Allan cuts my hair and has for years. Nice guy. He does a good job, considering what he has to work with. We invariably talk about things trivial and weighty, and while we’re different politically and socially, we share wicked senses of humor and fundamental respect for differences.

So Allan and I fell to talking about the presidential contest. I’ll probably misquote him, but the dialogue went something like this:

“I’m a life-long Republican,” he volunteered,  “Still have to admit that I would enjoy the hell out of watching a black couple walk into the white house, ” he added.

“Through the front door?” I asked.  “And not even wearing uniforms?” I deadpanned.

We both broke into laughter. I suppose some would label the exchange inappropriate, politically incorrect, or–worst of all–sophomoric.  Still it was a great moment.

See, we’re both old enough to know that this is something that is profoundly different.

I have to say that I wept last night watching Senator Obama’s acceptance speech.  Don’t misunderstand me. This isn’t about the candidate. Truth is that I have questions about his candidacy.  I don’t share a number of his views and poisitions.

Nope, it’s about us.

Even though I am only middle-aged, I have lived from the days of lingering Jim Crow laws, of Dr. King, of the civil rights murders and lynchings through to this day when an energetic, accomplished and brilliant African American family may occupy the White House.  I cried last night because it says that for all of our flaws and warts and starts and stops that we have made progress as a people.

This isn’t meant as paean or love letter to Senator Obama.  It is instead a joyous note to mark a moment of American progress.  It’s American progress that is fundamental and true regardless of who we support and what we believe.  No matter the outcome of this election, we are changed as a people, I think, by these times. That is worth an outpouring of tears of joy.

David Sugerman

Tags: civil rights, Obama, progress, sugerman