So as I set in my electrophysiology study session, I couldn't help but be distracted by the events of the night. The dawning of a new day in America, the possibility of the first black president. I was one of the non-believers, never thinking that America could elect someone like Barack Obama -- hoping to be wrong. Well, my hopes were affirmed.
I usually do not talk in such platitudes or hyperbole, but what a night. My mother called me and told me how proud she was of me; how grateful she was to see this day. My father called me and said that this moment is all that he's worked for. He even mentioned, that [Obama] could be me on stage. But he mentioned, tearfully, that it was not about being on stage politically. But having a dream and a passion, and being given the opportunity to go for it. He was proud that I was doing such.
What struck me most about the night wasn't the speeches, the pundits' comments, etc. were the powerful images. Not so much about Obama's race and ethnicity, but the race, political affiliation, nationality, and ethnicity of those who were in the crowds in downtown Chicago. The identity of those who crossed party, philosophical, or other lines to vote for true change. That's what is so great about this moment, about this night. That Barack Obama represents something more than the existence of Barack Obama as president -- although the substance he brings is important. Rather he represents that we all share the same worries (about the same problems), are afflicted by the same diseases, and lifted by the same praises. We are all one! We should set aside racial differences, whether they be in who we marry, where we [would] live, who we would befriend, etc. and realize that the strength of the future america is in our unity and togetherness.
I am tonight, glad to have lived, to see my parents see an African-American nominated and elected to the presidency. The trials and pain that the had to endure during their youth and early adulthood for my future, hopefully today, is vindicated. I sincerely hope that this is an stentorian announcement for my generation: if we work hard, stand up and (most importatnly) stand together "impossible is nothing".
(deep breath)...what a night!
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Garry!! I am soooo excited about this country!! I honestly thought we as a nation could never reach this point. I have hoped and prayed that we could all put this thing called race away forever, but deep down doubted that ability over the past eight years. I am so relieved that my vote and the rest of this country has put such a trivial thing as race aside and has selected the right man to lead this country. Rudy Giuliani said in an interview that we all need to come together as Americans no matter who is elected president, but Tavis Smiley followed up by saying we already have come together as a nation with the record number of voters coming to the polls. I cannot believe that this traditionally lopsided country has finally come through. I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you are celebrating as much as I am tonight!! Living history is sweet!!
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