Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Yipeee!

We did something yesterday that I thought was nearly impossible. We elected an educated and eloquent black man to the presidency. I am so proud. Really, I am busting with pride.

I come from racist people - very racist people. When I was a child, even watching the Cosby Show was frowned upon in our house. My grandfather would call us "nigger lovers" as he turned the TV off. I am sure that my grandfather is rolling over in his grave today. But me? I am happy as a clam.

Although I am genuinely delighted that Obama is the new president-elect, I am still worried. Perhaps my fears are unwarranted, but I worry that some ignorant person will turn my pride and happiness into sadness and despair.

But I am choosing to believe in America today. Is it January 20th yet?

19 comments:

Danielle said...

I am so happy!!!! I had doubts and I guess I didn't have enough faith in Americans. I think this says a lot!

Antropóloga said...

I worry for Obama, too. But he's up to it all. Very happy today. TIRED though.

Laura Marchant said...

That is one of my fears now. I think he is the JFK for our generation because of the way he inspires people and gets people motivated.

Melissa said...

Happy day indeed!

But now I hope that people don't expect him to be St. Obama and fix everything with a sanp of the fingers. This is going to be a long row...

dani said...

i am truly happy for you, christy:) however, i am very guarded for our country, and it has nothing to do with racism. although we grew up in the same state none of my family were racist.
my sense of guardedness has to do with concerns of inexperience and a major concern that we know very little about obama. i would have gladly voted for colin powell.
that being said, what's done is done, and i hope that barack obama will take our country forward and will pleasantly surprise this ney sayer:)
love,
dani

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I think either candidate would be walking into a very difficult presidency. Something my mother said about Obama yesterday really struck me though. She admired him for being so unflappable. I don't even know that I spelled that correctly since I've never actually typed the word, but that word has given me a lot of comfort. He has a hard road ahead of him, and he'll be hit with a lot of criticizm along the way. But this basic characteristic, "unflappable," will be the foundation for the strong leadership this country needs.

Anonymous said...

My grandparents were a bunch of bigots too.
Luckily, my parents more open-minded (not much, but we weren't raised to hate people based on the color of their skin)I grew up in a mixed neighborhood and I have a few very close black friends.

While I know that he won't be able to deliver everything he promised,I wish him all the luck in the world and I sincerely hope that he can help to lead us out of the turmoil the country is in right now.

YES!!Midwest Mommy! I think that is exactly how he's being portrayed: The second coming of JFK.

amanda said...

can i just say ditto.

:)

Anonymous said...

Oh I wish he could just move into the White House now!!!

I know what its like to have racists in the family.....I wonder how our family reunion will go at Christmas this year...should be interesting!

Hopefully you get peaceful sleep tonight! ;)

nicole said...

i admire your honesty and can totally relate to your past. we have made a huge step today!

Dana said...

all i know is that i am happy we are getting a change from our current president!! I didn't really like either one, but I am content with the decision... I have to be right? LOL...

Amanda said...

I just hope that there can be some changes now ~ for the better :)

Lisa said...

I literally had tears streaming down my face when MSNBC announced Barack Obama as the 44th President. I stayed up to watch his accpetance speech and wished I was in Chicago to witness history being made first hand.

Chris said...

yes! I had a very similar upbringing and it's great to see our country can do that!

Mary said...

I don't think Jan 20th can come soon enough!

Anonymous said...

Yesterday was such a freaking fabulous day.

Just Jiff said...

I voted for Obama, too, because although I'm generally a Republican I'm very saddened at the state of our country right now. I've always thought of the president as a spokesman for the country because he alone cannot change a whole lot; however, I hope he or Congress or whoever makes some radical changes for the better. This country is falling apart and I don't want our kids growing up in it the way it is.

Rachel said...

I have stayed in the center. I think obama is a great guy but I also know that he has a lot of work. I also know that the economy rich or poor, is in a bad place. I just know anything is better than George W.

Nellie said...

I am SO happy too! Can't wait until January!!