I don't think I've ever been so emotional about an election. And I don't think I've ever been so excited to take my kids to school and hear the comments and questions from my French world.
I remember heading to school and being almost harassed when Bush beat Kerry in 2004.
"How can they elect him again?"
"Why did people vote for Bush again?"
I had no easy answers. How can you explain complex issues in 5 minutes before the bus comes?
Through this election, it has been said by several of my neighbours, that the United States wasn't ready to elect a black man to highest office, that America was still so caught up with it's segregated past, that we wouldn't have the ability to see past his colour.
This morning, that is a mute point.
My country, and I, have elected a good man, whose life is an incredible tapestry. He is so much more than just a "black" man. His colour wasn't the factor, his character was.
We may not agree that he is the best person for the job, but I, for one, can't wait to see what this change brings for the world.
Let's believe in him and guide him. He's one of us, from this mixed fabric that makes our nation who we are.
My relief this morning comes as tears. Today, I am so, so proud.
6 comments:
A comment from the BBC Blog by someone called YahziCoyote about McCain's speech last night:
"A truly magnificent speech, even better than Obama's acceptance speech. This was the real McCain. Many, many of us are wondering: where was this McCain during the election? This is a guy we could have voted for. More gracious in defeat than most people could be in victory, focused on service, and aware that there is one and only one America, and we are all in it together.
This is what the Real America is all about. Are you paying attention, Gov. Palin?"
I couldn't agree more.
Great post, Karen. I'm feeling the same way this morning - hopeful, inspired, waiting to see what this will bring. And the kids are excited too - "Did you hear that Barack Obama won?!"
I just want this whole thing to be done so we can get down to fixing all this stuff...
Yup. And there's lots that need fixing. I just hope that we can carry this momentum and continue working as a team, as a strong GOOD country. If we can, we will fix what needs to be fixed and heal what needs to be healed. It's not going to be easy.
I know a lot of people who went to Grant Park to hear the acceptance speech last night and every one of them said the vibe was so hopeful, so excited. 150,000 people of all backgrounds in one location and they were all focused on just celebrating change. Whatever your political leanings, it was pretty inspirational.
I am awed and proud, and feel like I can hold my head up as an American again.
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