PB VOTERS LOOKING TO FUTURE

By Judy Normand/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF

There are many adjectives to describe Election Day 2008 — and just as many about the man destined to occupy the Oval Office as 44th President of the United States. But whatever the word, the overwhelming feeling among Pine Bluff voters interviewed Tuesday night was one of hope for a bright future for the country and its people.

Sen. Henry “Hank” Wilkins IV was elated. “It’s wonderful. It is truly a historic moment and not just for African-Americans. Some people will be angered,” Wilkins said, “but over time, I think that will change. They will see that ‘these people’ are just as competent as anyone else.

“Race is not the issue and people will begin to let go of it, now,” Wilkins said. “This is something our children have never seen, and they will see that racism is unfounded.

“But, one thing I want to stress,” Wilkins continued. “These good things will not happen overnight. People shouldn’t lay the burden of all our nation’s problems on Obama’s shoulders, but what we can be sure of is that this country will change direction with Obama as president. Our policies will shift in a direction that will put America on the right track with regard to domestic issues and in international relations.”

Wanda Bateman, owner of Pine Bluff’s Margland Bed and Breakfast said: “Well, the race is over. Now, no matter who anybody voted for, we have to support our president and pull together for this country. We have to get our economy up and Congress and the Senate need to work together and, most of all, we need to end this war and get our troops home. We have to pray for him to make the right decisions.”

As the final results trickled in late Tuesday, there was still slight hesitation to begin celebrating.

“I’m holding my breath, but I’m smiling while I’m holding it!” said Pine Bluff resident, Lynn Askew.

Asked what this election meant to the nation, she said, “I look at this from the perspective of a mother and a minority parent. We have always told our children if they are good citizens and get a good education that they can be anything they want to be, including president. Now, we can look them in the face and mean it!”

Bob Abbott of Pine Bluff said he felt good about Arkansas going for McCain, but that it “looks like the Democrats are gonna sweep the elections.”

“I guess it’s a good thing (about Obama) and it looks like it’s gonna happen ... we probably need a change, but it’s not really a big deal for most people. I’ll go to work in the morning just like normal. I will say that the senator has given a lot of people hope — like keeping our jobs in the country and health care for everybody. We’ll see,” he said.

Dr. Lawrence A. Davis Jr., chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, said Obama’s election fulfills the promise of the Constitution and is an inspiration for all people.

“This is a new day for America and for the world. We now have to work together for change.”