Local resident reflects on Obama's historic win

Local resident Bettye Maye, who grew up in Phenix City, Ala., Barack Obama being elected as the nation's first African-American president has special meaning, but she thinks it has that importance for the entire country and the world.

Maye, who works for Habitat for Humanity North Central Georgia, reflected on the election as she watched returns with her husband and daughter, who had come to visit on election night.

"The very first thing I went to think about was my mom and dad. This is something they tried to instill in my brothers and me - you can achieve anything you want. Did we believe that a black man would achieve the presidency in my lifetime?"

No, she said.

"Of course, we would have loved to have had our parents to see that," she said.

She also remembered some of the things that occurred to her family growing up in Alabama and the racism they endured.

"I truly hope what we can do behind his presidency, realize that if you put God first, all other things will be added. I truly believe that," she said.

"I hope we don't place unrealistic expectations on this presidency. But I also know we as a people have to do our share and then we can hold each other accountable.

I just feel like our country can only go forward," she said.

Maye said she knows it sounds naive, but she hopes politics doesn't get in the way.

Isakson says Americaa work in progress

The election of the first African-American to the presidency is a testament to the strength of the country and its Constitution, said Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.

"You know, America has been a work in progress since the Revolutionary War," he said.

The Constitution written by the Founding Fathers had many problems, including race and the right to vote.

"Over time, we fought a civil war, we amended our Constitution a number of times," Isakson said. "We righted the ship and America continues to be a country of opportunity."

Because of the U.S. Constitution, he said the nation has a chance to move forward.
- www.northfulton.com

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