Insights · November 7th, 2008
The U.S. economy lost 250,000 jobs in October. But a corner was turned on November 4, election day.
What did the election mean? More than anything, three fundamental mind shifts:
1. A reawakening of hope for the future. Since 2001, and to some extent even before I have witnessed a loss of faith in the future, and in recent years an obvious fear of the future. Despite the gravity of the problems confronting the world, the national and global reaction to this election is one of renewed faith in a positive future. Not that it will come automatically, but that people of good will can create it.
2. A turning of the generations, as was once expressed by President Kennedy in these words, “The torch has been passed to a new generation…” It was a perceived need for a generational shift that I believe motivated those who supported President-elect Obama in his campaign. I agreed that a new generational perspective is desperately needed at this time. Another President, President Wilson once said, “Originality is simply a fresh pair of eyes.” We needed new eyes, to see what must be done.
3. A culmination of a dream. As a child of the 60’s I was touched as most were in that time by the work of Martin Luther King, and in particular by his 1963 speech, “I have a Dream.” I do not think we can yet comprehend the spiritual effect that this election will have on a people.
I know that McCain supporters are disappointed and may be apprehensive but I believe that in time, as the President elect is indeed already demonstrating, they will discover that he is sincere in performing as the President of all the people, not just his most ardent supporters.
During the speech that President-elect Obama gave the night of November 4, 2008 I was, as a futurist speaker, especially taken by the reference to the 106 year old woman who had voted, and Obama’s musing on what she has seen in her 100 years, and what his young daughters might see should they live another 100 years. In the spirit of new vision and new hope, please enjoy this video, Postcards to the Future, which we have previously featured before, from the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Glen Hiemstra is a futurist speaker, consultant, blogger, internet TV show host and founder of Futurist.com. To arrange for a speech contact Futurist.com.
