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Natalie C. Rodic - My Blog
Natalie C. Rodic - My Blog
YES WE DID!!
Related to country: United States

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Preface: At this moment in time, I have so much work to do and I need to write a Report with a ferocious focus but I simply can't begin until I have written some words on this momentous occasion.

VICTORY!

Barack Obama won the American presidential race in a landslide last night with many sighs of relief from supporters and booos and hisses from the opponents. But the American people have spoken, and for the first time in eight years the majority has made the right decision.

I have never felt a sense of solidarity or pride in this country where I was born and raised. But I feel it today. There is some new electrical charge in the air encapsulating hope and optimism for a brighter future. But it is also a sense of pride tinged with humility.

I wish I would have taken notes on the speeches that both candidates gave last night but finding myself in such a daze, I wasn't able to take my eyes off the candidates as they spoke (except to write a congratualtory text message to everyone I know!). But a few impressions stuck with me and don't consider this to be anything other than my own interpretation and personal take-aways:

First of all, I have to commend John McCain who proved his integrity and humanity last night when he urged his supporters, some of whom are ruthless racist biggots and many of whom are not, to accept and support Obama moving forward. He quickly discouraged negative outcries and literally asked people to lay down their differences. It was crucial for McCain to do so in a country where many people were not reluctant to admit they would not vote for Obama because of the color of his skin. He essentially called for his supporters to move forward into a new era with the president elect and adapt to a changing world. He shone through the defeat with a grace and a message that many Republicans would never be able to achieve.

And as for Barack - he was absolutely pragmatic and inspirational all in one moment. He said its not about him but rather us. Its about the American people as well as the global community, those on both sides of the digital divide. What stands out the most is his mention of finding security through peaceful means, as well as his call for us all to be of service. His belief is that individual liberty can prevail when we take care of one another and make that our focus. No American president has called for altruism as a means in itself in my lifetime and that is one amongst many traits that sets Obama apart from other leaders of our country. JFK said it as wel,l but after him the focus shifted. And that shift has led us into the economic crisis as well as our deteriorated reputation in the global community.

Inshallah Barack Obama will be strong enough to stand up against the forces of corruption and a very powerful machine in Washington DC that few of us will ever have access to understand. And in shallah, Barack Obama will be shielded from forces that few of us wish to understand, the leftovers of a dark past of slavery and racism that despite what John McCain claims has not yet been fully confronted.

But he's going to need help. It is going to take much effort from the people, cooperation between all sectors, and insight into each of ourselves. There are many paths to achieve this and that diversity must be respected. Change has got to come from within and compassion must prevail.




November 5, 2008 | 12:57 PM Comments  0 comments

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