Here, here! Writing this from a hotel room in Alaska. As someone who has lived here for thirteen years and became a citizen three years ago, as someone who studied American history at University, as someone who swallowed their doubts and who caucused for Obama, and who volunteered for his campaign but most of all as a new voter and a new American I feel incredibly humbled and moved by what I have witnessed tonight. I feel I have witnessed history in action as a newer, younger and more ethnically diverse electorate propelled Obama to victory and that America for all its flaws has demonstrated why it remains a beacon for hope, optimism and triumph for what the human spirit can achieve. It’s so easy to be cynical and skeptical but the events of the last twelve months have proved this country still holds so much promise. I loved Obama’s speech, his vision of bringing the country together and indeed McCain’s speech but was most of all I was so moved by the scenes of Jessie Jackson crying as he seemed to digest the enormity of what has just happened. I am sure like many who stood at the side of Martin Luther King when he was assasinated 40 years ago or who lived through the Civil Rights Era he never thought that he would live to see the day that a person of colour was elected to the most powerful post in the world. On a level which everyone can relate to who would believe that the son of a single parent raised by his grandparents and whose childhood was marked by instability could go on to be President of the USA. An incredible night and one I will never forget.
Ultimately, we are living in historic times. Having witnessed the horrible attacks on the WTC in 2001 and feeling the strength and kindness of my fellow man in the months that followed gave me a sense of hope, pride and goodness in humanity despite having so recently witnessed how gravely insensible man can be. This election is reminiscent of that to me. I am so proud again in humanity and my fellow Americans, despite having so recently witnessed the insensible and devisive actions by the Bush Administration. Where so recently it seemed that there was no hope, it is amazing that we are so suddenly able to have reasons to feel good and proud and excited again.
Today I am extremely hopeful and proud of my country. Now I wonder…can Morrissey sing this song anymore:
“In America, The land of the free, they said…Land of opportunity, In a just and a truthful way.
But where the president, is never black, female or gay, and until that day,
you’ve got nothing to say to me, to help me believe”
Thanks everyone… Tom, I was thinking of that song yesterday, and I was wondering whether to quote it. I remember being viscerally struck when I first heard it – and it’s a nice balance to “Lookin’ For A Leader.” Best yet, both songs are now somewhat redundant.
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5 November, 2008 at 2:52 am
Here, here! Writing this from a hotel room in Alaska. As someone who has lived here for thirteen years and became a citizen three years ago, as someone who studied American history at University, as someone who swallowed their doubts and who caucused for Obama, and who volunteered for his campaign but most of all as a new voter and a new American I feel incredibly humbled and moved by what I have witnessed tonight. I feel I have witnessed history in action as a newer, younger and more ethnically diverse electorate propelled Obama to victory and that America for all its flaws has demonstrated why it remains a beacon for hope, optimism and triumph for what the human spirit can achieve. It’s so easy to be cynical and skeptical but the events of the last twelve months have proved this country still holds so much promise. I loved Obama’s speech, his vision of bringing the country together and indeed McCain’s speech but was most of all I was so moved by the scenes of Jessie Jackson crying as he seemed to digest the enormity of what has just happened. I am sure like many who stood at the side of Martin Luther King when he was assasinated 40 years ago or who lived through the Civil Rights Era he never thought that he would live to see the day that a person of colour was elected to the most powerful post in the world. On a level which everyone can relate to who would believe that the son of a single parent raised by his grandparents and whose childhood was marked by instability could go on to be President of the USA. An incredible night and one I will never forget.
5 November, 2008 at 4:02 am
yeeeeeee-ha!
5 November, 2008 at 7:38 am
Ultimately, we are living in historic times. Having witnessed the horrible attacks on the WTC in 2001 and feeling the strength and kindness of my fellow man in the months that followed gave me a sense of hope, pride and goodness in humanity despite having so recently witnessed how gravely insensible man can be. This election is reminiscent of that to me. I am so proud again in humanity and my fellow Americans, despite having so recently witnessed the insensible and devisive actions by the Bush Administration. Where so recently it seemed that there was no hope, it is amazing that we are so suddenly able to have reasons to feel good and proud and excited again.
Today I am extremely hopeful and proud of my country. Now I wonder…can Morrissey sing this song anymore:
“In America, The land of the free, they said…Land of opportunity, In a just and a truthful way.
But where the president, is never black, female or gay, and until that day,
you’ve got nothing to say to me, to help me believe”
5 November, 2008 at 9:27 am
Thanks everyone… Tom, I was thinking of that song yesterday, and I was wondering whether to quote it. I remember being viscerally struck when I first heard it – and it’s a nice balance to “Lookin’ For A Leader.” Best yet, both songs are now somewhat redundant.
Tony