Something New
I have experienced taking in historical moments before-- the death of someone important, acts of terrorism and war -- significant, but horrible history. Wednesday, as I sat watching the coverage of Obama's victory, I experienced something new -- profound hope for the human race.
I thought this must be what it was like in 60's when real change was happening and people felt personal power could actually be used to effect the world in a positive way. Here we are again, with a leader capable of motivating the masses -- he's just a man, a politician, but wow.
When you look at the big picture and the world with it's wheels falling off, prior to Tuesday night, the cynic in me kept things fairly reserved -- I hoped for the best, but couldn't see how humanity could pull it off no matter who was in charge of the United States.
I really wasn't thinking Obama could change all that much even if he were elected, but now that he has been and watching the world react -- drastic change feels possible.
Can you imagine, one day you are just a man and the next you are someone who has profoundly changed history before you have even set a single foot in office. All eyes on one man. So many people ready to follow his lead.
I've always lived in a world where too much power for one man has been a creepy deal -- I've never experienced this possibility of real and positive change. Even as Obama campaigned on the idea of change, it was, yeah, yeah -- don't they all promise change. Even as it was refreshing to hear intelligent, thoughtful words coming out of a politicians mouth -- I kept the lid on my hopefulness.
Who knows what will happen, but in these moments where so many people have been lifted from their apathy and really seem motivated -- it's the coolest thing. I've always lived trying not think about how I am at the mercy of foolish people who are blinded by greed or fear -- people who make greedy or fearful policies that seem to have nothing to do with the good of humanity at all. I've wanted to believe the world can change and I do my part where I can, but the big picture has been bleak.
We are still at the mercy of our leaders, but doesn't it seem different? The air is ripe with real possibility -- what's that word?
Hope.
Watching one person be so inspirational and seeing his message get bigger than he is -- it's crazy in a good way.
"I urge all Americans to join me in not just congratulating him, but in offering our next president our goodwill and encouragement in finding ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises to settle our differences, to help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world and leave our children and grandchildren in a stronger better country than we inherited." -- John McCain
Wasn't that the best concession speech ever? (save for the booing). Civility abounding -- loved it.
"Godspeed" indeed, and dicernment to you President-Elect Obama.
I thought this must be what it was like in 60's when real change was happening and people felt personal power could actually be used to effect the world in a positive way. Here we are again, with a leader capable of motivating the masses -- he's just a man, a politician, but wow.
When you look at the big picture and the world with it's wheels falling off, prior to Tuesday night, the cynic in me kept things fairly reserved -- I hoped for the best, but couldn't see how humanity could pull it off no matter who was in charge of the United States.
I really wasn't thinking Obama could change all that much even if he were elected, but now that he has been and watching the world react -- drastic change feels possible.
Can you imagine, one day you are just a man and the next you are someone who has profoundly changed history before you have even set a single foot in office. All eyes on one man. So many people ready to follow his lead.
I've always lived in a world where too much power for one man has been a creepy deal -- I've never experienced this possibility of real and positive change. Even as Obama campaigned on the idea of change, it was, yeah, yeah -- don't they all promise change. Even as it was refreshing to hear intelligent, thoughtful words coming out of a politicians mouth -- I kept the lid on my hopefulness.
Who knows what will happen, but in these moments where so many people have been lifted from their apathy and really seem motivated -- it's the coolest thing. I've always lived trying not think about how I am at the mercy of foolish people who are blinded by greed or fear -- people who make greedy or fearful policies that seem to have nothing to do with the good of humanity at all. I've wanted to believe the world can change and I do my part where I can, but the big picture has been bleak.
We are still at the mercy of our leaders, but doesn't it seem different? The air is ripe with real possibility -- what's that word?
Hope.
Watching one person be so inspirational and seeing his message get bigger than he is -- it's crazy in a good way.
"I urge all Americans to join me in not just congratulating him, but in offering our next president our goodwill and encouragement in finding ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises to settle our differences, to help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world and leave our children and grandchildren in a stronger better country than we inherited." -- John McCain
Wasn't that the best concession speech ever? (save for the booing). Civility abounding -- loved it.
"Godspeed" indeed, and dicernment to you President-Elect Obama.
Labels: kids, my brain will not allow me to be totally serious thus -- flash gordon soundtrack keeps popping in "...nothin' but a man...king of the impossible..."
posted by kim at
10:43 AM
10 Comments:
Fantastic Post Kim! Very well said.
it really WAS a good speech from McCain...but the booing? bad sports.
and it all comes down to hope....I wasn't alive to experience Kennedy, but it must have been like this. I'm so excited!!
We can all learn something from this election and the winner. Like you said "HOPE". After such dismal reigns he has grabbed maybe just maybe we can wait for a change for the better, stop trudging through life and look to our new leader, and hear our own voice as a country united with a new outlook.
flash! ahaaahhhhhhhh savior of the universe!!
flash!! ahaaaaahhhh!! he'll save everyone of us!
thanks. now i'll be singing that all day!!
great post btw!
I met Obama once. Way back when he was running for the senate. I was with the wife watching her neices at a forth of july parade. He was with two guys who were carrying a banner with "Obama for Senate" in large blue letters. I thought, who the hell? is he black, white, puerto rican? Obama, Osama?
He walked over to us shook our hands and said "Hi I'm Barack Obama, I'm running for senate." I wished him luck and he walked off. I turned to my wife and said "And that's the last we'll see of that guy."
Then on tuesday I help vote him into the white house. Funny how things work out isin't it?
tooth fairey -- What? He touched you?!
You have been anointed -- you must go, find the golden tooth of truth -- it is your destiny.
Are you kidding? I may get out of the tooth buisness altogether. I'm vying to be ambassador to Amsterdam. I mean I wished the guy luck fer crissakes, that alone should put me in front of the line right?!?
Yeah, you're right -- he spoke to you too, told you his name aaand what he was doing --that's write your own ticket territory for sure.
Keep it real with those Amsterdamians -- it's touchy with those folk -- do us proud.
I'll try. Oh who am I kidding, I'm going to be neck deep in space cakes and porn. Dankeuviel Obama!
Well said, Kim. Until this election most young people I knew wanted nothing to do with politics, and everyone else was jaded and depressed at the state of the world, and horrified at the America that emerged during the Bush years.
It's good to see hope around again, and yes, McCain's concession speech was admirable. I'll never understand why his party took the low road on this campaign; the craziness must have alienated a lot of people.
I've never seen anything like this. The entire world galvanized... Amazing. Truly amazing.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home