I am writing this post today as an American who has never been prouder of this country. For the first time, voters came out in droves and showed the rest of the world that we stand for equality and opportunity. It is awe-inspiring to watch the rise of someone who was not raised in the upper echelon of our society. Barack Obama was born poor and raised by a combination of his mother and maternal grandparents. He clawed his way to success through hard work and sacrifice. He is proof that enough hard work and determination can gain you any success your heart desires.
I do not know if Obama will be a great president. I don't even know if he will be a good one. But what I do know is that last night Americans made history by electing an African-American President decades before anyone thought it was possible. In doing so we proved to the rest of the world that America is a nation of opportunity, and that freedom and equality truly mean what we idealize them to be. This is a moment that I will be proud to tell my children I was alive for.
The arguments will begin today to question how, and if, Obama will be able to fulfill the promises he has made on the campaign trail. There will be low points and points of doubt, but do yourself a favor. For one second at some point today, before the memory fades, allow yourself to be proud of how far this country has come. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, this is a moment that cannot be cheapened. This is a rare moment of purity. A moment that is capable of restoring your faith in the American public and in the American dream. Allow yourself to feel that shimmer of light inside. It's unfamiliar because it hasn't been around for about eight years. But it feels good... It's called Hope.
I leave you with this quote I heard from my African-American friend Larry. I am unsure of the original source.
"Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama ran so our children could fly!"
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4 comments:
a very well-written and thoughtful entry that captures what today and what yesterday really meant. unbelievable! Congrats Barack Obama.
Yeah, what she said.
Certainly a defining moment during my lifetime. Justin called him "our Kennedy," and I think I agree with that...and I've been telling Care how much I've been worrying someone will shoot him too. Let's keep our fingers crossed on that one. I'm proud too, but there is a LOT of work to be done to move this country forward, and I am going to be first in line to hold my president's feet to the fire.
I really liked the post. And it surely was amazing the land slide between Obama and Mcain. It showed just how much we did'nt want 8 more years of the way this county has been run. In my opinion after what has happened I don't see how anybody could have voted for the republican party and the same old bull, giving the rich all the tax breaks and putting the oil where your pocket book is so to speak. And I so agree that this is a moment in history that we will never forget. The first African American president! I truly do believe that this man is going to try to do all the good he can.
Part of me is just a little bit paranoid yet of all the rumors that was being said about him being Islamic. I've just done alot of reading right from the start of everything starting with the rumors.. then the crash of the market, just all of it. I know a person has to just hash things out for themselves and I have become confident enough to vote for him. It took me awhile but from what I seem to disearn is the man Certainly does want to turn things around. Their is so much to do and I actually am glad I am not in his shoes. I REALLY do believe it was amazing how we the people have come together and voted for the man we believe will turn our country around. This country, our president and the rest of the world needs our prayers more then ever.
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