Democracy and Debate

As the Democratic nomination process for president comes to a close, the debate about the fairness of the Democratic process and the direction America is going will no doubt intensify. Questions surrounding the preparedness of America for a women or Black to hold its highest office abounds.

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama should be commneded for the historic significance of their candidacies. That a women and an African-American in the literal sence made it to become the final two contenders out of a field of eight, highly qualified, mostly white males is a tribute in and of itself. One of the final contenders stands a 50/50 chance of becoming President of the United States of America; the highest elected office in the land and the most powerful leader in the free world. While the tone of the debate, at times, drifted South towards the racial divide that has plagued the Democratic process for generations, the outcome will be historic and written about for years to come.

No one could have written a more perfect script. A fearless, tenacious candidate in Hillary Clinton and a steady-as-she-goes, humble and thankful Barak Obama. Both should be applauded for their courage, sacrifice and commitment to the Democratic process. America is a better nation because of the 2008 Democratic nominating process.

Voter rolls have swelled, young people are believing again in the Democratic process and particpating in unprecedented numbers and women and African-Americans have a level of pride not to be discounted.

No matter the outcome of the 2008 Presidential general election, be assured that our Democracy is stronger and the debate about America's future richer because of Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama.