On Tuesday, November 4, I joined the rest of the world holding in my breath and staying awake to watch history being made. The pouring rain cooled my anxieties somewhat, but the loud clap of thunder that immediately followed the announcement of Barack Obama's victory gave new meaning to the term thunderous applause.

He triumphed against insinuations that he is a socialist, a Marxist, associated with international and home-grown terrorists, anti-middle class and even against the disadvantages of being biracial.

This young 47-year-old president-elect exploded on the political scene (as an Illinois Senate candidate) with an epic 2,168-word keynote address on July 27, 2004, at the Democratic National Convention. He spoke passionately of the hard work and perseverance of his father that won him a scholarship to America and described it as a "magical place" and a "beacon of freedom and opportunity".

Way back then, Obama said, "I stand here today, grateful for the diversity of my heritage, aware that my parents' dreams live on in my precious daughters. I stand here knowing that my story is part of the larger American story, that I owe a debt to all those who came before me, and that, in no other country on earth, is my story even possible." And, he was right. Obama owes his social acceptance and success in part to the civil rights heroes who, less than two generations ago, suffered under, but fought relentlessly against bigotry, prejudice and segregation.

He also owes his ascension to the presidency to every 'black' entertainer, performer, politician, athlete, singer and even rapper that wended their way into the hearts and minds of 'white' America. He owes his incredible success to the people who believed in changing the established status quo that wrought suffering and hardships to America and the world. As he said, he clung to "the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too".

A giant leap for mankind

Obama's achievement eclipses and surpasses that July 20, 1969 moment when American Astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the moon. President-elect Obama has indeed taken a giant leap for mankind. And, like that lunar mission, he had the support of innumerable people that dared to believe in his dream and in their country. He gained the unflinching support of a people tired of the ravages of an illegal war and a purely capitalistic economic policy that facilitated the unrestrained greed that led to the massive financial crisis now debilitating that nation and the world.

No direct benefits

While it's absolutely true to say that Jamaica and the wider Caribbean will not directly benefit from an Obama win, it is certainly expected that his victory will soften the hostile attitude that some countries have towards the United States. This should eventually translate into a more peaceful world and stabilise volatile economies. The Obama win proves that race and colour are no longer acceptable excuses for failure. It should give credence to the argument that hard work always pays off. It should restore the honour and pride of 'black' people and stem the contribution of self-hate to the scourge of crime and violence so often associated with our race.

Obama's win has given me a deep respect for America. Now it's time for him to prove that he's much more than a gifted motivational speaker. We all look forward to an end to the old order and welcome a new day filled with hope.

Dr.Garth A. Rattray is a medical doctor with a family practice. Feedback may be sent to garthrattray@gmail.com or columns@gleanerjm.com