As Dr. King Turns 80, Obama Represents His Dream Come True...Sort Of

CLEVELAND - Today is the 80th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth and Monday is the federal holiday bearing his name.

Add Barack Obama to this MLK mix.

President-elect Obama, elected in November as the nation's first ever African-American president will take the oath of office on January 20 during his historic inauguration, merely one day after King's holiday and five days after his birthday.

My, the symbolism.

King was a relentless advocate for change and equality amongst races. As the most visible Civil Rights activist in history, MLK was a constant target for the bitter racists that pervaded this country, especially during the segregated 1960's. As a result, he was gunned down in 1968.

Obama has been something of a "knight in shining armor" to Blacks during the past year. Blessed with obvious intellect and brilliant oratory skills, the former Illinois senator represents King's dream of an inclusive United States, where a person's race doesn't define or deny him.

But, all is not peachy keen.

Racism is still very much alive in this country. Many idiots spewed horrible epithets at Obama and hung stuffed monkeys from trees etc. during his campaign in an effort to mimic the horrifying lynchings of the past. Many folks will never accept him as our leader simply because of his race.

Nonetheless, Obama's current position is nothing short of amazing. It was unthinkable in King's day to even fathom a Black president. Now Obama is not only our President (elect), he actually appeals to many Whites!

Wow.

On this great day when Dr. King came into this world, I want to once again congratulate my friend Barack Obama. He's already done America a public service.

He's proven that there is hope for us after all!