TRYST WITH DESTINY

14

Americans were wrestling late into the night, some just holding each other, some partying, some dancing, some popping champagnes and some just savouring the moment. Tears flowed, they were tears of happiness, of joy, of history made, of change and hope. Its hard to be in America and not feel a part of this history At the Democratic party HQs in Cleveland, Ohio, many of us witnessed America's tryst with destiny. There was joy at not just Obama's historic achievement, but many finally found their grand parents and great grand parents words come true 'You can be anything, you want to be." For a country that has had uneasy racial relations, this was a moment of special pride, this was a night to redicover America As the last racial barrier was swept, emotions reached a crescendo. Years of self doubt gave....

'Race' to the White House

3

Perhaps every Presidential election day, the tendency is to see the choice as historic, but this time America believes its truly making history. Its taken nearly two years, many ups and downs, many hits and misses and finally in a few hours America would know who its next President would be, whether America voted for the best man, whether America voted its prejudice or whether the nation voted with its best interests in mind. As Barack Obama called it, in one of his radio interviews, its like running a marathon. "On mile 20 you're tired. On mile 25, you're full of energy." This energy will be much needed for the next President. Remember just a year ago America was in a different place. The Dow Jones Industrial Average had broken 14,000. The war in Iraq was sure to surge the Presidential campaign. But look where America....

Credit where it's due

3

As you enter the Slavic Village, an ethnic area in Cleveland in Ohio, nothing really strikes you as odd about this quiet neighbourhood. A few people on the road; the markets not too busy but a strange sense of unease and calm. Some houses better maintained than the others, and some abandoned and in ruins. A cardboard sign catches our eye. It's a house available for 500 dollars. If you call the number scribbled on the board, you would be given the combination of the lock, which you could use to open the house. The property belongs to a real estate speculator who bought it without even seeing it.