Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Obama Phenomenon and the Virgin Islands

Today we are living in a historic time.  Barack Obama was elected the 44th President of the United States of America.  In this posting, I would like to explore the meaning of the "Obama Phenomenon" to the Virgin Islands. 

President-Elect Barack Obama stated that he "was never the likeliest candidate for this office. (Presidency)"  His journey was one that was enormously difficult.  His victory was something that no one thought possible.  And, the reality of his coming presidency gives us all hope that the American Dream is still alive - and available to us all.  This is the "Obama Phenomenon."

Virgin Islanders are not the likeliest candidate for full citizenship rights.  The journey ahead is enormously difficult.  And when we succeed, it will be a victory that no one thought possible.  The American Dream is still alive and available to Virgin Islanders.  It may be difficult - so if you get discouraged, remind yourself as President-Elect Barack Obama reminded us:

Yes We Can!

We will have to develop a coalition of people who are committed to securing and protecting the inalienable rights of Virgin Islanders.  We will have to battle both locals and foreigners who are against this change.  At times it will be difficult, but we must remember the refrain:

Yes We Can!

President-Elect Barack Obama said:
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.
The same is true for the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islanders: the road ahead will be long.  Our climb will be steep.  We may not get there in one year.  But, Virgin Islanders, I have never been more hopeful than I am as I reflect on all that President-Elect Barack Obama accomplished in his run for the Presidency.

So, when we begin to doubt, we only need to shout:

Yes We Can!

We have no reason to think that we cannot make it.  We should now know that with an effective and efficient organization, we can defeat great odds.  With the strength of an effective and well-organized campaign, President-Elect Barack Obama was able to defeat great odds.  The same is possible for us.

Now is the time for us - Virgin Islanders - to reach out for CHANGE.  Now is the time for us to demand CHANGE.  Now is the time for Virgin Islanders at home and abroad to fight for CHANGE and the full blessings of Liberty for our people.

Yes We Can!

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Answer the Call: Virgin Islands for the Virgin Islanders...those at home and those abroad!


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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very uplifting! I do believe that some changes need to be made.

Jabriel Ballentine said...

Glad to hear you say that. We - Virgin Islanders - definitely need a change! I hope you will join those efforts and encourage others to do the same.

Marimoy said...

To steal a quote from another favorite blog of mine... we have to be the change we want to see. I know it is easier to watch and then point fingers, but in order for change to happen you have to be that change. Hopefully we will come together and overcome.

Jabriel Ballentine said...

So long as everyone keeps bringing people into the fold, we will indeed overcome!