Congresswoman Barbara Lee's Statement on Obama Victory
November 7, 2008, Oakland, CA
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-09) issued the following statement in response to Senator Obama's historic election as the next President of the United States:
"I offer my warmest congratulations to President-elect Obama, his family, his staff and the grassroots movement--including the millions of young people--who made this tremendous victory possible.
"As I sat on the floor of the 2004 Democratic convention and listened to Senator Obama's speech, I knew that he would be our first African American president and I shared that prediction with many that memorable evening and after. What I did not know that night in Boston is that it would come so soon.
"This is a transformative moment in United States history. When Dr. King spoke a generation ago of the dream he held for America, he envisioned exactly this type of moment, where a man was judged by his character, his intellect and his hard work--and not by the color of his skin or his race or his ancestry.
"In the same generation, then President Nixon perfected a strategy that sought to pit communities and generations against each other, the launching of the culture wars. While those wars are not completely behind us, today's election should give pause to those who seek to falsely divide us and it should give hope that we are a nation ready to be united in our diversity, strong in our differences and proud of our democracy.
"As an African American engaged for decades now in the nation's political life, and as Western Regional Co-Chair of Senator Obama's campaign, I have worked for and held much hope for the political future that is now here.
"I cannot imagine a more perfect outcome than to have a President Obama lead us through the process of re-establishing the United States' good name and reputation among all nations. We can return to our proudest national attributes: a respect for the rule of law, a promotion of and respect for internationally recognized human rights, and the effective use of diplomacy and international economic development to tackle poverty and provide opportunity--here and abroad--that will help build the foundation of peace and cooperation and still the momentum towards global strife and conflict.
"As a Member of Congress and a member of the Congressional Black Caucus leadership, I pledge to work closely with President-elect Obama during his transition and with President Obama during his presidency. There is much to do to reverse the damaging policies of the last eight years, and there is much to do to move our nation into its remarkable third century--one unshackled from the burdens of our past and limited only by our capacity to dream a new future.”
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