The Virginian-Pilot
©
RICHMOND
Del. Ken Melvin, D-Portsmouth, marveled over the election of Barack Obama in an emotional floor speech Monday.
Melvin, an African American, recalled watching the election returns on Nov. 4 with his family and tearing up at Obama's victory.
"I'm sitting there boo-hooing with my wife and my brother, his wife," he said. "My kids and their friends, they're laughing at us. 'Why you crying?' the kids asked."
Obama was ahead in the polls, he was the best candidate and he was supposed to win, said the two sons, both in their 20s.
"My brother said, 'Well, I just feared they'd take it away.'
"My kids' response was, 'Who? Who's going to take it away?'
"At that moment it became clear to me that things have indeed changed in America. My brother and I were looking for ghosts. My kids, it is apparent, are now more grounded in today's reality."
Melvin, with a crack in his voice, turned his attention to Obama's inauguration.
"Tomorrow, the promise of America will have a different meaning for me and for many others," he said. "I've always felt that I loved America more than America loved me, and it often caused resentment because there was never a full buy-in in the promise of America and all it entailed. Access, I felt, was limited.
"But tomorrow, what happens? The president-elect will become the commander in chief, arguably the most powerful man in the world. He can end wars. He can spend $1 trillion. He's got the keys to Air Force One. And a woman of color is about to become the first lady. And more important, apparently two-thirds of America is all right with that. They like the idea.
"That changes the way we look at each other. I'm thrilled that I got to see this in my lifetime because at 56, I can finally say that there are no limitations on what can be accomplished in the United States. And believe me ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to say that is so huge."
The 100-member House gave a standing ovation.
Warren Fiske, (804) 697-1565, warren.fiske@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Twitter
Google
Yahoo
I wish
Deligate Melvin worked as hard for the People he represents in Portsmouth as he did grandstanding in front of the General Assembley.
In Honor and Tribute to President Elect Obama
Well said by our Delegate Melvin. He speaks for so many people. A new day has dawned and we are thankful for our white, black, asian, hispanic, gay and straight brothers and sisters that made this historic event possible. We must all come together to fulfil America's promise.
I feel my spirit and convictions renewed to do more to help my community and my country. "Yes, I too sing America."
Sad
Sad to read all these comments and the irrational fixation on something superficial like skin color. It's so stupid it's not even accurate. It should be shades of tans, browns, yellows, and reds.
Yepitsme
Let me be perfectly clear...I've been white my whole life. If you can't see this as a history-making, exhilarating, heart-warming event for ALL people, but particularly for those of color, you've build a cold wall around your heart and believe the lie that being white makes you 'superior'. That lie has been perpetuated long enough.
Now if only
Del Melvin would work as hard for ALL of his constituents as he did grandstanding before the General Assemby, that would be something to marvel about.
November 4 was great Delegate Melvin...
But what are you doing to solve our Commonwealth's ills today? I suggest stop worrying about the presidential election and focus your attention on fixing Virginia's issues!
Judgment
It's a shame so many dwell on his ethnicity instead of his character, morals, and values.
American doesn't have a problem with people of color. America does have a problem with a loss of character, blame, and morals.
If racism is wrong why do so many people of color keep reminding the world its about color and not about the person?
Basing any decision or thought on outwardness is judgment. Judgment is never truthful. Please stop decieving yourselves. Don't let the hate mongers tell you "whitey" will never let you in. On the good side, the two at the top of that list are now out of a job. They can no longer blame.
Make sure the finger you're pointing isn't really the result of your own racist thoughts. If you feel being black or of color makes you a lesser person, you need healing. If you don't heal, every time something doesn't go your way with a person of another race, you're going to think you're being treated differently due to your race. That makes you a racist. Truth is truth. Judgment is judgment. Step out of the blame game.
Tears???
I had a funny thought about Melvin......I have never seen him shed a tear every time he defends a drug dealer and they pay him with drug money. He needs to go join Lucas in the holier than thou line.
Unfortunate
It's unfortunate that tomorrow will be a very dark moment in our history...a junior senator (with little experience in politics and zero in the military) will be taking over the helm of this country. I pray that the next four years will go by quickly. The Obamites will soon find out that all of his promises will not be fulfilled and that they will be taxed to death...for me, it's not a problem, I make plenty of $$$...but those waiting for handouts...well, keep waiting...
Sudden realizations...
“At that moment it became clear to me that things have indeed changed in America. My brother and I were looking for ghosts. My kids, it is apparent, are now more grounded in today’s reality.”
And we all need to remember that going into the future. The past is not meant to be dwelled on as an excuse for this or that, it is simply a learning process. You can't change the past, but you can use its experiences/lessons to better shape the future for the upcoming generations, that's your kids, grandkids, great-grandkids,etc... Now that you have come to this realization, do some good for your city now so that future generations won't have as much crap to clean up later...