President's Message

Welcome change comes to America

November 5, 2008

For tens of millions of Americans and countless more around the world, the victory of Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential election was a powerful and historic reminder that hope can crush despair and that progressive change for the many will, in time, defeat the selfish interests of the few.

There was nothing phony about the tears of joy we witnessed on the faces of those at Obama’s victory rally in Chicago. After eight years of failed Bush policies on the economy, social programs and reckless wars, it was as if an enormous burden had suddenly been lifted from the backs of the American people. From our side of our border, it was impossible not to share in the jubilation of our American sisters and brothers.

Obama’s victory represents the final triumph over the centuries-long fortress of institutional racism in America. What seemed unimaginable only a few short years ago – a black person occupying the Oval Office – is now reality. Let’s hope his triumph becomes the springboard to even greater equity in America.

We can only hope that our political leaders at Queen’s Park and in Ottawa were paying close attention to the results. While Obama inspired millions to believe in themselves and in a vision for a brighter future, our leaders retreat from taking the bold steps necessary for improving the lives of working people who struggle to get by in tough economic times. I believe the winds of change will inevitably blow north across the border.

It is very clear that Obama and the Democratic party is facing a host of challenges. Working people are suffering in ways unseen since the Depression of the 1930s. They’re losing their homes, their jobs, their nation’s international stature, and their dignity. The expectations on Obama to change the fortunes of America are daunting.

What Obama’s victory brilliantly illustrated, however, is that Americans have not lost hope that a brighter day is just around the corner. Who else but Obama himself captured that spirit best when he declared at his victory rally: “It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.”

In solidarity,

Warren (Smokey) Thomas

President