11/4/08

Yes We Can.

Cousin Griffin and Mimi, the Under 5 Constituency, both for Obama.

Dear Mimi and Jude Jude,
The world changed today. Today was the most important political moment of my lifetime thus far. You were there to share it with me. Your family voted for the first black family to occupy the White House, and because of that your life will be different than ours in marked ways. Racism hasn't ended, but the dream has come alive in the most visible, highest office in the world. Before this day, when children were told they could be anything they wanted to be when they grow up it was just a hope. After today there is living proof that no boundary is unbreakable.


At the Polling Place

The people you see on TV will be different than the people I've seen. The expectations of the disenfranchised will be higher, for better or worse. The bar has been raised, babies. If a long shot single-parent raised black man can be the most powerful man in the world, you, who have more privileges based on your birthright alone, can achieve whatever your little hearts desire.

I loved when Obama brought Marian Robinson (Michelle's mother) and Biden brought his mother out to the front of the stage. I hope some day I'll be able to watch you in your finest moments, to bask in your accomplishments in whatsoever field they may be.

Dx and I did not vote for either candidate in 2004, and one of many reasons motivating our leaving the country was the political climate. While in Europe, I often felt embarrassed by our President and the mismanaged war. The last time I believed in a candidate was in the 2000 primaries, when I voted for McCain who lost. In the eight years since, I've become disinterested in politics, feeling that my vote didn't count. Obama is the first candidate that gave us hope for a better world reputation, a government with less dependency on oil, solutions to the healthcare problems and other issues that particularly concern us. Obama has renewed a positive political feeling for us as voters, and his election really does give me hope that America will be better during your lifetime.
This world can be very bleak. Your religion teaches that things are going to get worse before they get better and that can be very depressing. Today, however, I am renewed with hope that God really is watching over this nation and that the national community will be a more positive place for you, my little brown kids, to grow up.
I have you in mind on this historic day.
Love,
Your Mama





Three Generations. Pam doesn't like Obama's ears and thus did not vote for him.







P.S., Ahem, I TOLD YOU SO!! I called this sucker 10/18/2007.
I was right.

8 comments:

Sally said...

Beautiful post. And I love the Shakespeare quote of the day.

Nortorious said...

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything."

Yesterday's was "The Devil can cite scripture for his purpose."

Lauren in GA said...

Oh, good...I tried to leave a comment yesterday but it wouldn't let me...

I can't remember what I was gonna say, now...

Oh, yeah...I love how this is written to your children. I love how you said that you hope you will be able to see your children bask in their accomplishments, "whatsoever field they may be". I love how your post about politics was focused on wanting a better future for your children.

miss aubrey said...

I love this post. It was a moving and important day. I also love mimi's outfit.

Phil says 'bama needs to get his ears pinned.

Hazen5 said...

It was so good of you to take Mimi to vote with you, what a great example you are!!! Love the letter to your kids.

Alex said...

Nor, don't laugh but your post totally made me cry. Maybe I should be calling to tell you this. But, you're the only member of the church that feels the same way I do about lots of political stuff and I am so glad I have you. I get lonely up here amidst the sea of gun totting Nevada Republicans who I love and go to church with, but you know what I mean. With you, I don't feel like odd gal out. Glad we're friends.

Anonymous said...

Mimi is so cute with her cousin and all. Go Obama and god bless the USA!!!

Unknown said...

Very lovely post. Who knew the "Under-5 constituency" had so much pull?