First off, congratulations to America for changing the annals of history by electing the first African-American president in our country.
Secondly, I want to address the recent brouhaha over Barack Obama being compared to Lincoln. I love comparisons, and as a history graduate, especially those historical comparisons. I even enjoy the JFK, LBJ, FDR or ‘initial Dems’ comparisons.
The Democratic comparisons I can understand, solely because all new presidents are compared to someone of their party that they resemble in their attributes or actions.
But are we so partisan that we have to beg the question of a Lincoln-Obama resemblance?
It seems so, as every media outlet has been throwing this idea around. Now mind you, I more than anyone believe that we need to let down our partisan differences in this time of crisis.
I also think that a presidential cabinet shouldn’t have ‘yes men’ but someone who will work challengingly and critically with the president.
But I do not want “old,” I voted and many other Americans voted for something “new.” I want new policies; I want new faces with old, experienced hands.
What gets me the most, and I hope I don’t offend with this statement, but I almost think that this comparison is coming about because of some latent, subconscious racism.
Let me explain, I think that Lincoln appeals for this comparison not so much for his surrounding himself with adversaries in the White House, but rather because he is the president who ‘freed the slaves.’
What better way to show that you are not a racist by comparing our 44th president, who happens to be an African-American, to our 16th president, who happened to free the slaves (at least in concept).
Now, let’s not take the previous statement with too much seriousness. What I am addressing is this proverbial “box” that the media and all its arms are attempting to put Obama in. One such box being that of Lincoln.
It almost as if Obama does not choose his cabinet or govern in a time of crisis as Lincoln did then he will be an utter failure. It’s simply not the case, and shouldn’t be the message that has been and is continuing to be spewed by our media.
Let’s not say that this overwhelming hope is not something to be proud of or even encourage. I think yesterday there was a CNN poll about the high expectations of president-elect Obama.
Obama’s numbers were astounding; he was rated at 76 percent positive expectations. That was compared to President Reagan, who came to the presidency in similar circumstances: economic crisis and a highly unpopular president, but he only came to 66 percent.
So yes, hope is great, and I am happy to be in a hopeful America because I thought I just about lost this country I love so much. But please, let’s give president-elect Obama some breathing room to make these pivotal decisions.
He has already taken step one by stepping-down as senator. Granted, as a student of journalism and a history graduate, I urge all media to keep a keen eye on the decisions of our 44th president.
Though I am extremely tired of hearing how he should make his decisions or what previous president or leader he should mimic.
So no, Obama is not Lincoln, he will not be Lincoln, and he will not be facing similar decisions.
We did not vote for Lincoln, we voted for Obama.
Ending slavery is not the same as electing an African-American president. Fighting a genocidal war is not the same as bringing our troops home from the Middle East.
It is almost 2009.
History was just made two weeks ago. If we are really going to go with hope, hope for the future, hope for change, hope for our new president.
Then I urge all those watching this new political age unfold, back off. Give Obama some hope and a little faith and a little air.

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