This morning my iPod woke me with some Led Zeppelin, and as I rolled over and turned the light on, I realized what day it was. It was the first day of living in a country with an African-American President. All I could think of was that black and white photo that Charles Gibson showed on tv last night, of Mr. Obama with the simple caption of "Mr. President."
I can't explain the feelings that I've had all day. I have no words to describe them properly. Pride? Confidence? Feeling good to be an American (for once)? Its a little of everything, but much much more.
When this whole race began, years ago, I didn't know what to think. I carefully ignored all of the useless retoric tossed around since the primaries, and tried not to take too seriously the negative ads on both sides. I was disdainful of the masses that followed Obama. And I really liked McCain. I did. I wanted to vote for him. But I wasn't going to make up my mind till I saw the debates.
The debates changed my mind. That and Palin. I like her, but not as VP. She's too green, too unknown. And McCain's attitude during the debates...I found myself getting more and more frustrated watching him. I've spent 8 years being frustrated and disgusted with the Shrub, and I didn't want to spend another 4, maybe 8, feeling that way again.
Throughout the race, I have only been following it online and on the radio, so as the months passed, I found myself completely forgetting the color issue. But when I turned on the tv last night to watch the results coming in, I slowly realized that we were about to see the impossible dream come true. When Mr. Gibson said in a slightly unsteady voice that Barack Obama was the 44th President of the United States, I felt my heart jump. (I want to stress that I am not an ObamaManiac.) But at that moment I felt prouder of my country than I ever have, prouder of the people who decided to give him a chance.
The proof of last night's success was at school this morning. That every single 6th grade class I entered today cheered for our new President was proof of the awesomeness of the day. And the beaming faces of every single one of our African-American students, among all of the excited students all over campus, made me feel like the day couldn't get any better.
Welcome to the New World.
2 comments:
Isn't it incredible? It's like we have been holding our collective breath and just finally released it.
I like McCain too. I think he's a good Senator, and I hope he continues to be one. I wish him long life and prosperity. But I really, truly think Obama is a better choice for this time, and Biden (it goes without saying) a better VP.
Here's to a new America.
So happy to have shared in this historic event with you on Tuesday evening. It really was amazing. I too saw my high school kids on Wednesday night and it really is amazing how invested they are. The excitement and the involvement of these kids is unlike anything I've ever seen... I'm excited that people (especially the high schoolers) decided that this election was important and personally significant.
Thanks for your post :)
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