It's not because Obama is black that he won, it's because people of ALL races and backgrounds and ages and religion finally felt that THEIR voice was heard. It was not a black voice, it was a voice of NEW IDEAS. Most importantly, and this is really the biggest point, it was a POSITIVE and KIND voice. It's a voice that has clearly listened to both sides. A voice that commands quiet and thoughtful discourse. A voice that triggers a burning in your chest that makes you feel that this time, finally, something GOOD will happen for the rest of us schlubs, not just the people that have been paying for their policies to get passed.
Look. I live in the reddest county in Texas. I'm surrounded by people that will be taxed more by Obama's plan. And not to put too fine a point on it, eventually my husband and I will be hurt by it, too. But guess what? I want better schools. I don't want talk about how we need it, I want someone that LOVES education and educators to make it a priority. Obama and his wife know that they benefited wholly from their education (and their loving families.) They weren't legacies shuttled from school to school because the library at the university has their grandfather's name on it.
And there it is, right there: they aren't legacies. Barack Obama made it where he is right now because of hard work, because of his kind and thoughtful nature, and because of his intelligence and love for the American Dream.
The American Dream won last night, not a black man. WE won. And the beauty of him, and why those of us that love him do, is because he knows that. This isn't a strategic play on a chess board, this is a man that when you talk to him, he stops and listens, looking you in the eye. He's not thinking of how to spin what he's got planned to say, he's actually listening to you. Hell, he turned my husband from a card carrying RNC member to a stumper for his campaign based on four political conversations they had on flights from DC to Chicago.
I admired John McCain last night with his lovely and heartbreaking concession speech. No one can doubt that he loves his country. Hell, I even got choked up for Palin, a woman that I do not admire, but I do not hate, either. They love their country, and they thought they were the ones to help us, but we disagreed. And how shameful that the audience there marred McCain's beautiful speech with ugly booing and jeering; he was clearly offended by it. Please. Let us reach across party lines because here's the thing: it doesn't matter any more. Blue, red, liberal, conservative, right now we need each other. We need to hear what each other has to say in a civil manner. The old days of politics are going out the door. It's time for adults to talk rationally with one another, to calmly listen, and if needed, to say, "You were right, I was wrong."
Guys, it is time for this country to look at each other and be proud that no matter what the other believes, we are AMERICANS. We are IDEALISTS. That is what this beautiful place was founded on, and we've lost sight of it. Don't tell me we can't do it. I'll just smile, put my arm around you, and turn up the volume of the hundreds of thousands of first time voters (and not because they're 18, either) chanting:
YES WE CAN!
I am so proud to be an American. I always have been a nationalist, but now I can really hold my head high. A young, intelligent, thoughtful man is now our president. We're moving in a good direction. I hope you all come with us.
- Spock is::
grateful
Comments
EXACTLY! But I do so look forward to them getting it in the future.
I have been buzzing with excitement since last night. If all his plans and ideas become realized, this country will be a beautiful thing. *bounces*
I'm so happy today.
I really really believe he's going to bring us back to pride and involvement in our politics, lives, and each other!
I'm 15 hours ahead, here; I was at work when one of my co-workers (we were all watching election updates via Intarwebz) looked over and told me McCain was talking about something, live on the video feeds.
I'd been watching the numbers move all day, but I lived through 2000 and 2004; I wasn't taking anything as given until someone conceded. And that's exactly what McCain was doing.
I had to step outside; I was in tears. McCain's not an evil human being. But I disagreed very strongly with the policies he intended to put into motion, and the attitudes his campaign engendered in certain segments of the American populace.
For the first time in eight years, I actually feel hope. I hadn't known it had been so sorely missing until I got it back. Now I'm not embarrassed to admit I'm American to people who ask about my accent anymore.
Now, I'm off to sleep. I managed to write a few more words in the radio novel, whose idea is beginning to catch better, but STILL. Eeesh. Like combing nits outta steel wool, I tell you.
I'm gonna get the first night of good sleep I've had in nearly a decade, apparently. I bid y'all a good night. :D
And you gnailed it: we all feel HOPE again!! It's so wonderful. Sleep tight! <3
I can't believe your husband got to talk to him. That's fantastic.
Now....let's dance. WOOT!
I am SO HAPPY!! *spins and dips you*
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27523989/
So much good mixed in with just enough hate and ignorance to sour the pot. I find myself waffling back and forth between a quiet and joyful and mourning. I can't believe people in California think it's more important for chickens, pregnant cows and pigs to have space than it is to allow gays to marry
I'm sad that some backwards ideas were voted into law, but they won't always be there. Be hopeful, be determined, and be positive! (And patient, too, unfortunately.) <3
You made me cry again about the whole thing. I feel so much HOPE, and so much confidence in the man, that my heart is light and my head is clear again.
I love my country, finally. It may not be perfect by a long shot, but it's mine and I am proud of it.
YAY!
See, I've always loved my country. I've been upset by leaders, I've been upset and angry about policies, but I've always loved America. I'm just so happy that more of you out there are feeling that, too. And now we can be proud of our leader, too!! That's a wonderful feeling after so many years of disappointment and apathy.
YES WE CAN!!
I've been smiling all over my face since last night. I think I'm about to get a cramp! *sigh* Until I remember that Arkansans voted in a gay adoption ban yesterday. We have so much work to do. :(
I thought that McCain's speech was very gracious but absolutely could not believe the booing. I've never heard such a thing during a concession speech and hope that those people get their ishoos under control, stat.
There is a LOT of work to do! Obama said as much last night, and we've got to take that to heart - no more sitting on our laurels. We're going to have to talk to each other, and more importantly, LISTEN to each other. Both sides.
The audience at McCain's rally last night really did him a disservice. I was very moved by his speech, and he never had my vote, so...
I made him tell me about those convos over and over. After an hour or so on a flight, the Mr. finally just turned to Obama and said, "I feel like the Republican party abandoned me. All the principles they were based on, they're gone." He said Obama sat for a minute, chewing that over (this is in 2006, btw.) and then asked him which principles meant the most, and how he agreed in many, but not all, and just...
THAT is what you want in a leader!!
I admit that I am one of those people that had lost any faith in our political system. For the first time in years I saw hope again. Over the past decade I've seen so many people who felt the same way and my life has been particularly difficult over the past six years. I've been laid off from two jobs, am in the throws of bankruptcy, and am living hand to mouth.
For the first time in years I proudly walked into my polling location and without doubt or hesitation voted for a man who has inspired me to find my hope once more. And what a battle cry...
YES WE CAN!
I truly believe once more that we can. *smiles & tears up*
Your comment is absolutely choking me up. YOU NOW HAVE A VOICE IN WASHINGTON. It's not going to be easy, and it's not going to be overnight, but change IS coming! *hugs you tight*
Oh my god, your cynicism is what I was trying to explain to my stupid father! Our generation (and the rising gen.) have too much access to info to be fooled by pretty words and back-end deals, you know? It's so refreshing to hear Obama speak, because he's just talking to you, and it's truthful, and we're all so blown away by it, which, isn't that sad? But it's changing, I really really believe it.
Prop. 8 is making me sad, too, however! The CA Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional, so they may intervene. Also, there will be another vote soon and we'll get it right. We'll all grow up as a nation and quit this defining people bullshit.
*HUGS YOU*
I'm happy to continue to be a proud American, and not having to constantly explain that we weren't always like the past 8 years... That chapter is OVER, WHOO!!!
YESYESYESYESYESYES.
Exactly.
What a great day for the unspoken, you know??? <3