I originally supported Hillary, until I felt her "win at all costs" campaign was just too far out of line for me. Actually, she was quite tame, compared to what we saw come later. The fact that Obama was black played no role in my decision to switch, although I did understand that his running was a great step forward for this country.

But last night, watching his speech, I finally realized, emotionally, what a profound transformation has occurred in this country just during my lifetime. I've seen, and lived through a time when even trying to go to a polling place was a suicidal action for a black man, and where armed troops were needed to escort little black girls to school. Obama can't help being black, but he did not exploit it as a campaign issue, and neither did his opponent. The campaign was bitter and hard-fought, but it was not about skin color. Regardless of how he turns out as a president, the fact that the nation has entrusted the office to him is like watching Apollo land on the Sea Of Traquility all over again for me, and the feeling I have now is very reminiscent of how I felt in the summer of 1969. This is what patriotism is really all about. I've never been prouder to be an American, or more eager to declare it to the world.