Second, go Colorado!!! We did it!!! We went BLUE!!!
And not just "sort of blue" - it was a regular blue wave last night. Our senator, five of our seven state representatives (one of whom is not only democratic, but also Gay), and our nation's president. Oh, and thank you all for voting NO on 48.
And then there was President Obama's speech. And as Neil and I sat there on his futon watching and listening and reflecting on his words (and completely forgetting about dinner - oops), I almost cried. Yes, it is an historic election for so many reasons, including the election of an African American in to office. No wonder Jesse Jackson was moved to tears - having stood by Martin Luther King, Jr. and now partaking in this election - this moment in history - can you even imagine? But even beyond that, Obama's victory speech moved me. And perhaps I was just getting all caught up in the hoopla, and perhaps my blood sugar was just really low, but his words really struck a chord in me - BEFORE he got to the Yes We Can, he spoke:
"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there.
There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek -- it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers -- in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people."
Ahhhh. He's right, it will be hard and takes sacrifice, and perhaps I won't agree with every decision he makes, but no one can make everyone happy 100% of the time. And when it comes down to it, there is no reason we cannot work as a unified society. Individualism is great and important, but we also have to remember we are all living this life together. We all breath the same air. We are all responsible for all. And it is that sentiment I heard echoed in Obama's words. And while it may seem rather idealistic, I'm okay with that - from dreams we can make plans, and from plans we can take action.
McCain gave a very good speech, too - I don't know how many of his supporters actually heard what he was saying, but it really was very good, and I respect him very much.
Anywhose, speaking of action, I've gotta' get back to work now. But what an awesome moment in time. And thank you for sharing it with me, Neil. How intense, and how wonderful to be able to talk and get different perspective but share the same base ideals. Amazing and wonderful. :)
1 comment:
I loved both of the speeches too -- I thought McCain's was very gracious, and the most dignified and respectable (and respectful, too) he's been in months. And Obama's speech almost made me cry too (although we had people over watching with us and I was too self-conscious to actually cry). I loved his message about unity -- I think after that election season we really need it. Also, his focus on unity and being one nation, one people, made me think of Lincoln. (Did you know they're the only two presidents to be elected from Illinois? Nice coincidence, that.)
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