For someone who came of age in the sixties watching the civil rights demonstrations over dinner, this election is truly remarkable. Thinking back to the hoses fixed on demonstrators, the National Gaurd poised with rifles, the bombings, the lynchings, it is mind blowing that I will now have the opportunity to vote for a black man for president of our country. Back then at the dinner table, I would never have imagined this as a possibility in my lifetime.

When I go to the local pool here in Raleigh each summer and see people of all races swimming together, I marvel at the fact that no one else realizes how far we have come, for this generation takes this all for granted and doesn't see color.

Most important, my faith in my fellow Americans to learn and change is renewed. For historically it has been a short time between 1965 and the passage of the Voting Rights Act and 2008 when we all look passed color, and yes gender too. This ability to change and grow relatively peacefully is what makes Americans unique.

I am proud!