Congratulations in order

It was a hard-fought election, filled with many frustrating twists and turns, but in the end, John McCain has conceded and Barack Obama has accepted victory. We have a new president.

I worry about the "tests" that are promised for our new president, and whether he'll be up to them. For now, I can only pray the Gods will grant him the wisdom he needs to succeed, and guide him in the path he must follow to protect our nation, by the nose, kicking and screaming if need be.

But for now, there is one bright side I wish to mention.

The race card is dead.

From this day forward, neither I nor anyone else need ever hear blacks laying the blame for their lot in life at the feet of white racism, or a racist system, or oppression by The Man. Ever.

The race card is deceased, defunct, and departed.

There is far more, now, of the grave than the gravy train about it.

It is room temperature, metabolically challenged, and taking the great dirt nap.

It is not sleeping, stunned, or pining for the fjords.

It is an ex-card.

It has shuffled off the mortal coil, given up the ghost, and headed into the light.

It has cashed in its chips, bought the farm, and paid its last dues.

It has failed its last saving throw.

Its birth certificate has reached its expiration date.

It has kicked the bucket, turned up its toes, and hopped the twig.

The race card is dead.

D. E. A. D.

Dead.

There is no need for affirmative action programs, quotas, or set-asides. There is no need for reparations, as there's nothing left to repair. The system was repaired ages ago, and is being used avidly and effectively by all those capable of seeing what's in front of their faces. Let it be known by all that any who tries to play the race card is making excuses for his own lack of drive or initiative.

Getting elected to the top office in the nation is not easy. In the entire history of the world, only forty-four people have managed it. One of them is black.

He has achieved. He has played the game according to the rules, rather than sitting back and whining about how racist and oppressive they are. To all other blacks, I strongly suggest you go and do likewise.