emancipation Proclimation being signed by Lincoln, Rosa Parks when she stood up for her rights on a bus, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, this date will go down in history, and be taught in schools in centuries to come.
-Sarah Gans
I think Obama will do great as president. I was certain Obama would win, he was getting support all around, and I heard nothing of Maccain.
I was amazed; I think about how Hilary Clinton and Sarah Pailin both refered to their running as breaking a glass ceiling; I think that yesterday we broke our own glass ceiling, showing that anyone really can become president of the USA
I think its amazing that we've come from slavery to electing an African American man president in about 140 years. The fact that our parents were alive when people treating African Americans like they didn't matter, is just terrible. For women we know how African Americans feel because we were treated like we didn't matter also. I just think its amazing that Obama was elected president and I love him.
This is a very important event in our history! 50 years ago people would have never believed that there would be an African-American president, and now there is! My future children and grandchildren will definatly ask me about this day. Also, McCain took loosing very well and gracefully and I apploud him for that!
I think that having a African American president was one of the best things that happened to America ever! By Senetor Obama becoming president it has opened the doors for many people. It has also shone that color doesnt matter. John Mcain tried very hard and showed great sportsmanship. i belive that more people will stop looking at color and start focusing on the type of person and by doing this america can become a much better place.
This is undeniably an important even in history. People will look back on this, and will find always remember that on november 4 2008. I am happy that people have finally gotten past judgement by the color of a person's skin, i think this is a bug step for americans. I remember watching Barack Obama's speach, and i heard him saying that even though it may not happen in a year, or even an entire term, america will pulll its self out of its hardships. I remember his confidence, and i felt happy to hear something so positive about our nation. =] <3 =]
Right now I am very proud. Not only am I proud that, what I think, was better candidate was elected, but the fact that America has overcame it- self and elected an African-American man as president. Although it would have been a mile stone as well if a women was elected, electing an African- American shows how far our country has come, and how far we can go. I belive Barack Obama will be a fansatic president.
I think that this is one of the most important events in our history. Whether or not i support Mcain or Obama by Having the first African American President has shown how our country has changed and will change throughout time. I am proud to say to my kids and grandkids that i lived through that generation.
No matter what anyone says about the night of the election, it was one of the most inspiring moments of my lifetime and I am sure it was inspiring to others. Who ever thought that we as Americans could achieve such great things? Just think about it. Who ever thought we could have a man walk on the moon, allow for people of a different race that were discriminated against to be integrated into our schools and other things, and one of the greatest milestones is electing a man of that very race that was discriminated against for many years. Americans have been waiting for change for the past eight years and this is the breath of fresh air we have been waiting for. In my lifetime there have only been a few major events in our country’s history that I can vividly remember. A few of the events are: the terrorist attacks of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and fighting a war in Iraq. Isn't it wonderful to have a good event that you can remember: Barack Obama becoming president of the U.S.A.?
I agree that this is a huge step for our country. We should be proud to have lived through somthing like this. We have elected an African-American president we should be proud of how far our country has come in 50 years. This will be a day nobody will ever forget.
When I first learned who the two possibilities for the democratic candidacy, I was positive that it would be a hugely controversial election. Even if neither Obama or Clinton had won, it still would've been a huge step for our country. The fact that Obama won the election says even more. Just 50 years ago, no one would've believed that America would elect a black man president. Our progress is astounding. I'm very proud of our country right now. I'm sure that I will never forget this.
I was happy when Obama was elected president. The election of an African American person I know will be marked as a historic event in the future, and i got to live through it! I am glad to see that America is finally letting change into their lives and I believe that both candidates could have handled the presidency well because they were both very open to change. I think that in the next election people of different gender and of different races will have the courage to stand up and run for president. (Next election I will be 18 and I really want to vote for someone who is different than the usual presidents!).
I also think that Obama's victory speech was very well done. I liked how he spent minutes acknowledging everyone who helped him win this election. I also think McCain's speech was very gracious and he congratulated Obama and he did not seem at all reluctant to do so.
This election will go down in history!
-Samantha MacAvoy
I think that this is a big thing, but it is about time it happened. I wasn't completely suprised because i thougt americans were mostly ready to leave behind their racial past. I disagree about us not living to see another landmark in American history, because i noticed that many people did not react well to this election at all. Even after it has passed, i still see people throwing racial slurs at Obama. I know that there has already been one conspiracy to assasinate Obama that was stopped early but i think that many more might be made. I hope that the americans against Obama will realize what a great and kindhearted leader he is as soon as possible
I too agree that this was one of the more famous moments in history. I really hope that Obama will make a difference in our country. I believe that America will once again be at the pinnicle of its power.I also am happy that Mccain accepted his loss so graciously.
I think that this is the most important election in our history. If you consider that only 50 years ago, there was seperation of buses and drinking fountains, and now we will have our first black presisdent. I think historians will look at this election as a turning point where race is no longer the largest factor in a campain. However, I do not believe that race is no longer a factor at all, our country still has a long way to go before we do not see the color of a persons skin.
Very good election. Well done by both sides, and congrats to Obama for making history. Great speech by McCain, and hope this shows that during a debate, both sides have their own reasons and opinions, and we should respect that.
Being alive to witness the first African-American president of the United States be elected is a great priveledge. It is surely an even that will go down in history.
- Katie Glusac
I think this is one of the most historical events in American history. A long time ago, people of different races and skin toned were treate alot different than they are today. Today we treat everyone with respect. This is why we elected Obama. To me, this was a greater moment in history than the Twin Towers falling. It shows the all people are equal, and shouldn't be judged by the color of their skin.
-Zach McKinstry
I believe McCain and Obama both had excellent speeches. They expressed what they needed to say clearly and on subject. Obama winning proved to all of us that the color of your skin does not defy you of doing anything. It was a day to be marked in the American history books.
I agree, Obama winning is an amazing event that will go down in history. This event has opened many doors of opportunities, given hope, and inspired others of all kinds of races, gender, and disabilities. This shows that if you work hard and stand up for what you believe in you too can achieve your dreams. And that privilege is only offered here in America.
The only regret I have is not watching the speeches and debates and mostly when Obama finally won. This is a time we will tell the generations to come and I'm just disapointed that I will not be able to describe it as best as I could have. I can tell you though that I have learned my lesson and will be right there when we together as America take another step towards change.
I think it is great that Barack Obama is our first african american president. i think that everyone will feel equal now that he is our president.
GObama!!!!!!!!
No one can deny,that what happened on November 4, 2008 was an unprecedented historic event in our country. The election of Barack Obama has made me proud to be an american for the first time. I am proud our country was able to elect our president based on his qualifications and not on the color of his skin. Our country has come a long way from 60 years ago.We have come from, not allowing African- American people to drink out of the same water fountain as a white person, too electing a African- American president. I believe that Obama will safely and gradually withdraw the troops in Iraq. Even when we leave we will have nothing to worry about , as Mr. Norton says, "what, are they going to try to follow us back in row boats?"I believe not. While Obama is withdrawing some of the troops, he will leave us in Iraq until they have a hold of there government, we want Iraq to be able to take responsibility for their land.I believe that the people who think our country is going to be harmed now the Obama is elected, should reevaluate what is really going on. You should realize that 'taking troops out of Iraq doesn't equal them bombing us. I believe Obama will ROCK at being president.Now that the racial barrier has fallen i hope that many more events like this occur in the future that this country holds.
I agree with many of the other comments. I believe that this will be one of the most memorable moments of our lives. We will definitely have to "store" this even away in our minds. Though the candidates had very good campaigns,Barrack Obama was victorious. I have no doubt in my mind that Obama will do great his next four years in office. We will never forget November 4th, 2008 when the United States elected their very first African-American president.
This is a big spot in history, a moment that we should remember forever so that we can tell over and over.
I thought that this yeasrs election was one of the more revelutionary events in this county's history. Americas first Afrocan American president. I truly think that this is only going to bennifit this country and it's people.
I was truly honored and deeply moved to witness history on Tuesday night. The election of our nation's first african american president is a remarkable event and shows how far we've come as a nation. Millions of americans who grew up witnessing racial injustice and violence most likely never thought they would live to see this day. Until recently, it was thought that what has just happened might in fact be impossible. A fairy tale. But in this election, the impossible finally happened, and as one columnist put it put it, America matured in the election of its first black president. I am so happy for those who have longed to see this day come their whole lives. I'm sure Martin Luther King Jr. would be greatly pleased to see a strong majority of Americans, mostly white, elect a man who had a different color skin than them. The story of Barack Obama is that of the American Dream and will never be forgotten. His election is by far the most positive historic event of my life and I hope that president Obama will be able to restore the United States on the global stage.
Hi,
Ummm.. yeah... after reading most of these comments some of them say that the racial barrier is broken, and that's not true. Because there are lots of Americans, not half but a fifth or sixth of America is not pasta racial barrier. Until everyone sees each other as equal and respects each others ideas, feelings, religion, and way they are in general we are not going to be past the racial barrier for quite some time.
The event that occured on November 4th 2008 will go down in history. The first black president was elected! When all of grow up and have children of our own, we will be able to say them that we witnessed Barack Obama, our first black president, get elected. Bush has had a frat party in the White House (an cool expression I read in a magazine), leaving a huge mess. We cannot say that Obama will be able fix everything in a 4 year term, but you can say that things are looking up.
I also think that both Obama's winning speech and McCain's losing speech were very good. Obama made it clear that it really shouldn't matter what race you are and he also made it clear that he might not be able to clean up the mess that has been made. McCain also had a wonderful speech, and I thought that he was very *formal* as you could say with it. He said that it was not the voters fault, but his. I think that was very responsible (i guess u could say) of him, even if it might not be completely true.
This date, will go down in history. :-)
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