To the people I love and value most in the world…
I was just listening to stories from the road; regular Americans talking about what this election, this historic event means to them. Many referred to parents, grandparents, struggle and surprise. Other talked about children and grand children to come, a day to remember and talk about and keep alive. One woman said she felt blessed, because she could share the…energy, the excitement, the passion (on both sides) with her children years from now. But right at this moment, I’m wondering what you all think. Tell me. Here are a few of my thoughts….
§ I’m happy… that my two boys were able to participate, directly. And that their first voting experience in a national election was one of real significance.
§ I’m proud… of my wife, doing her part, driving voters to the voting places yesterday. One of her ‘clients’ was a former neighbor of ours on Robbins Drive, an old lady who could not see well enough to read the ballot. This was one of those…”ask not what your country can do for you..” moments.
§ I’m apprehensive…about the tremendous array of challenges that will face Obama and Biden and all other elected officials, and whether they can bring about real change.
§ I’m excited…about the rebirth of passion for the political process, and the sense that ‘we’re all in this together, and we all need to continue to stay involved. We can’t stay on the sidelines as spectators, but must be part of the change.
§ I’m challenged….by a quote from Gandhi years ago, when he said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This is something that Dad would embrace, something that he worked towards, by filling his station wagon and driving leftover food to needy organizations around
§ I’m impressed, that McCain became human again (not my words; stole them from a commentator on Public Radio this afternoon…) and was eloquent himself in his conciliatory speech. If he spoke like that throughout the campaign, might be a different story today.
§ I’m proud…to be an American. OK, it’s a hokey country song, but Lisa and I were moved to see the democratic process in action.
Love to you all,
Scott
“I know you didn’t do this just to win an election, or just for me. We know the challenges of tomorrow are the greatest of our lifetime… The road ahead will be long, the climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even in one term. But, my fellow Americans, we will get there. I promise you…we will get there.”
Barack Obama *
President Elect
* Add these names to your dictionary… they will be around.
