my history, and our future
kelly | 5 November 2008 - 6:24pm
I remember waiting for the election results in 2000. Rob and I were sitting on the futon in my dorm room watching the numbers come in on my 14" TV. We are registered independents, and had both voted for Al Gore, although perhaps for different reasons. The environment was one of the issues that Rob cared most about, and he felt strongly that Gore was the right leader for that cause. And I felt strongly that George W. Bush was a pompous moron. For me, intelligence was a key issue in that election.
It was the first presidential election in which I'd been old enough to vote. Watching the results roll in, I had absolute confidence that the rest of America felt as I did, that no way would a man who could not properly put sentences together be voted President of the United States. I didn't follow polls, or politics, but I remember thinking he didn't have a chance, that his candidacy was a joke.
And I remember watching, dumbfounded and horrified, as he won. (Or at least was believed to have won, pending recounts.) There is no word strong enough for my disbelief at that moment.
A sense of unease settled over me, and what I remember most clearly from that evening is turning to Rob and saying, "What happens if we go to war?" That was my first thought. I don't know why that came to mind, except that I was so certain of his inability to lead that my mind jumped to the implications of a worst-case scenario. And I remember Rob scoffing at the notion of going to war, assuring me that wouldn't happen.
We were naive. We had no idea what could happen. And I mean all of us, not just Rob and me. Although certainly Rob and me. I was not a well-informed citizen. I paid no attention to the workings of our government or the issues in this country. I was a junior in college with other preoccupations.
Four years later, I voted against Bush again. This time I was more informed and better understood what was at stake, that there was more at stake than before. And this time, as I watched the results roll in, I knew better than to assume that the rest of America felt the same way I did. But I suspected, and hoped, that after the lies we'd been told and the mess we were in, this country would not re-elect the same man. And yet he won. There is no word strong enough for my dismay at that moment. And if I'm being honest, I'll admit to feeling disappointment in this country ever since.
In fact, I have pondered whether or not I belong here. Strong words, I know. But it has seemed clear that my views are not shared by the majority of citizens in this country. I've wondered if rather than living under certain laws and beliefs that I strongly don't support, I should move to a place that's a better fit for me. This is a great country, but it's not the only great country. It's blindly patriotic to think that it is. But I could never really consider leaving, at least not now, because being near family is more important to me than living in a country in which I feel understood and represented. And so I stay. And hope for change.
Which brings us to this election. I have supported Barack Obama since the primary season. I've donated money and volunteered time to his campaign, neither of which I ever considered doing in past elections. I believe in this man, fervently. He is not a savior, but he is the one for this moment, this dot on the global time line. His leadership at this pivotal point seems inevitable, ordained by history.
And so on Tuesday I voted for Barack Obama as emphatically and enthusiastically as a person possibly can. He represents what I believe in and where I want to see this nation go. His vision of our future is the America I have been waiting for.
This time, as the results came in, I had no expectation of winning. Any real hope in that regard had been squelched by the last two elections. And yet as I watched state after state, including my own always-red state, turn blue on the map, this country's choice was clear. And there is no word strong enough for my elation.
We have risen to the occasion. It's a characteristic for which we were once known, but not a reputation we have earned in recent history. In the next four years, there will be many occasions for rising. Rising up, rising above. And with our joining of voices, and a leader whose faith in this nation has repeatedly brought me to tears, I believe we can.
Yes we can.
- 578 reads
all comments photoblog
We (Nick and I) are always pondering our place here. How do we continue to feel like our place here in this country is valid, sacred, protected. In a place where our basic human rights are constantly being weighed against Christian morals of those that are throwing stones in glass houses, how are we to ever feel like our place here is legitimate?
Obama gives me hope that there is a possibility that this place can find peace on a common ground that is equal and fair. When that will be is hard to imagine, but for the first time in a long time, I'm proud to be an American.
I know where you are coming from and I am sorry to have dissapointed you in 2000 and 2004. I am one of those who felt GW was right for the job in both 2000 and 2004. I most likely am a pompous moron supporter. But I stick by my choice.
I did not vote for Obama but I am glad that he won. I think he will do an excellent job. I am not dissapointed in the choice America made. I am thrilled and excited that we the people got to make that choice. and although the choice was not my preference , Barack Obama deserves my respect and Loyalty because he will be the next President. Just like you deserve my respect and loyalty for being an Amercian and excercising your right to vote.
I also think that with a name like Barack he is perfect for president with such historical names like Grover and Millard and Ulysses. :)
it was a moment that paused the world, i think. over here, people had booked out pubs to watch the vote counting. tvs in shopping centres were tuned in and people stood in little crowds, looking. i was at work, and everyone stopped working to gather around the small tv set when obama appeared at grant park. at my uni there were large screens set up across the campus where people gathered in nervous anticipation. i was told the place erupted in endless cheers as more states were declared blue, and as the moment came closer some started dancing and clapping and chanting, others huddled and crying and just nodding their heads in deep appreciation, in a numb-kinda way.
there was such a festive, carnival atmosphere to it all amidst the gravity of the historic election. like as if sanity had been restored and we can all return home to our neighbourhoods feeling a little lighter. did you see footage of the japanese town of obama barracking for obama? it was hilarious.
well done! i have a feeling the international community (which lies beyond palin's alaskan-russian 'border') had hoped for change just as bad, if not more. keenly loving obama's greatness, yes we can.
I really hope that Obama can help unite our country. I feel like GWB did a poor job as president. However, whether I chose him or not, he was my president, so I tried to view him with respect. This wasn't always easy. My dream is that Obama will do a great job and will DESERVE respect from all Americans - Democratic, Republican and Independent alike. My biggest concern is that many people (including me) have such high hopes for him that I feel like he will face tougher scrutiny and backlash. I do have hope, though. I believe that he will be a great president. I believe that one day our country will again be respected. I believe.
I, like you, was able to vote for the first time in a presidential race Bush's first time around. Like you, the two elections prior to this week were baffling to me. Tuesday night I went to bed cautiously optimistic but sure I would wake up in the morning with McCain as president. (I admit it. I could not stay awake for the speeches.) I can not explain the contentment I have felt since finding out Obama is our president-elect. It is so uplifting!
i was moved to tears watching obama win, watching his family walk out onto the stage in grant park as our new and historic "first family", and as I became overwhelmed at the absolute beauty of the speech he gave. I voted for Obama not as passionately as you did- I was one of those voters who was a bit hesitant by his inexperience and how his message of change and "bringing people together" did not match his record as a Senator- but I voted for him because he is extremely smart, talented, disciplined, warm, and calculating in every move he makes- exactly what I want in a president.
The great thing about this election for me was that, with the first two I was able to vote in, I felt like I couldn't vote for either candidate because they all sucked. And as pissed off as I've been the last four years that America voted W. for TWO terms, it was even more disappointing to me that we had no other viable candidate to take his place (I mean really, Democrats, Gore and Kerry are the best you could give us?! I almost wonder if we would have been worse off, which is a damn scary thought...)
But this election, I was practically on my knees praying for Obama to win (which is a miracle in itself- me praying, I mean). His message to America that night made me really believe that I ahd made the right choice, and instantly, my cynicism and distrust were gone- or at least, greatly lessened. He gave me faith again, and it was the first time in my short 28 years of life that I have felt truly patriotic, truly in love with my country. I really like what Charlotte said- I will try to give my respect to whoever leads our nation, but this time around, I hope this president will earn it. And right now, in this moment, I believe he will.
I totally agree with charlotte
I completely understand, greenie. And in the midst of great celebration over Tuesday's election, the Prop 8 results make me angry and ashamed. When you feel alienated, please remember that there are many, many of us who actually believe in, and battle for, equal rights for ALL people. Someday the rest of the country will catch up. It cannot be soon enough.
William, many people I know voted for Bush, and I love and respect them. You included. That doesn't change. As you say, we are fortunate just to have a choice. I will admit to much bitterness towards him because I believe he deceived us and didn't try hard enough to serve us well, and I think we deserve better than that. But I will also admit that such bitterness among so many of us contributed to the rift in this country when we should have been building it up. I appreciate your comment of support for Obama as President. And I appreciate McCain's sincere plea for unity. United we stand, divided we fall.
Thank you, jane. I love knowing what it was like there, knowing that the world was celebrating with us. It also scares me that we matter so much. The actions of this country have such consequences, such huge ripples. I feel we owe the world a huge apology for the damage we've done in the last 8 years. We're starting by electing Obama as president. He isn't perfect, but he has the right perspective. I don't pray, but in my own way I am lifting him up. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Charlotte, I have the same concern. He will be judged against unrealistic expectations. (At the same time, the current administration has set the bar pretty low.) He will make mistakes, no doubt, and the stakes are high. But I believe he will earn our respect, and make our country proud.
I feel more at peace about our future than I have in a long time, Jenski. The world is falling apart before our eyes, but I think we are in good hands and I think 'we the people' are on the verge of greatness once again.
nicole, every time he gives a major speech, I cry. He sees the world differently, and that speaks to something inside me. I feel patriotic for the first time too. He has said repeatedly that we all need to sacrifice, to look out for each other and contribute to the sense of community in this country. I think he's right, and I hope he can inspire people as President like he has as a candidate.
I think it is sad that this is the first time you have felt patriotic.
I may not agree with all that has been done in this country. I definitely felt scorn for Clinton and the whole Monica deal. Not to mention many of his decisions. But I believe in supporting the president.
Danielle, I think patriotism can sometimes be more dangerous than noble. (This is yet another example, I'm sure, of how I'm at odds with the beliefs of most Americans. That's okay.) I agree citizens should support their leaders, but I also think we need to remain clear-eyed about the job they are doing. I will always love this country and the blessings it offers, but I cannot muster false pride in decisions I find shameful.
If only everyone thought like William.
Sunday night I was at church (along with MANY people with different beliefs as myself) and the priest said, "let's not pray for 'our' candidate to win. Let's instead pray that whomever is elected we can all support, and that God gives him the ability to unite a country divided."
I wanted to stand up and shout, "AMEN HALLELUIA" but it was not such a church.
I wish people were less divisive but sometimes I feel as though it's human nature for some.
Very well written, Kelly. You are fortunate to have gone to see him. I had my chance, but sadly had to pack instead. :( My SIL went and she said it was the most inspired she's ever been. THAT is what I said in my post about I promise the election...that I pray that Obama is able to pull the greatness out of all Americans and inspire them to be the change they want in this country. I do think more people think the way we do, they're just in the right electoral states!
That tagline just cracked me up, I laughed out loud in my office. Checked to see who wrote it.
That Rob is funny!
What I'm most excited about about after this election, jana, is that the spirit of this country might be uplifted once more and we unite to work for good. A tall order, and perhaps completely idealistic. But we have a history of greatness, and we have a leader I think is capable of guiding us in that endeavor once again.
I made him brainstorm with me, HFD, and as is often the case, he had a moment of brilliance before sinking into completely useless suggestions. :)