A New Dawn in U.S. (and world) History
November 5th, 2008
Filed Under: News, Special Occasions, politics
Despite being several thousand miles away from home, holed up in my freezing east London flat, checking every hour or so via the internet, I still had the privilege to bear witness to the very fabric of history itself unfolding right in front of my eyes. Something so remarkable, so unprecedented, so epic in it’s scope that, quite honestly, I never thought I’d actually see it happen in my lifetime. The fact that someone named Barack Hussein Obama, an American of humble, culturally diverse and mixed race origins, would be elected President of the United States (and in a convincing manner) is a watershed moment unlike any other in U.S. history.
“To those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your president too.”
This was probably the single, most memorable quote for me as I watched Mr. Obama give his victory speech (streaming live online) because within itself it encapsulated not only the potential of his transformational presidency but also spoke earnestly about his eagerness to reach out to those of us who are still skeptical of the substantive change he’s promising to rebuild this country with. Change that is badly and urgently needed. Change that I do hope he can help usher in, and change that we all need to help hold him to delivering on.
I was also very impressed by John McCain’s concession speech because it was truly sincere and magnanimous, and by far his finest moment in this election process.
“That is the true genius of America — that America can change.”
The appointment of Mr. Obama to the highest office in the land won’t by itself fix our current problems as we try to navigate through a severely collapsing economy, reign in corporate greed & excesses, end two disastrous wars, while also finally turning the page on one of the more shameful parts of our history as a nation. But there’s no doubt in my mind that this is a step in the right direction. Not just for restoring faith in ourselves as a country and for all the tremendous promise and good that we’re actually capable of, but also for the rest of the world to believe in us once again too. Belief in the promise that another world is possible. A world where we can all be free, live in peace and live as one — that it is not only imaginable, but well within our reach to achieve.
And it is in that spirit of hope that I leave you all with this song I’ve been playing non-stop over and over and over again for the last hour, and I’ll probably play it some more over the next couple of days or so:
click to play NINA SIMONE:
(And yes, it really does feel good.)
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15 Responses to “A New Dawn in U.S. (and world) History”
Mike
I am not sure how many of you received this mail,
but I think this is representative of the new american
chapter we are entering.
For the first time in my voting history, I feel as if
my vote mattered and that something will happen.
——————————————-
mike —
I’m about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first.
We just made history.
And I don’t want you to forget how we did it.
You made history every single day during this campaign — every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it’s time for change.
I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign.
We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I’ll be in touch soon about what comes next.
But I want to be very clear about one thing…
All of this happened because of you.
Thank you,
Barack
Tracy
Jamie,
Your blogs are always so amazing- you should really write for a major paper!
I have to tell you the same thing I told my Mom- this is the first election since I have been voted that I truly felt such passion for a candidate. Such a need for this country to change. I’m not usually the most patriotic person, mainly because this country has saddened me.
I see myself, many of my friends and family working more than one job just to try to make ends meet. I see those with health insurance and those without struggling either way. My parents pay over $5,000 a year in co-pays alone for their doctor appt’s and medications. That is absolutely uncalled for! My parents bring in a good income, but my Mother has been told she must retire soon b/c she is literally killing herself but she is too afraid that she won’t be able to afford her and my Dad’s medical needs. Somehow I doubt the American dream is to work for over 40 years just to die young because you can’t afford to retire!
I drove home early this morning from an election party here still completely wired and, for the first time, so hopeful for the future of this country. To me, Bush has always been the moron in the white house- I would never call him my president. But I am truly pleased to call the country’s newest leader President Obama!
Sorry this got so long- I hope you are doing well. I am going back to bed!
Love, Tracy
dave
Two years. Mr. Obama and his Democrat controlled House and Senate have 2 years of control to actually act upon all of the promises they fed to the American people. It’s time to see if all that talk was just that or if they will get off their asses and do something. I’m not going to hold my breath. As for the passionate support I keep hearing about, be careful what you are so passionate about supporting.
auni
Jamie,
Your friend Tracy got it right when she said; “Your blogs are always so amazing- you should really write for a major paper!; ” It’s true. Your passion for people and justice and this country is always inspiring. And, I think because you are so physically far from your home, that your voice is that much stronger, because, you have that opportunity to see our country from another perspective. You get to see the US as they, the other part of the world sees us. You look at all sides and then decide what to say. Your words are always of great thought and insight. You helped bring change. You got all of your friends talking and thinking, I for one am truly inspired by your efforts.
Thank you for the song. Nina Simone…she got it right.
And thank you to everyone who went out to vote. Now, the real journey for our country/people starts with this step forward. Change, in all forms is never easy, but, it is usually worth the work it takes to get there. Patience, is also something that we need to keep close at hand. The work ahead for our New President and his team is large to say the very least. But, it is not insurmountable. Nothing ever is.
…and keep talking to each other. That is why we have change.
Thank you Jamie for giving everyone the forum on which to talk, share, argue and laugh.
Get some sleep. You’ve got work to do now that the time’s are a changin’.
auni
kir
i am happy. and this:
(click for larger view)
Monkey Nutz
I’m still shocked, amazed, proud, tired, in disbelief, happy. This is not a day that I could have imagined to have seen in my lifetime.
ryno
This is an amazing moment in history, in spite of what any obnoxious, rabble-rousing naysayers (who shall remain nameless) want to spew. This election was not just about about Barack Obama, it was about something so much larger. It was about the principals that are at the core of what we are supposed to believe in as as society, and I’m damn proud to have been a part of and witnessed it. It’s sad to see that there are some, even some amongst my friends, that are too stubborn or foolish or bigoted to see the significance of this moment in time.
TISH
I just about jumped out of my skin when they announced that he won! I stayed up late to watch his speech and cried thru the whole thing. I know, I’m a sap.
What a wonderful message was sent to the world. We didn’t agree with was going on and in record numbers people hit the polls and sent the message loud and clear that we are ready for change. I’m also proud of those red states that went BLUE! HOOAAH!!!
TISH
Jas
Just the fact that there will be a Black president and First lady in the white house is UNfreakin real. Visualize this image! Regardless of how people feel about Obama’s merit/skills etc.
I definitely have said in my past that WE would never see a Black president in our lifetime. It really blows my mind. And it has obvious implications on the Black population, in the past and present. What is also so significant is the effect on our CURRENT nation’s self esteem–internationally as well as nationally, and personally.
But here’s the kicker: Our world is one of *symbols* and faith throughout human history (ie. religion, wars, gov’t) across all cultures since humans walked upright. And as such, you cannot deny the POWER that a symbol can have to humans. If Obama *ONLY* serves as a SYMBOL of hope and change, then this could be SUCH a positive thing for America. AND the fact that so much of WORLD believes he is this symbol, can only support the hope we all have and want for this country. Let’s hope he (and we) delivers.
-a hopeful skeptic, non-republican, non-obama fanatic
ryno
A few really great images of celebrations around the world via The Huffinton Post:
..:JJP
From the Huffington Post:
On Comedy Central’s election special Tuesday night, Stephen Colbert appeared to tear up after Jon Stewart announced that Barack Obama had won the election.
Stewart announced the news without commentary, and it was received with wild applause by the show’s audience. Colbert, for his part, took his glasses on and off and then rubbed his eyes.
Watch:
..:JJP
Now, these next two years of Democratic majority control are critical — not only for the DNC to regain not just my (and others) faith again, but also to put this country back on the right track. If they can demonstrate this effort in sound measure and not cave into business-as-usual and corporate influence along the way (and I do believe Mr. Obama will try his best) then I’ll gladly support the Democratic party once again in 2012. But in the meantime, it’s a consideration I feel they still have to earn from us skeptics, if not us all… and I believe they can prove it over these next 24-26 months, at least I’m optimistic about that.
FYI, I actually didn’t vote for the Democrats (nor the republicans either) this year, but when the election was officially called in Obama’s favor, and he began giving his victory speech in Grant Park, Chicago, I literally couldn’t stop the tears from cascading down my face. As I watched in awe for the duration of his speech, like so many others I never thought I’d live long enough to see this day in our nation’s history. And then like a ton of bricks it hit me: this was real — we literally just watched our country mature and evolve — after all the decades of struggles, heartaches, setbacks, and sacrifices we have finally overcome.
It’s something we all should be very proud of, young and old, red states and blue states, even if it’s sill not perfect and exactly what some of us wanted. But this election did prove one thing: the chance for better days is finally in our grasp. And our time is now. So let’s really make the most of it people…
…together.
..:JJP
Great article in the latest Time Magazine about President Elect Obama, please read it when you have a chance.
..:JJP
Some cheeky-ness from the Onion:
Meanwhile, leave it to Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to make an ass out of himself and the rest of Italy:
And here’s a recent clip from South Park:
auni
Now you know, the Italians or Itelians (some times, they use an e instead of an a). enough said. …and well, as far as the Obama volunteers go, well, it’s just too bad for them that the election is over and.. that they are suffering. I wonder if my Mom is suffering somewhere outside in a park or walking down the street. I should check in on her. Maybe, tomorrow.
So, what I was wondering was, was when are you were going to take your politcal blog to a much bigger audience. Have you given this any thought? Just puttin’ it out there so to speak.
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