Holy Holograms, Batman!!: And Other Tales of Obama-ism.
There were several things I could think of that I would rather do, as a sophomore at Sprague High School in Salem, Oregon, than take AP US History. I was a wiz at creative writing, photography, literature and Spanish, but when it came to math, science and history... I couldn’t be less interested. My mind is not wired for numbers and dates, so taking an advanced class in the history of our country was really unappealing.
Alas, my persuasive parents, offereing me options such as "take-it-or-die", had me backed into a corner. So I did just that. I took the class and to this very day I am so glad I did.
One of the midterms required us to create a binder of interviews. There were six interviews to each binder and each had to be conducted with a person over the age of 65. Questions revolved around topics such as the assasination of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Segregation, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and other huge historical events. The assigment was perfect for a girl who wasn't that into history but loved to do a combination of writing, questioning, and collecting personal stories. Armed with notepad and tape recorder, I dove into the assignment with enthusiasm. I interviewed two sets of grandparents, a grandma, and a great-grandma... All of which, to this day, I am still very lucky to have around.
I learned an incredible amount of information from that assignment eight years ago. My eyes were opened to a world that no longer exists to my generation, but is still humming in the minds and hearts of our grandparents and even some of our parents. I listened to the war stories of my grandpa. I heard about segregation from my great-grandmother. When I asked about the assasination of JFK, my grandma cried, recounting a nation in mourning.
I'm happy to report I am still years away from becoming a grandmother, but it's incredible to me that November 4th, 2008, has now become a part of the very short list of unforgettable, world-rocking dates I will always remember. When approached by my information-gathering grandchildren, I will be able to provide countless points of information. In fact, I'd probably say something to the effect of...
"Do I remember where I was on November 4th, 2008? Of course I do. In fact, I remember it like it was yesterday...
... It was your Great-Aunt Giselle's 21st birthday and the family was celebrating at a small bar called "Johnnie's" in downtown Salem. Grandpa and I were glued to a flat-screen tv, watching the results of the presidential election between John McCain and Barack Obama. The election itself was the first of its kind- a controversial race that broke down barriers of all sorts. I was proud of our nation and it's participation in the election. Oregon had an estimated %87 voter turnout! It was an incredble turning point for the United States and I was excited to be living through history.
Another thing, that I'm sure you kids will giggle about, is that it was the first time I ever saw a real-life hologram. Anderson Cooper interviewed Will.I.Am. from the old-timey band Black Eyed Peas and it was the first time I had ever seen a full-body hologram having a conversation with a news reporter. Nowadays, you see it all the time."
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It wasn't until last night that I finally saw Obama's full speech after he became the President-Elect. Guy and I sat on his bed and watched the coverage from the small screen of my laptop. His words gave me goosebumps. I am convinved that Barack Obama is going to do incredible things for this Nation and I am beside myself with anticipation. Like many others, I am praying that there will evident change and not such a gust of hot wind that passes by us in the years to come.
Here are some other things I've heard:
"Ok so i just watched Obama's speech from last night..I seriously was almost brought to tears, and I'm not even being dramatic. My mom as well.we should watch it tonight. I really think we made a right choice. He has intense passion. I'm in awe and it makes have an equal amount of passion for what I do. I think I can say with out feeling like I should have a big wheeled truck and a gun in my hand, that I'm proud to be an American." -Guy
"Oh man Sam, last night was such an amazing night, I never in my life thought I would get so involved with politics. There has not been a time over the past 6 or so months that I've listened to Obama speek that has not brought me to tears. In fear that Louie and I were going to have to move to Canada if this country actually elected McCain and that idiot Sarah Palin, I could not thank God more for making justice pervale and give hope to all of us who thought this once great counrty was doomed to always fall in the hands of the self serving, minority and poor hating, greedy politicians. Today is really a new and brighter day in the country, and it really is up to all of us to bring change, and believe in it. Isn't it amazing to be alive and very much so aware of this historical moment in our country's, I mean. in the world's history? Here we finally have someone in the highest office that sees the world like the everyday "Joe." And then this video about his life that the played that the DNC this past August is really what moved me and confirmed that he needed to be our next president." -Maegen
"For a self-avowed political junkie since age 15, it doesn't get much better than yesterday and last night. My mind is still unsettled today and I would not say that I'm at all calm. But I'll get there.
What I wanted to write to you was a word of appreciation. I know some of you did not vote; others voted for McCain; but most of you tolerated listening to me for the last several months as I plodded my way through the election and other world events. Last night was a maze of phone calls; emails from as far away as New Zealand and this morning England; text and phone messages right from Grant Park in Chicago as events were unfolding there; Sean and I were IM on SKYPE; and facebook status updates were coming hot and heavy from many.
What does it all mean. Clearly a change, and now it's what we do with the change and how we are involved in that change. Clearly Obama will call us to action. Be ready to act." -Theresa
So there you have it.
xoxo