We've woken up in a different country this morning. Barriers have been broken. There is a renewed sense of hope. The future looks just a little brighter. We've thrown our hat over JFK's wall and have reclaimed it by daring to climb over.
Electing Barack Obama to be our 44th President, hopefully, will be the tipping point for this country. With a fresh face, fresh perspective and fresh ideas leading America, we may yet reclaim the greatness that we once had and took for granted. We may achieve the enlightenment (A word the Conservatives have used in a derogatory manner) that Europe enjoys today.
But like Obama's catchy campaign slogan "Yes We Can", these are just words and thoughts to rally behind. Nothing will change without us caring about what is happening to this world, both physically and politically. We have to start holding our leaders (the people working FOR US) accountable for their actions again. And we have to hold Barack Obama to a higher standard and expect more from him then we've ever have with previous leaders because that is the only way change will happen.
Looking back on the eight years, I realise that I've bitched and moaned about the state of things and have done nothing more. I should have been marching down Michigan Avenue in Chicago protesting the unjust war with my Mother-in-Law Mary. She's in her 70's with artificial hips and she marched and shouted and risked arrest while I sat on my couch and watched in on TV. As I type this I am genuinely ashamed of my inaction.
These feelings are fresh and strong now and we should celebrate but they will fade as time moves forward. That's the way we are.
On November 4, 2009 will we still feel the same way about President Barack Obama?
I hope so.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
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