I am so proud of America today. I stayed up all night watching the results online and at 5:00am, I heard the great news. I was overwhelmed by the impressive victory and the powerful message that it sends not only to the world, but also to parts of our country that continue to resist change and the natural evolution of our society.
Just after MSNBC declared him the projected winner, the panel began reflecting on what the election of Barak Hussein Obama means for America. I was struck by all of the panellists' reflections, but Eugene Robinson brought me to tears. That's right, tears! I knew that this election would be important to black Americans, but hearing first-hand how it impacted this journalist who grew up under segregation, who doubted that this day would ever come, who was brought to tears when speaking about his really hit home. He said, “I’m no longer lying when I tell him he can be anything he wants to be.” This moment in history is one for everyone who believes in equality or has ever experienced discrimination. While we have come a long way, we still have a long road ahead of us before we reach real, honest equality for all Americans. Nothing underscores this point more than the fact that two, and possibly three states passed bills banning gay marriage, which deprives one part of the population of a right that others have. While it may be unpopular or difficult, we MUST confront this type of inequality: not for the sake of gay or straight people, but for the sake of our quest toward ending discrimination of any and all kinds.
Barak's speech was inspiring and honest. He talked about our country’s past failings and spoke honestly to the American people about the challenges that confront our country and our world in the months and years ahead. He spoke of hope, but demanded responsibility and sacrifice. He spoke to Americans' hearts AND minds: something that has been sadly absent from the politics of late. Now it is up to us; we need to work together and make sure we stay engaged. I'm already mulling over my return to the USA and what I will do to make a difference. Seriously, let's stop talking, get off our asses, and get shit done!
I am so proud of 
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I knew you'd have already posted something about this, so I had to check in. I feel like I can admit to be an American AND an Ohioan without the implicit apology for the first time in a long time! I cried like 52 times last night. It's crazy.
RépondreSupprimerPats
Dear Todd, such a nice post :)
RépondreSupprimerIt is funny because I am in the opposite situation, a non-American living in Columbus! I couldn't vote but I tried to convince everyone (my students included) to go to vote - it is so important, and it DOES make a difference.
And Obama won! His acceptance speech was flawless, and inspiring. I cried so many times - such a great hope for the United States. I am proud of this country and would like to become a citizen now!
I just hope this will influence Italians too, to get rid of that idiot, our Prime Minister... did you know he called Obama "young, attractive and... tanned"? I couldn't believe it.
Anyhow, I am sorry for the gay marriage bans. It shows that people are changing, but slowly =/
But there is hope, and that is a good thing.
A hug, see you in the Winter break!