Yesterday started early, quarter to six-ish. I rose early to do something I had ever done before. I voted for a President I actually believed in.
I‘m a genXer, beyond jaded about politics, beyond cynical. My past votes have been for the lesser of two evils, or a vote against the incumbent, or for a third party (mistake). Yesterday was a different story. You see, I’m on the Obama thing…hook, line, and sinker.
Fuck it, here’s the deal. Don’t stop believing. We bought the ticket, let’s take the ride. This is just the beginning. What I’m saying is, let’s not “check out” of this thing now that we got Barack in the White House. That history making event was made possible by you and I and our involvement in the process: canvassing a neighborhood (not me), engaging our friends, neighbors, and workmates (me), or simply getting out and voting yesterday (me too). It is our involvement that produces results. This has been a central message in Barack’s campaign.
Now, it’s possible that hope’s audacity and a belief in change were just a slick Hollywood shell that slid one man into the highest office in the nation, wherein, once installed, he’ll simply run amok like the last guy. What’s probable is that those were good words, from a good man, who believes in what he says. What’s probable is that yesterday we witnessed the American Dream incarnate. We witnessed a “community organizer” orchestrate a 50 State Strategy with outcomes the likes of which have not been seen since the passing of the 19th Amendment, women’s right to vote. We witnessed ourselves taking part in a process in ways so mindful, in ways so deliberate, in ways we had never experienced before.
I have been waiting a long time for something, someone, to believe in. I believe in this. I believe in our ability as country, as a community, to rally behind a good leader and change the world we live in. If you’re still reading, you probably believe this too. So, think for a moment about last night. Think about how you felt when it sunk in that we had done it, that we had put Barack in the White House. Got it? Now. Don’t stop believing. Hold onto that feeling.
3 Comments
November 6, 2008 at 1:27 am
love the “deer in the headlights” expression of the guy in the top left. Barak-on!
November 7, 2008 at 9:57 am
Michael, you know I couldn’t agree with you more. We need to keep the fire burning, and I especially mean that for the black community. We NEED to rally around this man, keep it going, and keep in mind that no ONE person can do it alone. No matter how wonderfully brilliant and motivating Barack is he can’t do it alone…so I pledge to keep this spirit going through my art, through work in my community, and through living my life with unrelenting hope and fearlessness. Yes We Can, Yes We Did, Yes We WILL change the planet.
November 28, 2008 at 10:35 am
Amen, brother. Well said. I’m still in awe. I keep saying to my 10 yr old, “Can you believe WE have a president named Barack Obama”, I just can’t believe it -it’s so fabulous.
He’s already given more press conferences than Bush has his entire 2nd term (or so it seems). Every time he speaks, I’m even more hopeful and I know that he hasn’t even “officially started” and he’s already done more for this country’s global reputation than anyone else could have.
I’m still trying to get over the whole Palin thing though. I’m a bit embarassed by her and just wish she would fade into obscurity where she belongs. Please, pleeeeease let her fade away .
I hope you had a fabulous turkey day, Michael. Did u cook?