[Oe List ...] A New Day

[Lawrence Philbrook]

Dear Colleagues

As I am trying to write this note words do not come that can clearly say 
what I would like to say.

I cried as I listened to to Obama's acceptance speech.  I saw hope eloquence 
and possibility not just for the US but for the world.  I felt effulgence on 
behalf of myself but also for all of my black friends and colleagues, 
although my response was a bit of "it has taken long enough".

As I was watching I thought of my dad and how ecstatic he would be not just 
by Obama's election but also by a campaign run electronically as a movement 
and by the striving by Obama to have a campaign on ideas.  I do not know all 
the elements that came together that made this possible but I am glad they 
did.

I also think it is great that a few months ago the Democrats were still in 
primaries and the choice was between a woman and a black man.  Both were 
clearly the best the Democrats had to offer this year.  How great is that?

As I listened to McCain speak I was glad that  that McCain had not shown up 
too much during the campaign things might have been different.

I realize how much hope I am placing on Obama is probably unfair on this one 
man but we are in the midst of a transformational opportunity so I will be 
ecstatic for another day or two and remember that this change also gives 
each of us a new day and choices to make.

With respect, Larry

A NEW DAY
Tune: A New Day

I can see a new day, a new day soon to be.
When the storm clouds are all gone, and the sun shines on a world that is 
free.

I can see a new church, a new church, in history
Where the Word is at the center. and the future ever shall be.

I can see a new man, a new man standing tall
With his head high and his heart proud, and afraid of nothing at all.

I can see a new woman. a new woman breathing awe
In her eyes light. and her heart strong. and consumed with a love for the 
all.

I can see a new world, a new world coming fast.
Where all men are brothers, and hatred is forgotten at last.

I can see a new day, a new day soon to be
When the storm clouds are all gone. and the sun shines on a world that is 
free.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Charles or Doris Hahn" <cdhahn at flash.net>
To: "Dialogue" <Dialogue at wedgeblade.net>; "OE" <OE at wedgeblade.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 1:44 AM
Subject: [Oe List ...] A word to add to George's collegium


> Thank you to everyone who helped bring about this new day. Taking part in 
> Indiana's turning Blue is frosting on the cake for us. I must say I 
> thought McCain's speech last night was stellar--not as thrilling as 
> Obama's, but really fine.
>
> Special thanks to colleagues from around the world who have posted notes 
> this morning. We are humbled and grateful. Most mornings I walk with a 
> woman from South Africa (she's been here about 15 years) in our 
> neighborhood. This morning she came to her door and greeted me with, "You 
> did it"!!!! It was an energizing way to start the day
>
> Monday night I found myself trying to put together "I can see a new day" 
> in my memory. It suddenly became a mantra in my head. I haven't sorted out 
> many of the words yet, but the song is surely in my being.
>
> Grace and Peace, (what a profound secular greeting--or closing, as the 
> case may be)
>
> Doris Hahn
>
>
>