Joseph C. Phillips: Other Than That Mrs. Lincoln, How Did You Enjoy the Play?

If, as the essayist wrote, 'irony gives birth to a deeper and less friendly understanding', then here is a real mother for ya.

In the days following the election of Barack Obama as our nation's 44th president, my email in box was filled with notes proclaiming "another bold step for black mankind" and asking for my reaction. "Are you not moved?" asked one. "As a Black man with Black sons can you appreciate the historic moment?" queried another.