For posterity however, I feel compelled to remark on the events of this night.
I am awed by the capacity of this nation to select a President based on the content of his character, looking past his racial profile, when just 46 years ago that was just a dream of another great man.
I am awed by the near flawlessness of the campaign run by Barack Obama, his team and volunteers. Not the least of which has been the uplifting themes of hope and unity and the important insistance by Obama that there is but one America, the United States of America.
I am inspired in a way I wouldn't have thought possible just a few years ago.
When I see the pictures of African Americans in particular, I am filled with a swirl of emotions. I can see the profound joy, relief, amazement and more in their faces and postures. To see that causes me to well up with empathy and feel what I imagine must be a lot like seeing one's child get married; great joy and pride mingled with a faint notion of something resembling sadness.
As one who truly believes that none of us are free if one of us is chained, I am incredibly optimistic that I can see the chains shed from our collective psyche, allowing all Americans to lift their sights and dare to dream of success at the highest levels.
I believe this is the beginning of a great era in America, one that will uplift us all in ways much more profound than just being able to buy a bigger house or own a bigger car.
My apologies to those who still may be feeling let down by their candidates defeat. My intention is not at all to gloat or rub salt in wounds, but only to record my feelings for posterity. If Obama proves to be a flop as President, you can hold this over my head forever. In the meantime however, I remain immeasureably hopeful.
6 comments :
Yes We Can.
What a relief! But I am surprised that so many people still voted Republican.
Nothing like an election night!
I can hear John Philip Sousa playing in my head.
USA? Hip Hip Hooray!
Theresa
Well said Grandson of Granny Erskine. I was thrilled to finally have a candidate to vote for and not have it be the lesser of two evils as in so many years past. The fog is starting to lift.
Amen to what "the Campbell's" [e.g., Margy] said!
You "hit it on the head" in several respects with regard to Candidate Obama's strong points: "... uplifting themes of hope and unity ..." I especially like the tenor of your post in regards to " ... not at all to gloat or rub salt in wounds, but only to record my feelings for posterity." Yes, "my man" did not win. But nevertheless, I believe that, in this country our President is Our President, and so I will support President Obama, just as I have supported every other President before him.
I will respectfully disagree with him when I think he is going adrift -- just as I have respectfully disagreed with each of his predecessors when I thought they were going the wrong way.
thank you Jamey - I couldn't have said it better myself... I can finally be proud to be an American abroad again! : ) CeAnn
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