Focus on Our Thoughts
Nov 5 2008
Written by vgonzalez, Monrovia, CA
Yes We Did!
As the polls closed on the West coast, I sat in amazement at what I was witnessing. Tears rolled down my face when I heard Wolf Blitzer say “we have a new president”. I was happy, felt redeemed, but most importantly felt extremely proud to be an American.
I am an immigrant to this country and became a naturalized citizen as an adult. The first president I was able to vote for was Bill Clinton. Since his presidency, politics have been a downward slide of disappointment for me. Obama re-ignited my interest in politics and my hope for a better tomorrow.
Clearly, I was not alone in feeling this way. Millions of Americans just like me were moved to get out there and vote; to exercise their democratic right. It was an emotionally charged moment as I blotted my ballot and cast my vote for the first African American, or dare I say truly multi-cultural candidate in American history.
It takes an exceptional person to move so many people, of all colors and walks of life. Obama is that exceptional person and progress is tangible.
As the networks were covering the celebrations nationwide, and particularly at Grant Park in Chicago, I was struck again by the diversity in the audience. I saw seniors, students, all colors and races gathered to witness the acceptance speech of our next president. I felt part of something big, momentous and cathartic.
I felt part of something big, momentous and cathartic.
Hearing Obama’s speech was inspirational, and healing. He addressed the fact that we have to all work toward a better tomorrow. We must reestablish our reputation on the international stage. Mostly, we need to reunite as citizens and heal as a nation.
For all the hate, discrimination and intolerance that this country has experienced, this election proves to Americans, and to the World that we as a people have grown. That we have embraced the diversity that is inherently what this country is about. In Obama’s words “change has come to America”!
Obama is the ultimate Blur; he is biracial, and multicultural. We could not have asked for a better example to represent the diversity of this country. He is highly educated, he reached for a dream, and he achieved it. He is proof that if you work hard enough, anything is possible.
Martin Luther King’s dream has come true. We are all created equal. Finally we live in a nation where a person of color can run for the highest office and not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Adding the moving images of the crowd at Grant Park and other celebrations throughout the U.S. to those of people gathering to celebrate all over the world really brought home the global impact of this momentous event. We ARE an example to the world; this country promises a better tomorrow, we are a beacon of hope.
I kept wondering why I was so emotional? I can only attribute it to the fact that Obama personifies the American Dream…he promises change for a better tomorrow and I believe him.
In Obama’s words “Out of many, we are one”. What a beautiful new day!
Lead Photo: Richard Pohle/The Times of London
As the polls closed on the West coast, I sat in amazement at what I was witnessing. Tears rolled down my face when I heard Wolf Blitzer say “we have a new president”. I was happy, felt redeemed, but most importantly felt extremely proud to be an American.
I am an immigrant to this country and became a naturalized citizen as an adult. The first president I was able to vote for was Bill Clinton. Since his presidency, politics have been a downward slide of disappointment for me. Obama re-ignited my interest in politics and my hope for a better tomorrow.
Clearly, I was not alone in feeling this way. Millions of Americans just like me were moved to get out there and vote; to exercise their democratic right. It was an emotionally charged moment as I blotted my ballot and cast my vote for the first African American, or dare I say truly multi-cultural candidate in American history.
It takes an exceptional person to move so many people, of all colors and walks of life. Obama is that exceptional person and progress is tangible.
As the networks were covering the celebrations nationwide, and particularly at Grant Park in Chicago, I was struck again by the diversity in the audience. I saw seniors, students, all colors and races gathered to witness the acceptance speech of our next president. I felt part of something big, momentous and cathartic.
I felt part of something big, momentous and cathartic.
Hearing Obama’s speech was inspirational, and healing. He addressed the fact that we have to all work toward a better tomorrow. We must reestablish our reputation on the international stage. Mostly, we need to reunite as citizens and heal as a nation.
For all the hate, discrimination and intolerance that this country has experienced, this election proves to Americans, and to the World that we as a people have grown. That we have embraced the diversity that is inherently what this country is about. In Obama’s words “change has come to America”!
Obama is the ultimate Blur; he is biracial, and multicultural. We could not have asked for a better example to represent the diversity of this country. He is highly educated, he reached for a dream, and he achieved it. He is proof that if you work hard enough, anything is possible.
Martin Luther King’s dream has come true. We are all created equal. Finally we live in a nation where a person of color can run for the highest office and not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
Adding the moving images of the crowd at Grant Park and other celebrations throughout the U.S. to those of people gathering to celebrate all over the world really brought home the global impact of this momentous event. We ARE an example to the world; this country promises a better tomorrow, we are a beacon of hope.
I kept wondering why I was so emotional? I can only attribute it to the fact that Obama personifies the American Dream…he promises change for a better tomorrow and I believe him.
In Obama’s words “Out of many, we are one”. What a beautiful new day!
Lead Photo: Richard Pohle/The Times of London
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5 Comments
Nov 5 2008
Written by Matt Gittleman, Seattle, WA
I loved your piece, and felt many of the same emotions and thoughts. All day long people were chattering away about what an enormous event this was for this country. When asked by friends and family how I was doing today, I broke into a big smile, and said, “It’s a great day!” There is so much work to be done, and I solemnly pledge to support President Obama throughout his term to bring change at this grim period of our history. Keep shining your bright light.
Nov 5 2008
Written by gaby
I’m with you sister!
You’ve expressed mutual feelings that I could not have stated any better.
Thanks for sharing.
Nov 6 2008
Written by suzee
Thank you for referring to him as multicultural! I love Obama too, and believe he will be an amazing leader for our country and the world. As a mom of multicultural kids, is does bother me when he is referred to only as black, because he’s more than that. Not that it would matter if he wasn’t, because I would have still voted for him—it just bothers me as a mother for his mother’s race to be canceled out by his father’s. I look so forward to seeing where our country goes from here!
Nov 6 2008
Written by Richard Stuart, Tempe, AZ
The emotions you feel are universal.
The universe has conspired to make all of our dreams come true and I believe this salient moment while be just the catalyst the human race needs to enter a new level of consciousness.
Nov 9 2008
Written by aimeergz, Athens, GA
As a fellow “Latina” I share your excitement. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to vote as I am studying here from abroad. Regardless, I’m impressed with the fact that voters kept focused on what really matters and elected the right person for the job.