Yes we can

It was worth staying up til 5.30 in the morning. I stayed up to about the same time in 2000 only to see Bush declared the winner having taken Florida. By the time I got up a few hours later it was still up for grabs. There was to be no such worries when I went to bed this morning as I'd already seen Obama's victory speech.

Much is now being made of the historic moment or a black man becoming president of the United States. For the past few months I'd thought little of it, thinking that it was good but we should think of it as normal. It didn't dawn on me til yesterday that black people didn't have the vote in America until 1968 - that put it into prespective. The LA Riots were only 16 years ago.

Fatigue may have played its part but I felt emotional watching Obama make his speech. It was as if anything coudl happen now. This is especially true after eight years of George W Bush imbecilic rule. For the past few weeks I've been trying to think of the positive aspects of his legacy but can only think of the negative. And, that's trying to take an objective stance despite my disagreeing with the majority of his doctrine. Obama hasn't been specific about his political strategies, speaking mostly in ideological language or rhetoric but it is, for my ears, the right rhetoric. The Right has criticised his apparent willingness to open talks with Iran without pre-conditions but how can you negotiate anything without talking to someone first? Diplomacy should not involve imposing demands before even talking to your adversary because that will only antagonise them further.

Obama has also been vocal in his support for Israel. I'm not exactly sure why (outside of the Jewish American vote) but this seems to be essential for political success in the States. However, America's support is also a key factor in Al-Quaeda's hatred of America. I'm not suggesting that America should abandon support but it needs to reopen negotiations with Palestine. Either that or dismiss them all as religious zealots who don't deserve to be treated with civility.

I look forward to the future.