John McCain gave an amazingly graceful concession speech on Tuesday evening. This did not surprise me. I've always admired Senator McCain, his impressive record of service to this country both in uniform and in office, and, at the risk of sounding cliche, his mavericky libertarian streak that kept him from bowing to party politics prior to running in this election. He had one line, however, that caused me pause and I would encourage him to reconsider:
"This is an historic election. I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans, for the special pride that must be theirs tonight."
No, Senator, this pride cannot go to one specific group of people. It must go to the nation as a whole. This pride cannot be limited to a racial viewpoint. Women gained more seats in Congress this year and, once again, we are at an historic high of female senators and representatives. Sarah Palin represented women on a major party ticket (regardless of my personal feelings for her, this is impressive).
And these individuals did not win these races strictly because of their skin color, or their sex. They won their positions because they were--and are-- the best candidates for the position in the eyes of a majority of constituents. And that, Senator, is what the entire nation must take pride in. For the first time in our nation's history, our society is collectively at a point where minorities and women have the resources available to them to groom their natural abilities and prove they are the most qualified candidates for the highest positions of leadership in our nation.
Perhaps the PC training I've been receiving in this master's program has done to my head, but I still cannot get over how amazing this all is.
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