Do you remember where you were and what you were doing on November 4, 2008? That's a question future generations will ask me someday. My answer? Well, I was in Madrid, totally nervous/antsy and going nuts because the time difference was killing me. With Spain being six hours ahead of America's eastern coast, the west coast was only half way through its voting period by the time I was ready to go to sleep. So, I decided to sleep early so I could wake up early and watch the results and the Chicago rally in Grant Park. My alarm went off at 4:30 A.M. and I quickly turned on CNN International. By 5:15, they had called it. Then I started crying, alone, with dimmed lights...so dramatic! Soon after, Juan calls from Chicago to ask me if I was watching the news and added, "Are you crying??!!" I have no idea how he knew I'd be awake. At about 5:30-ish, I watch Obama's victory speech and cried some more. I then continued to watch the news until I had to teach at 8.
All day, my students said congratulations to me - one even gave me congratulatory kisses on the cheeks. I wasn't quite sure how to react to that. I mean, I didn't win the race. I didn't become president. I was merely a supporter of the winner. But then, as my brother pointed out, America won simply by voting despite long waits and all the other crap they had to deal with. It was like they just wanted their effing voices heard! It didn't matter who you were going to vote for, people just voted. Although I'm clearly for Obama, I really just wanted people to vote (see previous post).
Anyway, I think all that I want to say about this historic election has been said. For me, it's not only historic because he is black - although we have to recognize that of course. It's historic because I have not seen Americans this united in eight years. Well, maybe right after 9/11...but that didn't last too long. Freaking Virginia, Indiana...all those "red" states turned blue! Even though, there are still about 55.5 million out there who didn't support Obama, it was still refreshing to see the joy on people's faces. I mean, I don't know how anyone cannot be emotionally affected by the rallies, the random celebrations on the streets, the tears of joy, everything that was happening late Tuesday night. The whole event was really emotional for me. I was crying on the train yesterday as I read Time Magazine's article on Obama's win. I'm so lame!
So, way to go America! I've never felt as proud of my country, my fellow Americans and to be American as I was on Wednesday night. It made me wish I could go home and join the celebrations. But since I couldn't, I resigned to singing the Star Spangled Banner in my head all day.
P.S. On other election news: I'm very disappointed in Californians for passing Prop 8! WTF! Did they not see Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi's beautiful wedding??? Seriously though. What a-holes!!
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1 comment:
it was a lovely ceremony...what a shame.
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