I am always amazed at the American public. They surprise me over and over again with their choices, and I can never guess what they're going to do! I would never have guessed that our people would elect a racially mixed man with an Arabic-sounding name (including 'Hussein') during this wartime!
It was inspiring, though. How incredibly heartwarming to hear the respectful and humble speeches by both McCain and Obama last night. I have always been disturbed by the rhetoric, blatant attacks, and boastful speeches that I've witnessed in politics, and thus the incredibly gracious concession speech and equally gracious 'victory' speech were very moving.
I actually had more trouble than ever choosing a candidate this year. I've always liked McCain, and I was quite excited that he'd chosen Sarah Palin as a running mate. McCain's pro-war and less environmentally friendly stance were the deal-breakers for me, though, and I did cast my vote for Obama. However, I felt much like the 4% of blacks who didn't vote for Obama must have felt--like a traitor to my kind! I would have been delighted to see the first female vice-president, and it was a bittersweet moment when I realized that Obama was winning the election. It does help, though, to know how very uplifting and empowering this is for a huge segment of our population.
One man, with tears in his eyes, related how his father had always said, "this nation will never elect a black president", and he was full of incredulous joy when he declared how happy he was that the nation had proved his father wrong.
As a girl, I heard many black classmates talk about how the history books were about white people, and thus they really weren't that interested. Their reaction was perfectly legitimate, and I know that the further removed history seems from my own reality, the less I'm interested in it myself. It's always bothered me, and I was so glad last night to know that Obama will be in the history books and generate so much more involvement in their lessons for black students--even, perhaps, putting a happier 'ending' on a story that includes an awful start for our nation with regards to slavery. I hope this helps to dissipate some of the feelings of victimization and anger against the established government that is prevalent in many black communities.
Michael and I watched the speeches last night on our television, which doesn't get the greatest reception (as we don't have cable). I had a silly, uplifting moment when being completely inspired by Obama's speech. His image was hazy, and it seemed as though I could see the backdrop through him. Just as I was thinking this, he started talking about a new 'spirit' arising in the nation. I was struck with this impression that he was an angel/spirit sent to correct so many wrongs and unite our nation. His humility and wisdom seem so ideallic and completely unlike what I expect from politicians. I am very hopeful about our progress in the next four years.
And...perhaps we'll see a woman in office next time!:)
Oh, Alex's pet peeve is that children can't vote. I really sympathize with him on this...and I think that it's a lost cause. Children truly have little power, and by the time that they're old enough to make a difference, they've got the vote and lose any motivation for trying. I probably shouldn't have teased him about his grandparents with Alzheimer's being able to vote, while he can't! He was so bummed that he didn't want to go to the poll with me to vote. I took Fiona and Lillian, and they took turns selecting my candidates and then cast the ballot for me, so I think they felt part of the whole process.
As far as children voting...I'm not 100% convinced that they should all be able to, but I do know that I was extremely informed and involved in the presidential election process when I was 14 years old. I sat up watching the results on TV and was very emotional about the whole thing. I've never again been as informed or motivated about it, and I do think it was a shame that I couldn't vote. And as for the question of whether children will think independently of their families--well, what adults do? Some, of course, just as some children will. Alex has more adamant opinions about politics than either Michael or I do, and he was completely fascinated in watching projections on TV and listening to the commentary. I woke him to tell him that Obama had won, and he got the most elated smile, which nearly baffled me! I'm glad he was happy, though.
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