What a moment - what a night to restore one's faith in humanity. I still believe that the animal is only skin-deep in all of us (witness all the atrocities around the world, from the Congo to Somalia, to Trebrenica and Iraq); but last night I was reminded that humans can also elevate themselves to great heights. All it takes is civilisation.

I agree that the significance of Obama's victory is comparable to the Gettysburg Address. I would even go beyond that and say that in some ways it was even more significant than the US gaining independence. Because the latter was in the interest of improving oneself (freedom from oppression, no taxation without representation), while last night's result for many has been in the interests of others' rights, or at least for the Common Good; a lot more unselfish.

So, someone who 50 years ago would have difficulty being allowed to vote, has now been chosen to lead the country. Of course, many Americans will say (rightly) that they always knew the potential for this to happen was there, because they knew that they, and others have felt this way for a long time. But potential is hard to discern from the outside. The world had to see, to believe. And overnight, suddenly America and by extension Americans, and the world, looks a lot better. They didn't just talk rights, they practiced them. The new President is the proof.

Well done, America!