There is excitement in the air about the slim possibility that U.S. Senator Barak Obama will enter the political arena as a presidential candidate in 2008. And, the tall, handsome man, who not only has become a media darling, but also the darling of the Democratic party is a bit coy regarding his intentions.

In 1984 and in 1988 there were shouts throughout the African Diaspora of, "Run, Jesse, run!" Of course, the person the Black community had given its allegiance to was none other than the Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson. Jackson opened the door to that rather grandiose possibility. But, it just may be Obama who walks through the door of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Any thing is possible.

As Africans living in America we have as much right to dream about the arrival of a Black man or woman in the White House as more than Secretary of State. America owes us ¾ if nothing more than a chance to grab the political brass ring as others of a different hue have always done.

An aside: I went to see the Clint Eastwood movie, "Flags of Our Fathers." It is a story focusing on the six men who placed the flag on Iwo Jima . I went because I am in awe of the statue itself, but also because my father was part of that war, although not in that particular battlefront.

Where am I going with this? If our (Black) men and women can fight in this man's Army, they certainly ought to be able to consider a run for the White House without others telling them that it is a pipe dream. Or, it's not time yet. Wait your turn. Or, why not run for a more obtainable position?

Obama, to be perfectly honest, may burn out from too much exposure. After all, he has only been in the Senate for two years. Of course, I'm discovering more and more that the presidency seems to have more to do with on-the-job training and for the president making sure to surround himself with people who possess expertise that he doesn't.

As quiet as it's kept, the Rev. Al Sharpton may have another go at it as a presedential candidate. That's OK too. We can no longer use the tired cliche that limits us to one Black and one Black only lest they make it bad for all others.

If Obama does run and is not elected, he's still as qualified as many others in my judgment. Ditto for Rev. Sharpton.

Too often, others want to choose your David for you. I'm referring to King David, who ruled Israel and was a man after God's own heart. Others looking at David early on probably never dreamed he could rule and reign with the as much wisdom as he did. Ah, but God knew.

Here's my fervent prayer, however. I pray that if Obama decides to throw his hat in the presidential arena, believers would fortify him with prayer, because we know what happens when others want to impede progress. I solicit your prayers for Rev. Sharpton as well should he decide to give it the old college try yet again.

Look. Blacks pay taxes, fight in all wars (including the Civil War), and come back home to discrimination that has not yet been eliminated from America 's psyche or its society. Still, those same Blacks are loyal to this country, the greatest country in the world I might add; serve in the Armed Forces in spite of racism's ugliness and proudly call themselves Americans.

That ought to be good enough to begin to seriously consider the possibility that Obama and others of his ilk can take care of this country's business. He is inundated with charisma, smart as a whip and attends church when he isn't out on the stump.
And, that dear friends, is good enough for me.