A few months ago, I was talking with a neighbor about the upcoming election, and I told him that I just didn't believe that a black man could be elected President in this country.

Tonight when I heard the news that Obama had won, I remember how I felt several years ago when the state of Virginia, many of whose counties had closed their public schools rather than comply with the Supreme Court's ruling on school desegragation, elected a black man as governor. I had the same tears and and the same feeling of pride in my heart when I heard that Obama was elected.

I feel especially connected with all this, even though I'm white, because I came of age in the 60s. I experienced the wave of the Civil Rights movement when it crested. I'm very proud and happy that I was at the National Mall during the big rally where MLK gave his "I have a dream" speech. The experience was wonderful beyond words.

Part of me is an idealist, and part of me is a skeptic. Tonight I learned that dreams can really come true. I'll try to adjust my mindset accordingly.

One of the nice things about this thread is hearing from people who are not Americans express joy and respect for us for electing Obama.

Yay, Obama! Yay!