The Power of “A” Words
Pride and Perseverance

As a proud African American woman witnessing the impending Presidential victory of Barack Obama, the past few months have been exciting and eye opening.

Most of all, I’m glad we’re learning to understand the power of the “A” words. Take your pick:

> Astute
> Accomplished
> Acceptable
> American
> Ageism
> Arrogant
> Articulate
> Aloof

“A-list” qualities are definitely conversation starters and can help your candidate get tons of media exposure.

Trying to insert ageism or chastise sitting US Senators because of the perception they are arrogant, articulate or aloof is simply a non-starter.

Frankly, the first three “A” words—astute, accomplished, acceptable—are traits that make Obama appealing to millions of middle Americans … traits that make America tick. Successful people use these as success drivers. Those at the top of their game are usually “Type A” personalities.

The last five A words could apply to Obama or Joe Biden, his Vice Presidential Running mate. Yes friends, it’s uber cool for a Black or Anglo man to have “A-List” qualities.

Let’s use a simple checklist to fact check a few red-blooded American traits held by Obama and Republican Presidential Candidate John McCain:

> Harvard degree? Yes.
> Service to country as POW? Yes.
> Patriot? Yes.
> Multicultural* heritage? Yes.
* Understand no American is “pure” … admit it … we’re a “motley mix” of cultures!
> Solid family life? Yes.
> Experience? Yes.

Please note that President of the United States of America is an exclusive executive management position. Few have held the position; most successful Presidents have used a "management team" approach including scores of individuals with a wide range of experience, i.e. the Cabinet.

Yet, the buck stops with the President. That type of "heady experience" befalls the individual elected to the "hot seat," which is the chair behind the desk in the Oval Office.

If you’re a student of culture and language, as I am, then you realize the power of words and the audacity of argument. Words can serve as weapons or friends. We’re at the apex of the information age, with ideas and insults transmitted at the speed of light.

The trick is to have vision. To interpret the meaning and not get swept into the fray of propaganda to obtain viewers, sell magazines or get the most eyeballs to a website.

Analyze the issues. Think and vote with conviction of the proud American you are. Don’t pay attention to every single word of madness that swirls around you. Pay attention to the word in the middle of our “A-List” – American.

We can no longer straddle the fence. We’re at a crossroads. Let’s embrace a blended society and get over ourselves. If Americans used HALF the energy expended to beat each other up (on the campaign trail, on the job or at home) we could create a cross-functional, multicultural braintrust of helping the Obama or McCain team solve some real American problems.

That should be at the top of everybody’s list. Clicking to donate is still uber cool; but don’t forget to get off your butt and get involved!

I submit it’s acceptable for America to elect an articulate, arrogant, aloof, accomplished African American or Anglo American as our next President. Just do your part to ensure it’s your candidate of choice.

Understand no one is the “Anointed One.” In America, if you’re running for leader of the free world or trying to snare you next gig, you’d better have good dose of arrogance or you simply won’t win. You must be audacious in your approach; the competition is stiff.

What folks don’t understand is that Obama, African Americans and other ethnic groups (in your neighborhood or on the job) are uniquely poised to run many races—and win. They're chameleons, champions who are always up for a good fight.

All Americans, in fact, have unique DNA that allows us to win big.

It’s that simple. "A" words should be at the top of any list. Remember that "A" denotes success, an outstanding grade.

American can no longer stand for “B” or “C” status. We need leaders and achievers of all races who are at the top of their game—people with experience and tenacity who play to win.