What a momentous day for America and the world. I stood in a packed bar last night and watched with bated breath, hardly daring to believe that Obama might take it. In my heart of hearts I hoped, but didn't want to utter my confidence in him, lest it jinx his chances. Remarkably, and perhaps predictably, he won, making history.
I couldn't help but feel a little pride. I'm not eligible to vote yet, but I experienced the same hope, anxiety and ultimate elation as those supporters in the bar with me. Fellow South Africans, Brendan and Lee-Anne were there and the significance wasn't lost on us: we witnessed the rise of South Africa's first black president and now, 14 years later, were thousands of miles away, watching the acceptance speech of the USA's first African American president elect.
Obama's words brought tears to my eyes. It was the stuff of legend, as powerful as the great orators of the past - King, Kennedy, Churchill. I thought, for the first time, how those great American flags that dotted the 100,000 strong crowd in Chicago, could once again be a symbol of promise, hope and pride. Something to believe in.
People often ask me, as a foreigner, how I find it here. Right now, I must admit that it's a wonderful, exciting country to live in. Sure, it has it's problems and numerous challenges. The next few years could be the hardest any of us have lived through. But who better to unite a country and lead us towards a brighter future.
To new beginnings and daring to dream...
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It was quite the night! A lot of us Canadians watched the election with fingers crossed, hoping for an Obama win. It's fantastic that he won!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, our Canadian election went the opposite way in October. The right wing Conservatives won again. Pretty disheartening. I was working as a photographer for the main opposition party, and we had our hopes dashed.
Still, this Obama win gives me hope that things can change here too. Way to go USA!!!!
I'm sorry to hear about the Canadian election steph. :(
ReplyDeleteThe 4th was an exciting night for most. Unfortunately, I couldn't vote either. :( I am not old enough, but all my hopes were set on Obama. I caught some of the election at the park I work at (the kids were so loud, haha!) and then swiftly rushed home to watch the outcome on channel 11. When it was announced that Obama had won... that was the highlight and happy moment of my miserable day. I could barely move the left half of my body due to a reaction to a flu shot the day before, but it did not stop me from jumping with joy and hugging my dad despite the pain.
I had tears in my eyes during Obama's speech as well. It truly was inspiring to hear him... I really can't put into words how beautiful it truly was. Great things will happen during Obama's presidency, this I am certain. Almost the whole world is delighted at the outcome of the election as well, according to BBC World News. I have lived in the US all of my 17 years of life and this is the first time that I am proud to say that I live here. Perhaps not all of the good qualities are gone from this country after all.
It is a shame that I really didn't have anyone else to share my excitement with. Almost all of my friends and family were voting for McCain (*mouths* "Why?"). I was practically disowned by friends and family this election. Tell you the truth, I was even told "I officially don't like you," today because I was for Obama. I feel so out of place. :( Only one or two of my friends had my ideals this election.
To new beginnings and daring to dream indeed, Gid... cheers.
Thanks for the info on "LMT" by the way Gid. I figured as much. Even small extra casting agencies have info on them, if not a site of their own. My focus really should be on graduating high school this upcoming June and the school musical. That was a temporary problem that was solved quickly.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for the help and advise Gid. (I take that to heart. It is always great to hear from someone who is more knowledgeable than yourself about topics such as "the industry.") I must be off before I go face first into my keyboard... don't want to show up to school tomorrow with letters and squares all over my face. ;)
Bree, I'm sorry you had to deal with so much aggravation because of who you supported in the election. It's sad when people get to the point of taking politics so personally.
ReplyDeleteWe had some total insanity happen just prior to our election. The party (Liberal) that I was working for had to deal with serious attacks against its supporters:
At least 30 houses in Toronto had big red graffiti hate spray painted on the houses, and, worse, breaklines were cut in about 30-40 Liberal supporters' cars. One guy nearly ploughed into a bus. Another woman was leaving to bring her kids to school, and realised that her breaks didn't work. Unreal. It didn't scare us off though, I, along with most others, wore our Liberal badges even more often, and asked for bigger lawn signs!
Not too be to glum though. The hope that this Obama win is bringing out, not just the USA, but globally is fantastic.
Thanks steph and wow that was a scary story. I agree with you though, it really is sad. People get so into party politics that they lose respect for others and quite clearly do things to endanger them. (Cutting break lines just goes a little too far in my opinion.) I would have asked for bigger lawn signs too if I were there. ;) And then have it electrified like someone here in California did. If you want to take my sign... you'd better have trained for it. XD Unfortunately I don't even have a lawn! haha! The disadvantages of living in an apartment.
ReplyDeleteAs for what happened during the election... I am actually quite accustomed to being judged and thought badly against for what I think (sad but true). I am almost completely different from my family when it comes to interests, ideals, and the such. I sometimes wonder how we are related. When it comes to controversial issues, like religion or politics especially, I have just learned to keep quite unless asked. XP
It is really ashame that some people (McCain supporters) are not even giving Obama a chance. I heard that a group of people are trying to say that Obama is not a US citizen, that he was born in Indonesia I believe they said. I don't remember details, but it was something along those lines. I kind of faded out the rest... my mind was stuck on the fact that people are saying that he isn't a US citizen. My father was telling me the rest but my mind just went off on it's own. "If he was not a US citizen. Do you really think the Democratic party would have put him up as a candidate?" I asked myself. After all I would figure that it would be the first thing on their list to check. "Is this man a US citizen? Was he born in the US?" Come on people. Let's use our brains, what little you may have. *sighs and rolls eyes*