Well, we certainly did it. We got that man elected, and it is fantastic. We kept the Things up (admittedly, not terribly late here in CA) to watch the truly fabulous speeches after the dust settled.
John McCain's concession speech was touching. I was grateful he hadn't delivered speeches like that throughout the campaign, and a bit sad that he lost by such a great margin. It was one of the few times during the campaign that he seemed comfortable, and I think it was because he wasn't being "handled" to death for once. I will say again, he is and will continue to be a great Senator.
One of my neighbors was an undecided voter, basically until she voted. She never did say who she ended up voting for, and it doesn't matter, because what she did say was so much more what the whole evening was about. She and her husband were watching the returns at a sports bar/restaurant, where the TVs were set to ESPN on one side and various political/news channels elsewhere throughout the room. What struck her was that on one side of the room, there was a dreadlocked and irritated black sports star nattering on about his latest contract, while on the other side of the room the screen showed the elegant and articulate black president-elect delivering his acceptance speech.
As for prop 8. I did my bit voting against it. Already, they're learning what to do next time, how to organize to put it over the top. Next time. Sigh.
John McCain's concession speech was touching. I was grateful he hadn't delivered speeches like that throughout the campaign, and a bit sad that he lost by such a great margin. It was one of the few times during the campaign that he seemed comfortable, and I think it was because he wasn't being "handled" to death for once. I will say again, he is and will continue to be a great Senator.
One of my neighbors was an undecided voter, basically until she voted. She never did say who she ended up voting for, and it doesn't matter, because what she did say was so much more what the whole evening was about. She and her husband were watching the returns at a sports bar/restaurant, where the TVs were set to ESPN on one side and various political/news channels elsewhere throughout the room. What struck her was that on one side of the room, there was a dreadlocked and irritated black sports star nattering on about his latest contract, while on the other side of the room the screen showed the elegant and articulate black president-elect delivering his acceptance speech.
The juxtaposition of images is exhilirating.
The occasion is momentous not only because we have our first African American President, but because every young black man from now on will know that it really is possible for him to be President, and not just an empty sentiment we say over new babies. An eloquent black man who loves his wife, is involved with his family, and has the respect and admiration of billions, will be on constant display as the boss for at least the next four years. Barack Obama is a great example for anyone's boy, and I am grateful that our boys are old enough to pay attention to this. I look forward to seeing how this event plays through the next generation. (Maybe we'll even get pants that fit back! I miss the buns.)As for prop 8. I did my bit voting against it. Already, they're learning what to do next time, how to organize to put it over the top. Next time. Sigh.
But he really isn't black, just his skin. It is a good start, but you know as well as I do that the average black kid won't have the same opportunities to rise above his environment.
The fact that so many white voters voted for a man with black skin gives me hope for the future of this country. I'm watching Jesse Jackson Jr. as the next opportunity for an actual black man to move up the ladder. Do you have and black potential stars you're following?
I don't have any black youngsters off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are lots of them. I'm not sure anybody named Jesse Jackson has much of a chance the Sr. set himself up as more of a caricature/manipulator.