The world has moved on.

Who would have imagined, when Martin Luther King was assassinated, that less than half a century later, the United States would have its first Afro-American President?

Yet, history has taught us that the world changes quickly, and what has happened in America should be an example for each and every country.

Obama’s own story has other aspects from which one can learn a lesson. His achievement shows that where there is determination and goodwill, where there is ambition and good intentions, then people can succeed irrespective of their race, colour or creed.

Obama has already passed a massive test, to convince the American people that he has the better political programme that will give the country a new way of life.

But another big test awaits him, and perhaps this is even more difficult than winning the election. He has to deliver the promises that he has made, and possibly even change the poor image that America has had for the past years.

Obama will be judged not for winning the election, but for what he will be doing in the coming four years.

Carmen Mifsud

Birkirkara