(Image Source: Men's Vogue)I have learned a lot during this election about the political beliefs of the people I know and about my own beliefs about an individual's level of engagement in politics. I know educated people that did not vote for Obama because they believed he is Muslim or because of the color of his skin. I know people who wanted Hilary to win the nomination and decided not to vote in an election where they felt they would have to choose between the lesser of two evils. What bothers me about this is not just that they didn't vote, but that they are new parents. If you aren't taking an interest for your generation then why not engage in the process for your kid's generation? And I know someone in my extended family who is my age who was too lazy to drive the 25 miles to vote, and yet went to the rally in Grant Park. I've learned that I believe that voting is a very important right that we cannot take for granted and that when people do take it for granted it really bothers me. I've learned that I want to be around people that are engaged in the process and don't just pay it lip service or are completely apathetic.
I feel a lot of things about Obama's win. I'm nervous about him living up to all the media hype. I'm concerned that Americans won't have the patience and foresight to make the sacrifices and meet the challenges that getting this country back on track will require. I'm a little scared about the fanatics in this country that will do anything to not have a black man in office. I'm worried that the faction of this country that always feels overlooked (like the big Palin supporters) did not hear Obama's request to them in his victory speech to come together and work towards a common good and that divisiveness will continue and become more entrenched. I hope Obama does not lose his steady hand or as Tavis Smiley said "his soul" in office.
I also feel hopeful and excited by Obama and his team's ability to start a grassroots movement to capture this race. People can say what they like about his experience, but no one can deny how well he ran his campaign. Having Obama in office automatically raises the level at which politics is played. This isn't just a victory for the Black community as the media kept saying Tuesday night; this is a victory for all people, regardless of race. Having Obama as President will raise the level of discourse. I just hope that Washington is ready to operate at that standard.
I feel a lot of things about Obama's win. I'm nervous about him living up to all the media hype. I'm concerned that Americans won't have the patience and foresight to make the sacrifices and meet the challenges that getting this country back on track will require. I'm a little scared about the fanatics in this country that will do anything to not have a black man in office. I'm worried that the faction of this country that always feels overlooked (like the big Palin supporters) did not hear Obama's request to them in his victory speech to come together and work towards a common good and that divisiveness will continue and become more entrenched. I hope Obama does not lose his steady hand or as Tavis Smiley said "his soul" in office.
I also feel hopeful and excited by Obama and his team's ability to start a grassroots movement to capture this race. People can say what they like about his experience, but no one can deny how well he ran his campaign. Having Obama in office automatically raises the level at which politics is played. This isn't just a victory for the Black community as the media kept saying Tuesday night; this is a victory for all people, regardless of race. Having Obama as President will raise the level of discourse. I just hope that Washington is ready to operate at that standard.
3 comments:
Similar things bother me and worry about similar stuff. Let's hope for the best and be patient.
Very well said.
It's taken a long time for our country to get this far. We've come along way in some areas and others not so much at all.
A new process began with the running and election of Obama and hopefully people will stick with it and stay engaged. It's great that so many younger people got involved.
I, too, know friends/family/bloggers who are completely against him, probably hoping he'll fail just to say something negative. After 8 years of the worst president I've even known, people have become mean, maybe they don't realize it. I know I was for awhile. Just seeing his face made me annoyed, knowing how much he contributed to the problems we have.
In a way, a weird way, maybe Bush was a necessary evil. Because of him, we've been given Obama.
So the hope is renewed now and I'm going to hang on to it and believe we can be better.
Sorry for rambling on. I'm still excited about the election!
I have heard some of the most racist, and ignorant remarks, during this election.
During this time I would listen and think, my god these people are raising kids. Kids, who are listening to their every word, and learning to grow, from these parents of theirs.
I am glad the election is over, and I am over the moon that Obama won.
The division that this election caused, I will not forget easily. The (negative) republican rallies, will not be erased from my memory, any time soon.
It is history, that's for sure.
I look forward to this country to begin healing but I know that a lot of he healing needs to begin in our homes.
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