Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Well!

I'm going to take tonight off: from blogging, from NaNoWriMo, from working out. And I'm going to stop drowsing on the couch and go to bed, knowing that my parents' votes for president counted for the first time in a long, long time. And that my own state has lost its status as the nation's bellwether.

My heart is full. And my children will grow up in a new world.

Both speeches tonight were beautiful. But I'll close with this bit from President-Elect Barack Obama's inspirational and historical Grant Park speech:

This is our moment. This is our time -- to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth -- that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

11 comments:

Rob Monroe said...

I'm listening to McCain's speech right now. He was eloquent, the crowd was negative and disrespectful. That makes me sad.

But what makes me rejoice is that I, for the first time ever, want to make the trek downtown on a cold January day for an Inauguration.

flatflo said...

That Grant Park speech (is that how it will be know through the years to come?) almost brought me to tears. I am so glad I stayed up to watch. To watch the immense crowd in that park, in Harlem, in Times Square, LA...Kenya!

I seriously considered joining you last night, as it was a time to remember for the rest of my life, and a time to share, and to feel you are part of something much bigger. It felt like a new years eve party, ringing in a new era with hope and resolution.

McCain's speech was quite nice, though I think he pressed the race issue a bit hard, as if that was the main reason Obama won. That the crowd (funny I didn't see anyone other than white middle-upper class) booed even against McCain's express wishes otherwise was just sad. By contrast, the Grant Park crowd was a rainbow of colors and wealth, united by the beatific smiles and tears and cheers.

Tracey said...

I loved watching Jesse Jackson with tears streaming down his face. This is a REAL moment. This changes things. Forever.

Sarahlynn said...

Rob, now my wheels are spinning. Inauguration Day . . .

Flatflo, Yes! The dancing crowds EVERYWHERE and the knowledge that in one day we did a LOT to improve the perception of our country around the world . . . that feels so great. I agree with you about both speeches . . . and think they perfectly matched the tones of the two campaigns, as well.

Tracey! Yes! That was beautiful. And I could have looked at Oprah's crying face all night, too. I'm tearing up (at Kaldi's) just thinking about it. :)

Forever.

(Now back to check for an update on California's inexplicable madness.)

Believe said...

Let me know in 4 years how all these promises worked for you. No disrespect but words alone mean nothing, Morally this country continues to go downhill.

Jessica said...

So glad I could share in this with you all last night...I went home to finish the returns and results with Dylan. We sat on the couch together and watched both speeches as well - I'm glad you recognized them each...I found McCain's to be heartfelt and gracious - it endeared me in a way he had not been able to throughout the entire campaign.

I'd like to progress the Obama mantra to Yes We WILL.

Sarahlynn said...

Jessica, I'm glad you got to share the returns and speeches with Dylan! What a fabulous first voting experience. And I, too, was very glad that you were here last night!

Believe, we'll definitely have to agree to disagree on this point.
a) I believe that this is a time of change and hope in our country. I believe that the American spirit is one of unquenchable optimism. I am glad to be able to HOPE and LOVE and BELIEVE.
b) I also firmly disagree with your admittedly vague statement about morals. If you're referring to gay marriage and/or abortion, I strongly disagree that those are the biggest problems facing Americans this year.
c) And I really don't get your statement, "How sad that those who don't believe [in God] feel the need to make sure everyone knows."

This is America. How wonderful that we're all welcome and free and encouraged to share our thoughts without fear of persecution! Further, we're not called to "prove" the existence of God to anyone, just to witness our own beliefs and experiences. It wouldn't be FAITH if it were easy to prove, say, scientifically. Someone else's disbelief is of no possible threat to my belief.

HiddenChicken said...

Tuesday night was indeed a revelation. I only wish Ragsy had been old enough to share it with us. Plus, it would have been nice to scream with happiness the way I wanted to.

Sarahlynn said...

Our children will grow up in a world where it's never been impossible that a black man could be president, just like we grew up in a world where it wasn't impossible that a black woman could teach me calculus . . . or a Catholic could be president.

We've taken our girls to see Obama twice, and are considering a trip out for the inauguration. They're getting nothing out of all of this, of course. But I figure that it will give them cool "I'm so old" cred with their friends/grandkids someday. ;)

As for kids sharing the event, I thought that Ellie sort of got it this year. I mean, both of my girls love to give fist bumps and all that, but I really thought Ellie had an idea about the election.

But all week she's been asking me when "everybody" is coming over to "watch movies" again. So . . . maybe not.

ccw said...

I cried through the entire speech; especially the latter part.

I have the text cut out from our paper and hung it above the flag NSBH made at pre-school. It seems very fitting.

Sarahlynn said...

Indeed!

My girls are both all about coloring in Obama's face on coloring book pages. We're going to start running out of brown crayon, soon. :)