There is nothing I can say that hasn't been said a million times all over the world. But, sitting here on my couch in Bangkok, I am completely overwhelmed with the gravity and importance of what happened in the United States today.
And even though I live on the other side of the world, I have a keen interest in what is happening back in the US. But over the past few years, I have become more and more disillusioned with the path that my country has taken. And during this last election, I have been disgusted with the tactics taken by some to divide the electorate, to sow fear and uncertainty, to claim that some Americans are "more American" than others.
But now, this is all behind us. Finally, a real change has come. I, along with the rest of the world, am again hopeful for the future. Hopeful that the US can repair ties with our friends around the world. Hopeful that new friends can be made. Hopeful that the world can make progress on the environment, and on the fight against disease and poverty. Hopeful that the world will continue to progress and improve.
Now the real work starts.
I will always respect the office of the President of the United States of America.
Until this year I had not been politically inspired since 1988 when we were in high school. Obama is the first president that I and millions of Americans like me can really identify with. An entirely new demographic participated in the elections for the first time because they finally have someone they can relate to. Living here in the DC area and being able to explain this to my daughter and have her actually understand is priceless.
One of the most powerful images that I saw last night was a photo of all the presidents before last night...then they added Obama's portrait to the middle of the photo and mentioned that 12 of those presidents had owned slaves. One African-American woman in Times Square fell to the ground after seeing the photo and its amazing contrast, and remarked that the stain of slavery is now washed away for her. I really think this is a brand new day. The economy will continue to falter for awhile regardless of who won but hope now springs eternal and change has started.
And one more thing. The CNN holograms were AWESOME!!!!!!
The challenge now for all Americans (at home and abroad) is to recognize that each of us will have to pitch in and help to make this change happen. Sacrafices will have to be made and we will have to remain actively engaged, letting our new President know our thoughts and opinions and participating in our democracy by being connected with our legislators.
We cannot just look to Obama and expect that he will magically solve evertyhing. That is too much for any one person.
As for the holograms, I thought they were tacky. What is this, an episode of the original Star Trek?
Last night was amazing here. I was at the Democratic Party's celebration in Raleigh and the mood was unbelievable. To have not only Obama win, but for Kay Hagan to take out our absentee Senator Dole was amazing. When we got home we could hear a low roar of cheering over Southeast Raleigh as the African-American community reacted to the first black president. Truly amazing.
The only thing that has dampened my spirits by the passage of anti-gay ballot measures in CA, AZ, FL, and AR.
Thanks for your comments, y'all. I thought the CNN holograms looked cheesy, but the technology behind it is pretty cool. It's amazing how the cameras were communicating with each other about angles and views, and made it quite seemless.
Looking forward to January 20...
Not the right topic, but its interesting the contrast between the news and your blog. The airport deal is getting a lot of attention. Cant be good for tourism.
Where have you gone?? I miss your entries in the Journal, and NOTHING since November. Please enlighten us. JNB/Hawaii
Where is Stuart??? Is he dead???
Happy Birthday ( Juz B4 the day )