I stood in line for around 30 minutes yesterday to vote, but I didn’t mind the wait at all.
Watching the returns last night with a group of like-minded friends, I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud to call this country home. I teared up during Obama’s speech to the crowd in Grant Park, a place I had stood around in only 3 months earlier.
As Elie Wiesel famously said, “Hope is like peace. It is not a gift from God. It is a gift only we can give one another. ”
Last night, this country hoped for the future together – what could be more beautiful?
Well, I had to comment. I recall the hope that people had when Bill Clinton was elected in 1992. I vividly recall the comic “Doonesbury” characters specifically stating their hope that this was a change for the good.
The lesson to remember is that no one can live up to our expectations if we don’t remember to ground them in reality. Congrats to Obama, and to America for a well-run political race, a peaceful change of leadership, and a step forward (or giant leap) in racial equity.
@ David’s Dad:
I agree, Mr. Obama won’t change the very difficult realities facing this country overnight. He may not change them at all, ever. But he has given people something to hope for and I (like Mr. Wiesel above) think that is one of the most beautiful gifts one person can give to another.