Once again, a hopeful nation.
So, last night's election results left me with a whirlwind of emotions to grapple with... Obama won the election, which in itself is wonderful beyond my ability possibly convey. I'm overjoyed and thankful that the first president my son will come to know will be a compassionate man of such brilliance and dignity, as well as color. We have come so far as a nation and I am so grateful that this is all happening in my lifetime.
McCain actually gave a very genuine and respectful concession speech... I saw a side to him that was seriously veiled in the midst of all the negative campaigning. If he would have shown this side before, this election would have been a little closer to call. Amendment 2 is set to pass in Florida. That makes me so, so sad. California and Arizona are joining the ranks of the other states that have voted to pass a ban on gay marriage. Colorado and South Dakota abortion rights remain intact. Washington state will now allow doctor-assisted suicide. The pictures, videos and stories about the WORLD celebrating last night... not just the USA, but the WORLD? That's beyond my comprehension.
I was blown away by the diversity of the crowd in Grant Park last night and the record turnout of voters supporting the Obama/Biden ticket. More than anything though, I saw a nation of people that finally felt validated.
I'm not black and I'm certainly not going to pretend to understand how deep the well of emotions is for so many on this historic occasion, but I do believe I am a person with great empathy. Last night's election of Barack Obama, our first black President, was a validation that we are all equal. I believe the scars of our Nation's past are finally starting to heal.
I read the following poem last night and was brought, once again, to tears:
"Rosa sat, so that Martin could walk.
Martin walked, so that Obama could run.
Obama ran, so our children can fly."
The message I will teach my children, that they can do ANYTHING, was reinforced beyond my imagination last night. Obama's message of unity is strong and clear. How many times have you heard him mention not just color, race, religion, disabled... but also gay and lesbian when he speaks of the United States? Change is coming. It may take some time, but it is happening.