I went to vote early last week still not really sold on either of the two major candidates. I still felt undecided even after I had voted. After watching the historic moment last night, I was surprised by how happy and proud I felt for my country. Historically speaking, this is truly an amazing and great moment in our American story. To think how far we have come since slaves worked to build the White House, through the Civil War, through the Civil Rights Movement and Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspirational "I Have A Dream" speech, to Lyndon Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights legislation and the Voting Rights Act, and now to electing Barack Obama as President of the United States--it's quite a story to proud of, no matter who you voted for in this election.
I'm pleasantly surprised at my renewed sense of optimism in the last 24 hours. And I'm so pleased by my satisfaction for so many millions of Americans who perhaps have felt disenfranchised and who now feel such happiness and hope because of this. I sincerely hope that President-elect Obama can capitalize on this newly generated worldwide goodwill and do great things for our country. I sincerely hope he turns out to be a truly great President. We certainly need one. There's no doubt that he has some incredible attributes; I hope he's up to the task for some incredibly hard challenges ahead. He'll need our prayers. I wish my new President the best. I don't know how long it will be before Americans get back to bickering like they so often do, but at this historic moment in our nations history I just want to publicly state that I am so proud to be an American.
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11 comments:
Ditto!
I was all ready to leave a comment saying, "Ditto", but Sally beat me to the punch. So how about I say:
AMEN!
Great post, Spencer.
It was certainly a rousing speech that he made. I'm very excited for the US; this is a historical landmark.
And it's great to read an encouraging post =)
Well said Spencer.
Obama has promised that his first act as President will be to sign the Freedom of Choice act, which will essentially eliminate all restrictions on abortions, including partial birth abortions, and parental notification.
Sorry. I don't share your enthusiasm. I feel a great sadness for the additional slaughter that will take place as a result of his actions.
Spence -I enjoy your comments and enthusiasm and glad you are able to feel that way, but I'm probably more in Ms. Green's camp after reading the Princeton Professor,Robert George's comments on abortion and Obama. I hope my feelings will change as he begins his Pres.
I'm not saying in this post that I support everything about Obama. I do find some admirable qualities, but there is much to disagree with him concerning policy. Abortion is certainly one of them.
My excitement and pride expressed in this post was at the progress America has made to allow a person of color to rise to the presidency. I think that is something all Americans should be very proud of. I think it's a great story, and as a historian I decided to take a moment to articulate my thoughts and feelings after having witnessed that moment. I'm also excited about a fresh start that comes with a new administration and I'm optimistic about the future.
As for the Freedom of Choice act, I sincerely hope that enough of us can call our Congressmen and women to express our discontent over overturning the partial birth abortion ban. I also hope that with the other major challenges facing our country, this bill will fall from a position of priority. I don't have much hope that Roe v. Wade will ever be overturned, unfortunately. Even if it was, abortions would most likely continue to take place, although illegally, and probably at greater and more dangerous risks medically. Nevertheless I will ALWAYS oppose abortion--except in very rare circumstances--but never at personal convenience. It's morally wrong. As President Hinckley once said: "Abortion is an ugly thing, a debasing thing, a thing which inevitably brings remorse and sorrow and regret." I wish more people could see this perspective.
I just happened to be in Washington D.C. and was there inside the Capitol the very day the House of Representatives voted on the Partial Birth Abortion Ban. I watched members debate and give vigorous speeches concerning the Partial Birth Abortion bill. I very was encouraged that it passed. I had cringed at the descriptions of how each murder was carried out during these late term abortions. I don't understand how anyone could feel right about that. It is truly sad if Obama supports this--I hope and pray he can change his mind.
I also have hope that he's wise enough to govern as a centrist, be a President for all Americans, as he said he'd be, and to and make us proud.
At the same time, I'm also going to hold out hope that Mitt Romney will run for president again. I have no doubt about that he would be a truly great and fantastic president. If only America would give him a fair chance he would truly make our country proud.
No offense, CC, but Mitt Romney doesn't stand for Mormon values. He's a fake.
Mitt's Real Record
Actually, my cousin was his National Finance Director. Mitt's the real deal.
I really liked Mitt Romney. I am aware of his record as governor of Massachusettes. I don’t agree with some of the positions he took when he was running for governor but I think rising to governor as a rpublican in the the most liberal state of the union could not be done without some political sacrifices.
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