Being a part of history
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wow.
Last night was so moving. I really can't imagine how you could not be inspired by the speech that Obama gave, let alone the historical significance of it all. We were watching on NBC when they announced that he won with the billboard and fireworks, etc. It was shocking, amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. Even though he had a large lead most of the time, it was, "Is this real? Has it really happened?" (Luckily we clicked to MSNBC just as Carmen Harlan decided to cut in! Like I want to hear her talk!)
I was quite frankly surprised at how moved I was, especially as they showed all the African-American people across the country reacting. I can only imagine how they feel, but I do empathize. It feels so good to break that barrier and–as a country–do something so positive and significant for so many people. I've also got to give MSNBC props for letting the scene play out without having to talk over it, just so we could take it all in. It was very surreal.
I think that no matter who you voted for, the message of unity and hope is something that our country really needs right now. It's so symbolic. I'm so excited to have a president that is younger, closer to my generation...fresh blood. (I kept thinking that this must have been how people felt when JFK was elected.) And in a very positive change, I'm ecstatic to have a president that is eloquent and inspiring to hear speak! Isn't that how president's should be?! It's just been so long since I've had such hope for our country!
I think the last section of his speech really drove the point home, talking about the 106 year old woman and all the history she has seen during her lifetime. My great grandmother lived to be just shy of 105 years old, and I have often thought of how much she experienced in her lifetime. My generation didn't grow up with the same stigmas of race that used to be (at least for me) and it's nice to see my country reflect that shift. It's really stunning to think that anything is possible here, and it makes me really proud to be an American.
On the other side of things, I do feel sad for John McCain as I honestly believe he is a great man and have always liked him. I can only imagine how different our lives might be if he were elected in 2000 instead of Bush. However, I think the social and cultural significance of Obama's win is bigger than anything McCain's win could have meant. And, due to the present circumstances, this election was likely close to impossible for him to win.
McCain's speech was also very poignant, though, and appeared genuinely sincere. He literally embodied his "Country First" campaign slogan with his words, displaying such class. I really wish we could have seen more of this McCain during his campaign. The good news is, he doesn't seem to be going anywhere and it's easy to believe that he really will work together to help our country. God knows we need the help!!!
Finally, what the hell was up with the holograms and virtual studios this year?! So bizarre! I guess it really is the future...
Last night was so moving. I really can't imagine how you could not be inspired by the speech that Obama gave, let alone the historical significance of it all. We were watching on NBC when they announced that he won with the billboard and fireworks, etc. It was shocking, amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. Even though he had a large lead most of the time, it was, "Is this real? Has it really happened?" (Luckily we clicked to MSNBC just as Carmen Harlan decided to cut in! Like I want to hear her talk!)
I was quite frankly surprised at how moved I was, especially as they showed all the African-American people across the country reacting. I can only imagine how they feel, but I do empathize. It feels so good to break that barrier and–as a country–do something so positive and significant for so many people. I've also got to give MSNBC props for letting the scene play out without having to talk over it, just so we could take it all in. It was very surreal.
I think that no matter who you voted for, the message of unity and hope is something that our country really needs right now. It's so symbolic. I'm so excited to have a president that is younger, closer to my generation...fresh blood. (I kept thinking that this must have been how people felt when JFK was elected.) And in a very positive change, I'm ecstatic to have a president that is eloquent and inspiring to hear speak! Isn't that how president's should be?! It's just been so long since I've had such hope for our country!
I think the last section of his speech really drove the point home, talking about the 106 year old woman and all the history she has seen during her lifetime. My great grandmother lived to be just shy of 105 years old, and I have often thought of how much she experienced in her lifetime. My generation didn't grow up with the same stigmas of race that used to be (at least for me) and it's nice to see my country reflect that shift. It's really stunning to think that anything is possible here, and it makes me really proud to be an American.
On the other side of things, I do feel sad for John McCain as I honestly believe he is a great man and have always liked him. I can only imagine how different our lives might be if he were elected in 2000 instead of Bush. However, I think the social and cultural significance of Obama's win is bigger than anything McCain's win could have meant. And, due to the present circumstances, this election was likely close to impossible for him to win.
McCain's speech was also very poignant, though, and appeared genuinely sincere. He literally embodied his "Country First" campaign slogan with his words, displaying such class. I really wish we could have seen more of this McCain during his campaign. The good news is, he doesn't seem to be going anywhere and it's easy to believe that he really will work together to help our country. God knows we need the help!!!
Finally, what the hell was up with the holograms and virtual studios this year?! So bizarre! I guess it really is the future...
Labels: inspiration
