10/12/2008

: US election statement from the Leader

Message from the Leader of Brent Council, Cllr Paul Lorber

I would like to congratulate Senator Obama on his victory, and both candidates for a well managed and dignified campaign that has transcended the limited sphere of politics and engaged with people throughout the world. Senator Obama's election to the office of US President is an inspiration to everyone and a snub to cynics who tell us that our hopes and aspirations are not possible or cannot be achieved.

The result is a celebration of democracy in America, where voters have demonstrated all that is good about this system of government. They have shown the power of the system that we celebrated in Brent recently during local democracy week and they have proved that in a democracy, real power lies with the community, with those who cast their vote on election day.

The hardest part is yet to come. Accepting one of the most demanding and important jobs in the world at a time when we face many challenges will test Senator Obama's leadership and will require all of the determination to succeed that he has displayed during the campaign. But today, with this historic election result, we may be a step closer to a world where the harmony and cultural diversity we experience here in Brent is universal.