Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Proud to be an American!



I sent the kids off to school this morning with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart. How do you explain to a 9-year-old the impact of this election? Should you? Or should the kids just know that the best man won and America will continue to grow stronger, without any mention of race? That's what I dream of for my children-- that they will never give a second glance to skin color or background. That America's diversity and equality are precisely what makes us strong and good.

"What do you say? We are growing up!"
~Maya Angelou on CBS's The Early Show, November 5, 2008

11 comments:

Sarah Hina said...

I think it's impossible to explain to our children. Just like it would be impossible for us to imagine how Maya Angelou feels today. Maybe that's the healthiest sign of growth and the most wonderful realization of hope imaginable. Evolution of the human condition can occur in a matter of generations.

I feel the same as you today, Aine. The hard work and choices are still ahead of us as a nation, but we chose to be led forward by reason, and not dragged backward in fear.

Yes, we can! :)

K.Lawson Gilbert said...

What a proud day for our country. I think Maya is right - we are growing up, at long last! :)

Aine said...

Sarah~ Well said!! Thank you!

Kaye~ Yes-- finally! I hope to see the day that no mention of race or gender can be found anywhere. Only acknowledgement of skills and achievement.

SzélsőFa said...

I'm glad the outcome suits your imagination of the best possible future of your country.

Anonymous said...

My son (who is 12) actually said :'I never thought I would see this in my lifetime.' He cried when Obama won (and we live in Australia). I am still elated!

Vesper said...

This is a huge moment, Aine. I'm glad for you and for the rest of us...
I pray he will live up to all this hope.

Aine said...

Szelsofa~ Yes, we are hopeful. The best outcome of the choices we were given. Sometimes that's all we can ask for.

Selma~ I am so happy that, as humans, we are all moving toward unity and tolerance. I am so thankful for the global connection that the internet provides. That your son recognizes the significance makes me even more hopeful-- maybe our children's generation will finally get it right!

Vesper~ Me too! I feel for him though-- the pressure is enormous and he is only human after all. I hope that he is successful in gathering competent, wise people to surround him.

Geraldine said...

I think the best man won and the race aspect should be downplayed. Unfortunately for some people, this is not the outcome that they expected or wanted and I fear for Barack Obama's safety, for this reason. So sad to read that there have already been threats to his life.

He is a brave, compassionate man and I hope that he has a long, successful and happy term(s) as president.

www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

PS: I LOVE that song!

Geraldine said...

I think the best man won and the race aspect should be downplayed. Unfortunately for some people, this is not the outcome that they expected or wanted and I fear for Barack Obama's safety, for this reason. So sad to read that there have already been threats to his life.

He is a brave, compassionate man and I hope that he has a long, successful and happy term(s) as president.

www.mypoeticpath.wordpress.com

PS: I LOVE that song!

Aine said...

Geraldine~ A blogger echo! :)

Thanks! And, I agree with you-- I fear for his safety more than any other president in recent history. And the fact that he has a young family makes me even more concerned. I am hopeful that he will receive the protection necessary.

Geraldine said...

PS: My comment didn't show up the first time and now it's here, times two.

Is there ever enough protection when the evil forces are so determined? An awful thought to consider.

Hugs, G