election reflection

Last night was great. Unexpectedly moving, funny, sobering, slightly drunken, sweet. At my house friends came to eat hotdogs, drink 'nutty bitches', eat dessert and watch the returns. When it was announced at 11pm that Obama had clearly won, we all cheered and were happy. As the reality of the moment set in, we became somber and thoughtful. By the time we saw the thousands of people in Grant Park, we were tearful. Obama's speech topped it off.

I like politics and my parents were always interested in politics, so I've sat through conventions and election returns all of my life. I even have a great picture of my mother dressed up as Lady Bird Johnson (whom she resembled) in the 60's for a part she played in a local play. I was jubilant when Clinton won, I was dejected and unbelieving when Reagan won, I took Carter's victory for granted as my right as a first time voter, and I was angry at W's stolen election, but none of those elections moved me like the one last night. I didn't anticipate the effect it would have on me and so many others. I completely underestimated the importance of Obama being ELECTED by a clear majority of voters. And despite a little bit of gloating, there's a tinge of sadness that H. Clinton wasn't up there, or another woman. Part of me feels that there's more women than black men and that it was OUR turn first, but then I think that maybe this is how it has felt to many black Americans for years...hopeful and a little disappointed at the same time. Hopeful that just maybe this person will be able to make some important changes and disappointed that those changes won't come faster and won't be in all the areas that need to be changed.

But mostly, I'm proud that we did it and satisfied that this is right.

Obama and the rest of the country now have a lot to live up to. For people of color there are no more excuses. A poor black man became President, so can you. For rednecks and racists, get over it or move. For his supporters, hunker down, it's not going to be a walk in the park.

And I'm really glad I don't have to look at McCain and Palin for the next four years.