November 5, 2008
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Today I Cried…
Let me preface this blog… by saying… this is something that I handwrote while I cried. It’s not for you, it’s not for your judgement, it’s not for your comments. *However, you are welcome to comment if you would like.* It’s personal. It is for me. I merged two blogs into this one…
I cried today. I cried for Barack Obama. I cried for grandmothers and grandfathers. I cried for myself. I cried for Black people or African Americans. I cried for history. Today I sat on the couch and I cried. And I didn’t fully understand why the tears began or where they came from… but as they shed, it was revealed to me.
I cried for Barack Obama because I understand the loss of a grandmother.
My grandmother passed away in 2004 and to this day, I miss her very much. As he stood at the podium and paid homage to his own grandmother… “She was the cornerstone of our family and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility… a quiet hero”… I couldn’t contain the tears that flowed at the memory of my own. My grandmother was a servant of many, a homemaker, a seamstress, a nurse to her children and her children’s children, a friend, an advice-giver, a soul-food cooking chef, a lender (*and my grandmother was not WEALTHY, but she always had a stash… so maybe she was wealthy in her own right). My grandmother was someone I aspired to be and still do. She was a loving wife, a master mother, and a strong sister. She cared for her family, friends, and even her enemies (though few). My grandmother. I cried as he cried today for his grandmother. Because I understood the love he felt for her, that love that moved him to tears even while he spoke to the adoring crowd. Those tears that trickled his face… trickled down mine as well. So I cried for him. Because I have the luxury to cry in private. I have no crowd waiting for me to speak. I have no flights scheduled for me as I journey across the states to scrounge up the last voters I can. I have no eyes upon me. I have no audience waiting for me to make a mistake. But he does. And he’s still going. He’s resilient. He’s brave. He’s educated. He’s hopeful. He’s proud. And he should be. He is apart of history. (Imagine that. History.)I cried for myself because I did my part. I voted. I picked a side. I believed in the choice I made. I believe in my candidate. I’m not Republican, I’m not a Democrat. I pick who moves me, which candidate’s policies I believe in… I picked. Can you say the same? I pick who I want to win and who I believe will lead America in the direction I believe America should be going. I voted. I waited my turn and was happy to wait in line. For my turn to stand at the ballot and choose for myself. I didn’t want anyone choosing for me. I chose. Did you? Because I don’t want to hear comments/gripes/statements of any sort from someone who disagrees with the Presidential nominee who wins and you didn’t even vote. Don’t attempt to vote. Don’t try to get there. DO IT. Period. DO IT. I cried because I did it. And I’m so wonderfully happy that I did.
I cried for grandmothers and grandfathers who are no longer here to see this day. As powerful a time this is. I don’t see how anyone cannot vote. Imagine the countries where people don’t even have the option to vote. Imagine the time when WOMEN couldn’t dare vote. Imagine the day… when black people gave their lives for the OPTION. Now look at today. Women and black people are voting. They are planning to vote. They are excited to wait in line for hours… all day in places… just to get the chance to vote. My grandmothers and grandfathers are not here to see this day. They have all passed and went to a better place. But imagine the look on their faces to see this day. Imagine how proud they would be to see so many people wanting to vote and waiting to vote and VOTING?!?! I cried for them because I am here and I did my part. I cried for them because I simply miss them. And I would love to be able to come home and say “I voted Granny/Mu’deah/Grandpas.” But I can’t so I cried because I couldn’t. I cried for grandmothers and grandfathers all over the world who are no longer here. Simply because they are still loved.
I cried for Black people… because so many of us aren’t even acknowledging the history of this Election. “1. The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. February 26, 1869.” Think about the people who were injured or lost their lives just to add that line to the constitution (and even when it was added, there was always intimidating ways to keep black people from doing so). I cried for those of us that won’t even vote… simply because “they don’t want to… their vote won’t matter”. The single act of being able to vote is taken for granted by so many. There are people on probation wishing they could vote… and some of us don’t vote still. How many celebrities will it take to say something to us? How many family members have to drag us out to get registered and pick us up to make sure our vote counts? How easy it must be to be so careless. How hard it must be to realize you mattered… too late. I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to be apart of this. Why you wouldn’t want to even have a say. No matter how you voted. Why wouldn’t you want to vote… SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU COULD!? Because history was built on moments like this. Because history will continue to be built on moments like this. And I don’t want to be a ranting woman… but… Don’t you want to be apart of what could be history? Don’t you want to have a say in what happens to your life for the next 4 years? Don’t you want to be apart of the continuance of history that people died for? What’s wrong with people like this.
Today I cried.
OBAMA WON THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION!!!
“I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor’s lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.I have a dream today.”
“And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. ” - MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.
We’re on our way Martin. On our way. No we are not there completely… but we are on our way. And I thank you for seeing the dream. I thank you for letting it be known that the dream would come true. I have seen it for you. I have seen it with your children. I have seen it with my parents and family. I have seen that dream come true in front of my eyes. And as the tears flow… it’s not simply for tonight. My tears are for history. My tears are for dreams. My tears are for the moments that register. And if you cannot look at the history made tonight… and feel something…. then… I feel sorry for you. I wish you could feel what I feel. So much was lost for this dream, for this possibility. And if you feel nothing… I cry for you too.
I look forward to telling my children about this historic event. This event I NEVER IMAGINED WOULD HAPPEN IN MY TIME… and I am 26 yrs old!!!! I’m young. And I never thought it would happen IN MY TIME!?!? Look at the world we live in. Look at it for what it is. And recognize the history. Recognize the future that will come. Recognize… Open your eyes and see history. And be proud that you were apart of it. Be proud that you were here. Be proud that you didn’t have to give up anything to see it come true while you were on this earth.
We’re on our way Malcolm, on our way Rosa, on our way Medgar. We’re on our way… for all who gave their life for moments like this. Our president is a black man. History. And I am utterly happy. I am truly elated. I can’t stop the tears. I can’t stop the emotions. And I know when he speaks… I will tremble. I will feel his words in the pit of my soul. And I am here. I never thought. I never thought. I NEVER thought. And it is here. And I respect McCain for his words, although I don’t respect his audience. I respect McCain for giving a well-written speech. America is beautiful. America is growing. America is learning. America is evolving. And I am apart of it, just like you are. And that means something to me. I cry for you… because even if you don’t feel it. I do. I feel it for you. So let my tears become your own. Let my tears pour for you. Imagine them. Let them be your own. I am simply proud to be an American today. And there were moments when I thought America was beginning to fail me, still failing my people. And this. Is hope. HOPE. One simple man… created such hope… Yes we can.
If you feel nothing… It’s okay. I cried for you too.
Comments (257)
Very moving.
Beautiful post. 5 stars from me.
This is beautiful. VERY heartfelt, and something that I think most people (no matter their background or political affiliation) can relate to. He is a PERSON. A PERSON who just lost a woman that is very important and special to him. The day before history is going to be made.
A friend of mine who isn’t voting got after me and begged me to not vote for Obama because he’s a *muslim,* and was lying to us about his name. Let me ask her something… if he’s a muslim (and has a very ethnic name), why would he want to hide a more *normal* name? It doesn’t make sense. I found myself getting heated with her because if you’re not going to make the effort to vote, then your opinion doesn’t matter. At least not to me.
I’m going to rec this. It’s beautiful.
beautiful post. yeah i know what it is like to lose a grandmother to. mine died in 2003. i miss her every day.
@Desert_Eagle_AE - @Madoushi_Shoujo - @apennieformythoughts - @tirani24 - thank you all for the comments. i genuinely appreciate the words. i’m glad you can relate or you liked the blog. i appreciate it. thanks all.
I really liked this. Very touching. Kind of made me want to cry.
I completely see where you’re coming from. It’s crazy how many women and black people don’t vote…because [insert excuse here]. It’s so irritating. I am so excited to vote in my FIRST EVER election. Though I believe (due to conspiracy theory or whatever) that my vote doesn’t really matter but I vote because it’s my right. People died so that I could. People prayed so that I could.
I want to.
And I’m excited to wake up early to do so!
<3
M
@lastingoptions - THANK YOU! I’m glad ppl understood it was not really a preaching blog or a who you should vote for blog. It was personal to me. I’m glad you vote girl! Too many young men and women don’t. It’s sad.
I am officially wowed. This was a wonderful post in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your tears with us.
@Krissy_Cole - means alot coming from a writer such as yourself… really. i mean that so much.
@ISLYMORE - aw. Thanks.
I felt really sorry for Obama that his grandma doesn’t get to see the election and share his happiness if he does win. I’m sure she’ll be watching down from heaven.
I know that on my most important day (my wedding) I want my grandma there. I’m sure he felt the same way too.
Hope … is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. ~ Dieter R. Uchtdorf
Today has been a day of contrasts. Deep sorrowful sympathy for Obama coming from that common well of loss. And hope.
Hugs to you and thank you for this beautiful piece.
OMG!!! I cried too. I heard his grandmother died, then I saw his speech in NC when he was talking about it and what it meant for tomorrow and I started crying like this is really happening and I can’t believe it and it just overwhelmed me…like maybe she had to leave this earth and her suffering so she could be in heaven to celebrate with him tomorrow….these things happen and I believe God has a plan and He will show up and show out tomorrow! I pray Obama wins and we can finally see this country move in a positive direction. I was crying because I know my grandmother would want to see this and she also passed away of cancer about 7 years ago and it still affects me and I’m like if only I could tell her about history being made! It’s weird but at least I know I wasn’t the only one getting emotional tonight and will probably break down if he wins tomorrow.
@quiltnmomi - thanks doll! i appreciate your words deeply!
@iStephanieMarie - yeah i wished for those thing as well. it’s hard to not have those moments with them. but i’m glad you will.
it really was a sad, sad moment. it tugged at my heart.
@Rchick2006 - and yes, you were not alone and i will likely boo-hoo if he wins. it will be really emotional for him and his family.
@quiltnmomi - I think his grandmother died to make room for the birth of his victory…she wanted to be there to see him win and maybe God gave her that wish…now she’ll be celebrating her victory and he’ll be celebrating his…together.
@ISLYMORE - yeah I know…I’m going to cry and since I’m the only black person in my house and in my class I know people are going to look at me strange but this means a lot and I don’t think I can stop the emotions. I start getting emotional and tearing up even when I’m not really thinking about it…or rather I don’t think I’m thinking about it…like Obama was on in the background and I just found myself overwhelmed and trying to figure out what was going on with me lol.
@Rchick2006 - totally digging that thought!
@ISLYMORE - that’s what some people said and that’s what I was thinking when I read it….I was like that is weird she died the day before the election like the Lord knew she wanted to be there healthy and ready to celebrate with him.
It is a solemn moment and should not pass without a tear to mark it.
I am right there with you. I have this sort of weird sensation in my chest that won’t go away. It feels like my heart is twice its normal size. I had no idea I would feel like this till now.
I cried READING this! Beautiful post!!
@vanedave - @Child_of_the_Earth - thank you both. i appreciate the responses, i really, really do. i didn’t know that my words could touch someone. i genuinely appreciate you both. with all of my heart.
I really wish she could have lived until after tomorrow.
@storyslut - I really wish the same… but as Rchick2006 stated above… she was making room and I think that thot has somewhat eased the sorrow of it all for me.
I wanted to say something earlier, but this is some real stuff though… I felt it word for word…
It’s good purging of the soul, and there is so much hope… we are there… lets just break through now…
holler later
D
@ISLYMORE - *nods head yeah*
this is sumn i can feel. i lost my grand ma in 2000…gotta go. loved it. gotta run
AA
truly touching. very inspiring. props on being able to publicize your private moment. and i can’t imagine what obama’s going through right now. so much going on all at the same time. he’s so brave. i’m praying for a miracle for this election.
@Pawleeen - thanks sweetheart! it’s really wonderful for the outpour of emotions/comments from people on the post. i really didn’t expect so many or any rec’s. but it is all appreciated! thanks for commenting!
on POINT.
If my grandfather was still living, he and Barrack’s grandmother would have been the same age. I totally understand those tears, my grandfather was a pillar of our family too
very touching. VERY. i loved it.
your post was recommended by a friend. that’s why i’m here lol.
you are very welcome.
Me too
I felt his emotion at the podium.
Success.
Well you sure did!!!
I cried today as well, just left that out of the blog, for many of the same reasons. Thanks for coming by!
@MellaMom - lol… interesting to see other ppl on the same page. Thanks for coming by yourself.
ooooh, well done.
i’m not sure how people FORGET that this wasn’t always a right for everyone, like it is, now.
i got MY sticker, today.
Hey I voted. There’s no valid reason to not vote if you can.
This was INSPIRED!
This post was reccomended so I came in to read it – just beautiful. A very emotional time for many as they empathize with his huge loss.
I too felt so sad for him when I heard of her passing, and just so happy he took the time off to see her before she went. Family is so important to him and he shows it.
@MlleRobillard - thanks. i check your page often, sometimes i forget to comment, my apologies.
@framaz - def. his family means so much to him! and it was just a really touching moment. thanks for commenting!
maybe just saying it….”President Obama”….will cheer you up.
it works for me
Absolutely beautiful. You said it all.
I’ve been close to tears several times today. As a white male, what’s the big deal? Think about it, less than 50 years ago minorities had to fight, sometimes literally, just to be allowed to vote, a right they had had supposedly for 100 years.
Now, we may well see a minority take the stage tomorrow as the President Elect. I think about people like his grandmother, older people that remember Mississippi Burning, Selma Alabama, a tired woman that refused to stand up and man that had a dream.
And I think about my children. My beautiful children. The children that had no concept of race when they started kindergarten, they knew people had different skin color but not that it meant anything (because it doesn’t). The children that love everyone for who they are, not the color of their skin. And I realize that at least my family is living King’s dream. And I smile and tear up.
So thank you for writing this, sorry my reply is so long.
Moving! Thanks for sharing. I have cried my tears and prayed for Obama. No matter what I believe about his stances on the issues, He is human. He is precious to God. I am not any more precious to God then he is.
I know what is liking to loose people I love. My mother when I was eight died of cancer. In 2000, both my grandmothers passed away within a couple of weeks of each other. My fiance in Jan 2005. So many others. I do admire him for going forth.
We are blessed to live in a country where we have the privelage to vote.
@curtainsopen - yeah it has been working!! but… there’s a tiny shred of worry and that’s all it takes. i’ve seen bad things during elections.
@LucyWrites - thanks!!!! i love your blog btw.
@bosefius - no apologies necessary, i got teary reading your response. i have no children but that is the world i want my children to live in when i do have them. thank you for letting me inside your mind! i appreciate it. as a white male? psh. doesn’t matter! what matters is what you know, what you teach, and how you live and from your post… the white part was the smallest detail. if that makes sense.
@HopeForTomorrowMinistry - thanks for sharing your thoughts as well! i really appreciate you coming to my blog and responding. admiration is def top of the list with me.
@ISLYMORE - It does make sense, at the same time I felt it important to put it in there. To show why my children make me so proud. My oldest girl (she’s 9 and in 4th grade now) chewed out a classmate in 1st grade, like stood up in the lunch room and called him ignorant, because he said he didn’t like the girls with dark skin because they had dark skin. It gives hope for the future, that we will get to the point where no one will see skin color.
@bosefius - lol.. not that anyone could just imagine you were anything other than that from your pic (smile). but i am glad that your children are smart. i pray that there are others just like her in the 4th grade somewhere! but that is a testament to how you raised them, so good 4 you as a parent!
I delayed coming here so that I could give this blog the respect it deserved. This was powerful and very moving. I actually felt the emotions that were behind you when you wrote this. You ma’am, have moved me with your words. I wish everyone could achieve the realizations that you have.
@dafeelingsinside - thank you for your words. thank you for the time! really. i genuinely appreciate it. i’ll hit your box with more thots later.
Wow this touched me deeply…I lost my grandmother about 2 1/2 weeks ago…She was wisdom at it’s finest…The epitome of everything I hope to become…A woman after God’s own heart…
@BLUtifulZETA - Grandmothers have that way about them, dont they? Wonderful women, model women even. Hope you have grand memories of her. I do. Thanks for voicing your opinion as well!
i wish i was able to vote
=(
@ISLYMORE - What kills me the most is that she was 86, born back in 1922…The wisdom that came from her mouth, will never be repeated…My generation could never understand and know that wisdom…My children will never know that wisdom…I do know that I am who I am now, because of her…She taught my mother everything she knew about life, and my mother did the same with me…So I know she will forever live within me…I thank God for her…
@XxAlizexX - why not? if you don’t mind sharing…?
@BLUtifulZETA - definitely! i understand wholeheartedly!!! my grandmother would say the simplest thing, yet it would be so profound when she said it. i remember she told me one time something about talking fast… “bell clap… ducks ass” were in the sentence… and i was like dumb for a moment! WHAAAA!?!? but as long as you remember and will pass that memory.. you will do your part. wisdom… man, these young girls… miss so much when their grandmother is going on 50, mother is going on 30…
Yep my granny would always say “You see from a little, what awhole lot will bring”…=] I think of that often, and all I can do is smile…It’s sooo true…
@BLUtifulZETA - how true it is… imagine this day for them! i know their in heaven watching and full of pride/joy.
you’re blog made me proud to be apart of such a rich diverse nation. the joy in seeing how far we have come. and that though we still have far to travel before all people are viewed as simply people, there are those of us who have hope. who have faith.
rock on sister
namaste
@autmnmoon - your response made me smile! great post!
@ISLYMORE - Hi, I’m bosefius’s wife. He really is a wonderful man…and yes there are children out there who that is truly how it is. Our 9 year old is in a special program that is more ethnically diverse than anything I have ever seen…
A new student came to the class and she was trying to teach me to say his name…telling me that he came from another country and she thought he was Russian…He speaks that language, but he also apparently speaks several others…we discussed physical characteristics because his name did not sound Russian to me…eventually we came to skin color…and it was darker than this classmate…lighter than this one…Eventually we found out he is Korean…it just made me giggle…because physical description and skin color came after discussion that mommy couldn’t say his name, the languages he spoke, what he was good at, etc…
And I work in long term care (nursing homes). Our elderly have so many stories…and time is truly the equalizer of us all…EVERYTHING sags…regardless of race…beauty runs away except the beauty of our spirits…and believe me THAT has no color at all.
@laughingfairy - i can totally see how you two are hubby and wife! you compliment each other well! i love your children and i dont even know them! i wish there were more of them in the world! and yes… Time is truly the equalizer… and there will never be a color to it! wonderful post! i must join you two’s pages so i can keep up with your kids!
@laughingfairy - that sounds like my daughter who at 4 pointed out a lady who was a different color and said ” mommy look that lady is darker than me, isn’t that pretty?”
yes it is!
“I cried”
As far back as I can remember very few people admit to crying and when they do they are usually not as clear as to why and especially sure not sure they want to express them to a group of people. I can say I know the loss of someone close and while I didn’t see the speech I knew what it was gonna have, I knew it was gonna be emotional for him. I knew he was gonna hurt, I knew he was gonna pain, for myself when my mother died in 02 it was way to hard to even see funeral scenes in movies so I know the hurt, and even a year after my lil bro passed. sometimes its still hard. I am Sorry to hear about your grams and I know she is looking down on you and probably very proud of you seeing the thing she instilled into you as you were growing up.
I just took a break and looked at the speech and he was brave and even as tears darted his eyes they started to stream down mine. lightly but still.
I am so glad I decided to go and vote, very glad I didn;t have to wait in a long line I waited for maybe 6 hours and got in and out in around 5 mins give or take. I felt good to get it done, after i said i would only wait 45 mins ( usually said ti get a chuckle out of friends). I am glad you cried and felt emotional doing it. I just saw wow with the political energy. I found myself the past few night falling asleep listening to information on cspan radio and even yesterday morning waking up to idiotic callers call in with their opions and some valid very few were invalid or not properly expressed.
This Whole piece is powerful, very powerful and emotional, and it is something i feel I can relate to, understand, and even put weight behind it. Just terrific job.
@Stillpoetic - if i just say… wow. would you dig it?
@ISLYMORE - yeah i can
I cried today, too. I’m glad I’m not the only one.
Aww. This is nice.
Awesome post!
If things continue to play out the way it currently is, it could be a bittersweet day for Barack. But somewhere I imagine his Grandmother is smiling…
@ISLYMORE - they said they couldn’t find my papers i never voted
i went up there twist, im so upset. they were nice thoo
@XxAlizexX - well it’s okay. they have given the run around to a few people i know. just make sure you get things in order when you can! voting is important. sorry you missed this time around, but it will work out as you want it to… simply bc you got the run around!
this was a truly beautiful post, it was so moving it made me cry just reading it
Very moving. You have every right in the world to cry and feel proud today.
@steph843 - thank you so much. your tears are always welcome here!
@wherethefishlives - thank you as well. i sneak by your page a few times, here and there and i love your thoughts. i know you know you will be missed if you leave xanga altogether… i might sneak over and read your other blog if you do anyway!
This is so beautifully written, thanks for sharing it. And I cried during his speech, it was amazing beyond belief.
@ISLYMORE - Haha, don’t worry – I’m coming back to Xanga soon. I was just really irritated when I wrote that “hiatus” post. Give me a week or two and I’ll be ready for some Xanga!
This brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad to be apart of this history.
@brittanymullins - Thank you so much. When I wrote it… you know… it was really emotional for me to even think about posting, but I had to. And I am really glad I did, it has been well received and I’m glad.
@wherethefishlives - then I’ll sneak over and add you to my subscribe list bc I dont think I want to miss your “return”!
@iamthebella - isn’t it amazing to feel like your lil step… added to such a gigantic turn in history? man… i’m still beaming with pride for him. i’m still excited!
very well written…are you related to President Obama by any chance (Oh how I love to put the word President before his name). You wrote such moving words that it reminded me of all the speeches that Obama has done.
I supported him from day one. I have to be honest, I was quite worried yesterday for him. I was afraid that 2004 was going to repeat itself but he had faith and we that voted for him did to. I slept with a smile on my face yesterday and I will continue to smile for another 4, but hopefully 8 years.
I see Change in the future and that is all because of Obama, President Obama and Vice President Biden.
And yes I cried too. I always cry during his speeches but more yesterday because of his grandmother and because how so much has happened in the 60s to now. I am happy to be living in America now and I think many others are saying the same thing.
Thank you again for this wonderful entry. VERY VERY MOVING.
Very touching and moving
This is by far the best after election post i read all day. Moving and inspired. Thanks for sharing!
@BrklynGurl - uhm… i really WISH i was related to him in some way, but alas… I am not. But thank you for even comparing the way we write, I think he’s brilliant when he speaks! so thank you! And I am so very proud to be an American on this day. And I think America just became so much more open to other countries with this move. I will continue to smile for the next 4 yrs and I hope he makes great moves to ensure he gets the option to be there another 4. I will vote for him then if he even begins to do the things he proposes. I don’t think there will be a greater pleasure for me for a while… than to say PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA!!!! or MICHELLE OBAMA IS THE FIRST LADY!!! Equally amazing to me.
I cried too.
I cried for hope.
I cried for history and the future at the same exact time.
God bless America.
@CanadianConspiracy - yes! God bless America! Doesn’t it make you feel that much prouder to be an American?
@ISLYMORE - Me too, I can’t wait for the inauguration!
It’s too bad that it was too unsafe for him to go see his Grandmother…
I’m so proud of Obama for becoming president. Not because he’s black, but because he can definitely bring Change for this country. I’m democrat.
Very well written
*props*
Now you’ll make ME cry…
Very touching!
@ISLYMORE - Absolutely. I love my country so much right now!!
@mstigerfrogs - Change. Holds so much power now. Change. Feels good to just say it. Look how America is being viewed around the world now.. Change. I like that word.
@sise_says - thanks doll!!!
@sortingandforting - well, your tears are welcome here! i shared mine with the world and if anyone wants to share theirs with me, I embrace them.
Beautiful post!!!!!!!
@ISLYMORE - I was watching CNN and other countries are actually happy about America. It’s amazing.
It’s a beautiful post and people should realize the importance of what you said because it too can help tie together a broken nation
Amazing post.
Thank you for this.
Beautiful post.
This election meant so much.
And what’s more, I believe Obama won because he was the better candidate. Everyone who is posting and commenting around Xanga today and insisting that he won ONLY because he was Black… they try to steal something very important when they say that.
I voted for Obama but not because he was Black.
I know there are people who would not believe me when I say that, but it’s true.
He was the better candidate and I am proud to have voted for him.
@mstigerfrogs - @realisticallyoverratedreality9 - EXACTLY. America was falling so fast… our economy was dying… and this moment. This singular moment…. Has given so much hope across the Nation, across the country. America be proud to be an American.
@ISLYMORE - I am definitely proud to be an American.
@ClockworkBunny - I am so proud to have voted for him. Because he was the better of the two, he spoke for people who are young, trying to find our way in the world. He stood and spoke for me. Thank you for sharing your words! I agree. I think ppl who voted for Obama bc he is black.. ARE WACK!
this was a rather beautiful post. while i’m really glad we’re at a point in history where the presidency is not just dominated by white males anymore, i didn’t agree with barack obama’s views on quite a few issues, which is why i wasn’t a supporter all along. now that he’s going to be the president, i know i have to support him for the sake of the country.
the way/the hope he’s made you feel has helped me be one step closer to understanding and supporting him. thank you.
beautiful
@coletteatsea - well honey, I’m in TEXAS the reddest of the red! but thank you for your words. Americans together have to ban together at this point and stand behind the President. I hope with all that I can that he changes so much for ALL OF US. And I believe that if he sets his mind to it, he can start the ball rolling of the changes that we need.
@taxicabconfessionals - you are so welcome. and to hear you say that…? means too much to me. you may never understand what you saying… i helped you be one step closer… man. wow. so much respect from me. so much.
I cried too.
I’m 21 years old tomorrow and I didn’t think I’d see this day.
I cried for my parents. I cried for my grandfather who was the only black student at his med school. I cried for my grandmother who died and lived through such injustices.
I cried because the first time that I voted for a presidential candidate, I voted for the most historical election in this country.
I cried because people across the world fasted and PRAYED all day that we would make this choice.
I cried because this gives me hope that maybe my children wont experience the racism that I have. This gives me hope that we are one giant step closer to acceptance in this country.
I wish I could give you a hug because I feel how you feel right now.
@taxicabconfessionals - thank you. i hope all Americans will come together to support our new President elect Obama.
@five11nation - yeah… i realized it wasn’t finished, it was missing the finale. if that makes any sense.
@ISLYMORE - i still loved it.
@Hellationships - HUGZ! HUGZ! i send them across the internet… bc it’s so very wonderful to be understood.
I cried too. I’m not black, and I didn’t cry just for black people. I cried for all Americans, because we broke through a racial boundary that was holding us back for way too long. And although racism hasn’t ended, this is a step in the right direction. And I really felt it when Obama repeated, “We will get there.” Good post.
that… really moved me. thank you for expressing yourself
@ISLYMORE - My roommate looked at me and was like, you’re crying? And even now as I think about it I tear up.
This means SO much to me and right now I feel so very American, and I feel like we are all united, something I’ve never felt before.
You’re featured!! Weren’t you just telling me that you had never even been recommended?! You rocked this one, girl!
@five11nation - thanks. i have a lot of stock in your opinion!
and i genuinely appreciate you mentioning lil’ ole me on your blog!
@nappz5678 - competely agree! We will get there. We aren’t there yet… but we will get there. Thak you for your words. I cried for America as a whole, it wasn’t just about black people for me either.
You’ve stated everything I ever wanted to. I’m at work trying to hold back tears but… it’s impossible. We’re in the middle of history and I couldn’t be happier/prouder. Thank you for sharing this, it’s beautiful!
i cried too. and i am just a 40 something white lady trapped in a very red state.
but i completely understand the significance of this important historical moment. i am so happy for you and me and America. we can finally move forward. thank you for a beautiful post. 
Your post made me cry. For all the reasons you stated. I am a white 30 -something middle class/middle american and I have never been this proud to be alive.
@Hellationships - EXACTLY. I couldn’t have said ti better myself! United! like we should have been forever since we are the UNITED States of America and all. yeah, i told my dad, i cried and he was like ‘yea, it’s hard to hold it in’. He never thought he would live to see the day and I never thought I would live to see the day… and we saw the day together.
@apennieformythoughts - yeah! i saw! i got a little happy on the inside! and i had never had more than 1 or 2 recs before… and now… i’m pleased that Xanga has responded the way that it has to my blog. little ole me… and my simple blog.
@nappz5678 - i couldn’t have said it better myself.
I like your post. Well written and moving.
While I didn’t vote for Obama , but not because I hate him or had something other than politics against him. I have a hope for our country that we are going to rise above our hate-filled past. I hope for our country that we are growing into the legacy so many fought to leave us with. I hope our legacy to our children gives more hope than hate.
Thanks for sharing something so personal.
@UnitedStatesofTrina - well, i’m glad i could become apart of something so amazing. something so… American. and i’m glad you are able to share that with me. your tears are well-welcomed!
@Eponine2 - hey… if your tears were never more welcomed… they are here! trust me. i wanted everyone to feel how i felt. and i am glad that you do. so very glad.
Well, that’s all good, and now that he’s been elected and has made history, I hope he does well and keeps this country’s national defense as one of his top priorities, because 9-11 also made history and we ALL did a lot of crying after that and we all hope something like that can never happen again.
@repressedwriter - well said! so very well said.thank you for commenting! it’s welcome here. you don’t have to be an Obama supporter… i just want people to recognize the significance.
You should cry for who the American people are. They are the one’s who deserve the tears. It was the people who voted- majority white, black, white, and everyone else. No, we have reached a fullifllment of a dream, Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been proud. I’m sad to see you didn’t acknowledge the American People because this election wasn’t about Barack Obama– it was about America. I am not a democrat, and neither did I vote for Obama, but I acknowledge with a sense of pride the beauty and spirit of America.
I cried too…I cried reading your post. You are a beautiful person inside and out. This win for Obama is surreal and amazing. I can feel this “buzz” just around many people I know. It’s so positive and warm. This is how we are supposed to feel as Americans…bringing us all together to cry tears of joy and feel proud!!
Thank you for your post!!!
God bless you.
beautiful.
So beautiful… my great aunt, 91 years old, sat up with us last night, holding our hands and crying. She said “I remember going to the back doors, the ‘colored entrances’ of public buildings. I remember weeping for Dr. King. I remember my sister saving to go to nursing school, only to work all her life as a maid because no nursing school in the area would admit a black student. Now I know those lives were not wasted.”
I cried too. I am 27. white. middle class. a mom. I cried because after so many african american people enduring so much. they deserve this. our country deserves this. we need to be led by him. to follow. to change. we need to be open to it and acknowledge the need. your post made me cry. thank you for revealing yourself.
I wish MLKJR, your grandmother, his grandmother, and many others could come back and see this, even just for a day.
I’m 20 years and this was my first election. I’m in a red state, and it made me so happy being in that booth, being able to vote for him. When I saw that he won my mom and me started to tear up. It was such a great feeling, knowing he became president. Thank you for sharing the post. It made my day EXTRA better!!!
@dailyconstruct - you may be sad to see me not mention tears for America, but I did shed them. I may not have mentioned it here, but they existed and ppl all over America felt them like I did. thanks for commenting. it wasn’t just a blog about supporting Obama, it was so much more than that. But I’m glad you came by and I’m glad you let me share my thoughts with you.
@MrsMcKitty - Thanks MrsMc! I appreciate it very much. America is beautiful! And I know I have never been more proud. I know in my heart I have never had so much hope for America than I do now. My children *that aren’t even here yet* will have so much more to dream of. It’s an amazing feeling. And I’m glad to share it with you.
You have put into words what many are feeling. The times are changing and I am proud of our country.
That was simply beautiful.
@MlleRobillard - my greats… my greats had long passed before i had the chance to know them. but my grandmothers… still had this small reserve of fear for white men. bc they had seen and endured and were aware of the power they had over us *and some still do*. i wish my grands were here for this history. and reading your greats words… touched my heart. thank you for sharing that with me.
@beccaware - just this one day. wouldn’t that be amazing? wouldn’t that be special for them to see this history!? man. you are pretty much the same age as me… and until last night… i didn’t believe it would happen during my time. until last night. how many barriers were broken last night? man… just man. that’s all i can say.
@DiamondIceGurl2006 - i think ppl all over the world shed tears. other countries were ready for a more “open” America and started reaching out to him the moment it was announced. imagine that?! this man feeds hope all across the world. and I was blessed to see it all unfold on CNN/MNBC/ABC last night.
What a great post. Very moving. I think we all feel more hopeful today. (I was actually picturing Obama’s grandmother high fiving God around 9pm last nite)
@ISLYMORE - I was one of the fortunate to have tickets last night to Obama’s Grant Park rally. It was an incredible experience. For about ten hours, in a one mile radius, I felt what it was like to live in a world without racism, without discrimation and among people who simply smiled at the person next to them with easy respect. It was the most amazing thing ever. Obama said last night “look at what we can do,” and was he ever right. At one AM, we sat eating sandwhiches in a Subway off Michigan Ave, and I looked around thinking, “This is how it is supposed to be,” - every color, every background, every sexual orientation and religion, happy, getting along like kin, looking like every person belonged there – as if every preconceived bias had evaporated. It was overwhelming. I saw a headline of a Eurpean newspaper this morning that summed it up for me: “One Giant Leap For Mankind.”
We are living in an amazing time…last night I was moved to tears. I know what I experienced in Chicago last night is something I will be telling my children about years from now.
I feel the same way you feel about your grandma as I do about my grandpa…if only he could have seen this day…
@ISLYMORE - you’re extremely uber-talented, and i appreciate your unique perspective.
@comet555 - well i hope she gave my grands/greats high-fives too! lol
@Eponine2 - you know i was imagining myself there right!?!? lol… you know i so wanted to be there! singing and dancing and eating sandwiches and all! man… Chi-town looked very beautiful last night! I haven’t been there in forever, I must visit again. and it was One GIGANTIC leap for Mankind.
@elfincracker - yeah… I wish I could’ve been there. It is an amazing time and I am so glad to be there. Were you on TV… i caught a few weepers on my screen!! lol… and your grandpa and my grands are dancing all in heaven! don’t worry. they know.
@five11nation - aw…. you made me blush! it’s nice to be appreciated.
I was so moved by your post it brought me to tears, very beautiful.
I can say it loud and proud now…that I am proud to be an american.
so moving i cried reading this post
I cried too! Even though I am not American, I have been rooting for Obama from Canada.
I cried for the changes that I know he will make.
I couldn’t help but cry as I read your words for I cried myself last night. What we witness, this History is a amazing thing and like you, I have Hope too. Thank you sooooo much for putting what you feel into words. You have said what so many others want to say but do not have the words. I came upon your post by accident but I am so glad that I did.
Thank you….
Beautifully written and so honest and emotional, I got teary myself. This choice we’ve made is going to be so good for us, and I wish other people saw that and weren’t so worried. They should be as proud as you and I are to be part of history!
@violetglisten - @krnx3th - @redchill - well i take your tears and let them blend with my own. I understand how you all feel. trust me. so many tears were shed for this moment.
@Tory1237 - well welcome even if it was by accident! lol. it happens and i’m glad you stumbled across me! it’s a moment. and i was so blessed to share it.
Look at you, Miss Featured Blog!
I got on xanga and was like, ‘heeeeeey!’
lol
<3
M
@Celtic_Butterfly - there will always be worry from someone. there will be hate. there will be anger. there will be disbelief. but i will not be apart of that crowd and neither will you.
This is one of the best entries I have read in a very long time, doll.
@lastingoptions - I know right! I was like WHAAAAAA!?!!
lol.. um, um, um as Mr. Parker says! It made me smile. And the way all of Xanga seems to embrace me, makes me feel that much better.
@CrazyKey123 - wow! i think that is one of the best compliments to receive.
I am still in shock. I told you his grandmother passed so she could be there to celebrate with him in spirit!
I am like wow, I feel so renewed!
as i’m sure you may know, martin
luther king was a republican.
he was against democrats.
It was the Democrats who fought
to keep blacks in slavery and
passed the discriminatory Black
Codes and Jim Crow laws.
Sista I cannot in any way tell you how appreciative I am of your words (I had a similar moment last night too). I just want to thank you for sharing them. For sharing the memory of your grandmother, for sharing the significance of this moment for our President-Elect, for sharing the poignancy of this moment for America, for sharing the meaning of this moment for our people. I cried too. So many of us did, and cried a different kind of tears, too. Like you, it took me a long time to explain exactly why I became emotional. And you, in so many words, eloquently encapsulate that feeling. Thank you.
You inspired me. I got goosebumps.
@ProudToBePunk - yeah well, i’m neither. so while MLK may have been a Republican… his dream and what he died for… was so much more than Republican/Democrat. his dream was so much more than that. and i know you know that too.
I think those that don’t feel the same don’t deserve your tears personally… they aren’t worth it…
D
As a fan of (and someone who grew up with a large influence from) black culture, I can tell you, I don’t see that black people are not appreciating the weight of the concept a black man was elected as President of the United States. I am from Chicago, and maybe that’s the difference. Perhaps you see that others can not feel the way you do, and they are having their moment when you are not able to notice.
I do feel that the honor of first black president should have went to a candidate that could have had stronger, or at least clearer goals as president. I also think later in history, people will unfairly name another black president (I believe will will have another), the first black president because said president will have two black parents. (as someone of mixed ethnicity, I come to understand that prejudice all too well) I think real history will come when people are so used to presidents of any kinds being elected, and that people will not become devisive from only two of several candidates. We have yet to see an Asian or Hispanic president, which some citizens would not like because of current immigration policies.
As soon as the president-elect is sworn in, he will be my president, and I will have to answer for his policies as I did for other presidents, since I am a citizen of the United States. With that in mind, I hope he is able to fulfil his promises to the American people, with fair and just delivery.
@carnage3_1914 - I genuinely appreciate your response. it was very hard for me to click “save”. it was very personal to me, but I have been welcomed with open arms by most and I appreciate the love. It touches me in ways many will never know. So thank you for appreciating me like I appreciate so much. i must read your blog sometime… thanks for stopping by. i love a man in blue, can’t help it, been that way along time.
@TimeToForget - i had goosebumps too… so i could stand to share mine with you!
@jhim43 - you may be absolutely correct. his mixed origin may hold him from officially holding the first black prez title… but there was a time when even a DROP of black blood made you black. there was no mixed, no portions. you were black. and i think many ppl still hold that to be true. America has ways to go, I never denied that. I’m happy to see the doors opening at least. I look forward to an Asian Prez, a Hispanic Prez. I look forward to these as well. We’re on our way. We may not be there yet, but the door is opening.
i’m glad you got to have a moment of catharsis
and i’m also glad idiots didn’t write negative political comments on this
hope you’re doing well
this was purely BEAUTIFUL. so well written. there are no words to describe how i feel… but i am so proud to be an american! =’)
I was sad for him that one of the most important people in his life wasn’t there to see him “make” history.
This was a beautiful blog.
Your thoughts and words are beautiful.
I screamed, and jumped up and down, and ran around the house calling friends and pouring wine…
But my parents, white, 55 and 59, both cried (wearing their Obama T-shirts) and my mom looked at me and said, ”You think this is crazy for YOU, but we watched MLK get shot. This is amazing.”
We’ve come a long, long way, America. And it’s so clear now that we ALL have the power to move this country in whatever way we want to.
So happy!!!!
Reading this post just made me cry, because I could feel your emotions flooding into my own heart and soul. Thank you for those tears, they were overwhemingly beautiful.
~~Mary~~
Amazing. ♥
Awesome post! I did not vote for Obama, but I, too, had tears in my eyes as I listened to his poignant speech. I was so impressed with how gracious he was, how dignified he was, and I thought to myself, “Even though I don’t agree with all of his policies, he is going to be a great president.” He is so charismatic. And it is fantastically wonderful history.
And I am shouting, Hear, Hear, for your reason to vote. Black, white, Democrat, Republican, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, you need to vote. It’s the only way to keep our country “Of the people, by the people and for the people.”
beautiful.
I was really moved myself.
It was the best election I have witnessed.
<3
This was beautiful. And I cried, too.
well said.
but i do have to add that i cried for millions of babies that have been and will be aborted.
This was beautiful, and a wonderful reminder of the history that’s in the making, and respect for the past that has brought us our rights.
…This is beautiful. I almost cried myself, just now, reading this. Rec’ing.
i’ve been in a state of complete and utter awe since the results were announced last night. it’s an amazing time of change and growth in america, and I’m very proud to be living in a country that offers so much promise for all the people that are involved in the fabric of the population. An amazing time. An amazing man. An amazing four years coming up, hopefully 8. I’m proud to be an American today, i’m proud that people judged him not by the color of his skin but by the content of his character. His speech gave me goosebumps last night, because I knew that change was going to happen, and it will and it is right now. And I’m proud to be a 20-something white female voter in favor of Obama in this election. What a wonderful, wonderful time for our country and world. I am still having it sink in. God bless.
Wow….
I seriously have goosebumps from reading this. It was very well written and I love your passion! I think this is the first post that has really touched me. Not just the first post on Obama being President, but the first post in general.
This gets a rec and 5 stars from me.
I’m glad we’ve lived through this historic bit of history. It is moving, and I would have cried, too.
that was really and truly beautiful.
I cry today too. I cry cause I feel safe in our new President’s hands. I think he is strong, and brave and a born leader. I agree heartily with you.
I went to school today very very excited, even though I’m a year shy of voting. And no one quite understood just how happy I was or why. But I couldn’t have been more pleased when I saw he won the election.
@vanedave - Same here. Had me up and pacing my room at 11:00 (on a schoolnight, LOL), heart about to rip through my chest and beat erractically on the floor.
What a feeling!
@LemonJellyVI - wow that was some vivid imagery. lol.
beautifulbeautifulbeautiful. i’m only 15, yet i am an african american, and although i know i cannot appreciate how amazing this is since i have grown up with all races and religious backgrounds[it's a normal thing for me] i still feel like America has accomplished something big. bigger than just the african american vote, bigger than all of us. this is epic!!!! There is no way that no one could not feel the impact of this. this is amazing. thank you for taking your time to write this.
sad and happy at the same time.
for some reason i feel that it’s right to say *congratulations*! Reading your post almost made me cry, and although it may not hold as much historical significance to me, it was my first election where I was old enough to vote, and I’m proud to say I voted for Obama
I am so happy for you and many others that you got to experience such a wonderful day and that it meant so much for you.. I’m more hopeful than ever for the future and I hope that Obama will live up to your greatest expectations, it seems like he has some big shoes to fill.
i cried too! love your blog. YES WE CAN. SI SE PUEDE!
OBAMA 08
Bless you!
(I cried, too and this made me weepy.)
The part that caught my attention is that people aren’t acknowledging the history of the election!?!?!?
WHAT?!?!
Do they need to be thrashed with a bat a few times??
That’s just… bad…. just…. bad…
Ya, I cried to, but not for the same reason. Get used to crying because you’ll being doing a lot of it in the next four years. And it will not be for the same reason you were crying today.
I don’t have time to read this entire entry.
And I agree with LukeGurl.
@ISLYMORE - I certainly hope to see more types of people as Pres of the US in the future.
Now that we’re done being politically angry at each other for 2 years, can I count you as a friend online? (You seem like a deep and sensible person)
Beautifully said! I cried too. Thank you for writing such a great post.
Awesome words!
Fantabulous post. It’s the uncondensed version of my thoughts this morning. Absolutely apalled at those who didn’t vote simply because their ONE child kept them too busy…or whatever the reason. I’d have still found a way if I had my two and my neighbors two with me. It’s beyond ignorant to NOT CARE who leads our country and it’s beyond ignorant to NOT CARE where our economy goes and to let the war rage on for another 8 years. Very well said.
and CONGRATS for getting featured, you damn rock star
@MomWithoutaMinivan - i know… lol. it is still settling with me! i guess i am a rock star! i love it.
Moving.
this is beautiful.
i honestly cried while reading this, you really touched me.
the loss of my grandfather was really hard on me so i can definitely relate to you in that way.
although im only 16 and too young to vote, barack obama inspires me in every sense of the word and i know our grandparents are looking down on us and this historical moment with pride and joy.
That was very touching.
this is so beautiful, I cried too. I felt so amazing knowing I could make history with this election and also the thought slavery was only 200 years ago, 40 years ago martin luther king was shot, now we have a black man as president. It’s amazing.
Everyone is celebrating progress before it takes place.
There has been no great victory for any of us. Change is yet to be seen and I will remain a cynic until the very moment that I am proven wrong.
wow, thats the first time i have heard someone talk about more than if Obama as president was the right decision. you actually thought of the other people.
very touching.
@ElliottStrange - wow. really? if that is all you took from the blog, you missed the mark by a mile. but i appreciate you taking the time to jot your thots. there has been a great victory. maybe you just don’t see it. i really do appreciate you stopping by.
@greenybaby12 - it wasn’t just about him being pres for me. it was so much more than that. it was history. it will be in the books. a huge step for people like me. a huge step towards demolishing the boundaries set by yrs on top of yrs. and it was so much more to me. thanks for voicing your opinion. i appreciate it.
@ISLYMORE - I won’t try to change what you have set your mind to.
@ElliottStrange - then that’s two of us. i’m not trying to change your mind either.
@ISLYMORE - Granted, but I do not appreciate condescension. I understood the aims of what you wrote here, don’t assume otherwise.
I merely disagree, that is all.
@ElliottStrange - we agree to disagree. no condescension, if you read that from my words/response, i’m sorry that is untrue.
beautiful post. props.
Loved this post
I cried for many of the same reasons. I also cried because my brothers (all of 4 of them) voted for the first time in their lives and they range in age from 31-19. I cried when I thought about my Mother catching much slack when she wanted to vote her very first time. I cried because we had a very intelligent Black man as President with an equally strong and intelligent Black woman as First Lady (with two very beautiful daughters). I cried because this man represented everyone and he’s willing to represent all of those who would let him.
So I cried in that moment. I even shared a few tears this morning.
I know this post was about your thoughts and I just wanted to let you know that it was very well written!
*complex
Beautiful post!
That was beautifully written…and I cried last night too…I cried because there is finally a change, finally some hope…this is a historic moment, and I have never been so happy for the result of an election in my life.
@Complex_Simplicity_0705 - thank you for sharing… your response was very-much wanted! thank you for opening yourself to me as well.
Beautiful
Got me teary-eyed too, shooot =)
This was an amazing post.
This is beautifully written. Thank you for sharing what many of us are thinking but do not have the eloquence to share…
The last line at the end made me feel so guilty about not reading a portion of this post. It was a great post and a great ending and a great documentation of this groundbreaking moment in American history and in the American history of black people. I wish I were old enough to vote so I could say that I took part as well.
@magicalmusicgirl - @ReANIMEteD - @Rocker_rekcoR - Thank you all for posting. And commenting. I am so blessed that people actually were interested in what I had to say. I’m realizing my voice. Thank you for taking the time to be a part of me.
@sizzl - just wanting to be apart… makes you a part. keep that thought close to you.
Very moving. Great piece of work here
I was so happy to hear that Mr. Obama is our president-to-be. I am thrilled not only because we have elected a leader that knows the needs of the people and is willing to act on their needs, but also because it has given me so much hope for the future. Thank you for your powerful and well-written thoughts. I very much enjoyed reading what you have to say.
This is a really beautiful and moving post. Thank you so much for sharing it with us, although I understand what you meant when you said it was for you. My blog is almost always like that, but I thank you for putting your thoughts and feelings out into the world.
I cried too yesterday. I cried for many reasons. Most of all from shock and joy. But also sadness that my father never got to see this day. But I too am waiting to tell my children about this day, and about how much progress I have seen in my short life. About telling them not to give up, or stop working for the next step… for the better tomorrow.
Lots of love to you. Thank you again for sharing. =)
i was working last night, when i heard the cheers throughout the restaurant.
i checked the tv, and obama had done it. and tears filled my eyes.
it was the first vote i ever cast, and it was for a man that was chosen to be my president. and a black man, no less. i have so much faith in him–more than i have had for any politician and i can’t explain why.
and then, when he made his speech after he won, i full-out sobbed. i think it touched people in a lot of different ways. for myself, all i could think about was my elementary and middle school education, where i found out that there had never been a black president before, and i just couldn’t wrap my head around it. even more touching was the thought that i could be a part of it all, and that less than a century ago, a person of my gender wasn’t allowed to.
this is a proud moment in america. and i refuse to let anyone take that away from me.
nice post.
(:
Absolutely beautiful! I cried too. I even blogged about the historical-ness of it in Japanese! I teach English in southern Japan and tomorrow (Friday) is the school’s culture festival. The teachers and staff are doing a recitation about Dr. King and his “I Have a Dream” speech. Today while we were practicing I was thinking about how amazing the timing is with the presidential election being this week. I agree with you. I look forward to telling my children about this day too!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
i also cried when Barack Obama won, and i cried reading this post.
the way you write is very inspirational, and extremely moving. It’s about time we have a president of a different race, and Obama is the man for that. I really think he can get this country back on our feet, and really help us.
and even though his Grandmother passed before she could celebrate and watch it down here, she was watching it from a higher place <3
i don’t know what to say, but i want to say “congratulations,” to you for what this means, to your grandmother and obama’s grandmother, to all of the people who never thought we could have an african american president and the people who’ve waited for this day, and and to all of us for being alive right now.
i don’t think there’s been an election day that’s made so many people feel so empowered and so hopeful like this in a long time.
Very, very touching post.
I understand how you feel.
This indeed, was an amazing triumph, and even though I’m all the way across the world, I’ve never been happier believing that the new President elect will do a good job.
Plus he’s not an idiot, unlike Bush, who called Arabs ‘Arabic’. Really. Tsk.
I’ve always liked Obama, I think he’ll do a good job. God Bless Obama, God bless America
I cried because Obama won and I hate socialism!
Obama’s speech was really touching.. I was on tears while reading it on newspaper..
I think everyone cried. (Not me, because i guess I’m just too young, or it has yet to hit me that deeply). But everyone around me cried and almost everyone older than me.. crying tears of joy.
I’m almost jealous, even though I half-undersand why they did it. I feel like whatever sudden wave of emotion passed me by
.
How do you comment on something from the heart? I don’t agree that Obama is the best man for the job… but I’m not sure McCain was either. But I have to admit that the gravity of the moment was not lost on me. I think the secret to America’s success has been that anyone can aspire to do anything they put their hearts and minds to. While this has been our goal, we all know it hasn’t completely been our practice. But today we have moved a little closer. I believe it is very, very important that every little American born child be able to say “I can grow up to be President”. Color, religion, gender, and heritage should not be a factor.
And everyone should vote. Not out of ignorance or out of duty to one’s race or political party or group agenda. But becase we CAN! It’s not a right, it’s a priveledge! One of the saddest things I heard was that black people voted for Obama because he is black. They had no knowledge of what he stood for or what his policies are. “He’s black and that’s good enough for me.” The other “saddest” thing I heard was that people didn’t vote for him because he’s black. Tragic. No matter how we try to shake bigotry, it still raises it’s ugly head…
I voted. I got up early, arrived at the polling station at 6:05, waited in line for 15 minutes, and voted my conscience. I am a conservative living in a liberal state. When I voted, I knew my candidate would not win in my state. But I voted. I voted with my heart, my conscience, and my pen. I did my part.
The final thought. You ever notice that those who don’t vote are the loudest to complain? In a church, or any civic organization, the ones who don’t participate are the first to criticize. I wish there was a mechanism we couid attach to non-voters… whenever they are about to say something negative about an elected official or the state of the nation/state/town, a mute button is activated and their observations are silenced.
Thank you, Islymore, for voting, for caring, for crying, and for sharing.
love this… I cried too. =)
Very beautiful. Obama winning the Presidential election was a very emotional event, and this read brought back all those tears of hoping winning. It’s a new day, and new outlook on the future
What a wonderful, heartfel post!
I am thrilled beyond words that such a wonderful man is going to be our next President. It’s not only a wonderful time for Afican-Americans but for all of us.
As I said in my own post on my LJ “I Have A Dream” became a reality on Tuesday evening.
My grandmother raised me just as much as my mother did. She died three years ago and I still miss her. Too many people don’t recognize that I still miss her. “Oh, wasn’t she old?” and ignorant stuff like that which really ticks me off. I know she is in heaven but I still miss seeing her.
Beautiful post.
I cried because I was so UPSET that obama won. and I felt nothing but worry for the american people. I wish people had picked by judging who was best and who would do the best things for the country, not because they wanted to make history thanks to the color of someone’s skin. the day america doesn’t ackowledge the importance of one’s skin in an election is the day I will cry of joy.
I would love to hear what MLK would say about this. Anything he could have said would have been more awe-inspiring than ‘I have a dream’ speech, because the dream has become a reality.
Very beautifully written I was so emotional that night.
I didn’t cry until the morning after. He is living proof that americans of all races can do anything they set they’re minds too. Once again a very heartfelt blog thank you for sharing your reaction with us.
OBAMA 08 YAY!!!!!!
@thislifeandi1 - then you have misjudged the post. i won’t explain myself any further than i already have. i picked the candidate i picked because i believed in his policies way more than i believed in the others. i’m not the voice of America. i cannot say why others chose who they chose. it had nothing to do with color. but the significance of color is apart of this election.
While I always thought Obama’s race/nationality was too much of a focal point during the race, I have to admit: I misted up when his victory became fact. Watching him address a crowd as the President-elect still seems surreal…
I’ve spent my lunch hour reading your xanga, Isly ( no, it did not take me the whole hour…heh! ). My first thought was how refreshing it is to read an intelligent xanga, because I don’t think enough of the past 18-22 crowd starts blogs. There’s a big difference in quality of writing, thought, and insight. Keep writing long and elaborate, because it makes for worthy reading.
That being said, I am not black but I partly cheered that Obama would win because of the overwhelming positive impact it would make for the black community. I understand that what is portrayed in the media and the prejudices of many people ( and believe me, it definately still exists. They may not say it in front of you guys, but it’s there in hush whispers ) is inaccurate from my personal observations of the black people that I’ve personally known. It’s good to have a visible, educated, intelligent, and responsible African-American in the eye of all America now. Somewhere down the line, I felt the memory and spirit of Martin Luther King had been faded by a generation of both blacks and non-blacks that adore a different, violent culture. I grew up in the hip-hop generation; while I love hip-hop, I don’t like the idea that black kids have only the likes of Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent as their only role models. There’s a new generation out there that really needs Obama. Someone they can aspire and know it’s possible to go to Harvard and hold the highest office in our nation. The youth have been very, very cynical, so that’s what Obama symbolizes…hope and a needed change.
Sorry if I went on a tangent there. The mention of your grandmother was beautiful. If only they could’ve been here the night of Nov. 2, right? But your heart was in the right place; they were there.
@mixedbabiesrock - i honestly felt that he ran for president… as an American who happened to be African-American. and i didn’t think that he bolstered too much of his campaign around being a black man. but that was how i felt about it and as Americans we are all entitled to feel seperate ways.
@thislifeandi1 - Although race played a factor in this election, Obama won a majority of states thanks to white voters.
Him being the first non-White President-elect is a historic occasion but I don’t think people voted for him solely because of the color of his skin, as is evidenced by exit polls: the number one factor this election for all groups was the economy.
@ISLYMORE - true, I don’t think Obama focused on that point more than was necessary but others did. While I’m glad people were out voting in unprecedented number, especially African-Americans, it’s a shame they didn’t do so until he ran. Although I understand feelings of disenfranchisement, I hope this sets a precedent for voting patterns in the future for all groups.
I’ve been very moved and emotional about the entire election process. This is a very big step in the right direction for not only America, but the whole world. I listened to a clip on the radio this morning from the view yesterday where a lady (I dont watch the view so I dont know her name) but she was saying how she was talking to her son and how now she will be able to tell him there are no limitations for him.. Oh God, it still makes me cry just typing it. There should never be anyone told that they couldnt accomplish their dreams due to race, religion, sexual preference, gender, or anything of the like. I just feel like Obama is the right man to change this country for the better. I agree with his most of his policies and I think he will handle things differently than anyone who’s ever been in office. He will not only change how people within our country will view their neighbor.. but how the neighboring countries view america.
@RiceDaddy7 - man… you hit the nail on the head! man… racism is real. and it will be real until it dies. but now there’s a very highly educated AA man in the spotlight. and yes, somewhere down the line the 50 Cents, Jay-Z’s, Biggies and Tupacs became the aspiration of the AA youth. and it’s sad. really sad. there’s so much more to dream of. and Obama made that, that much more visible to youth of all races. Not just black. no you’re tangent deserved no apology. it’s highly accurate. it was worth the read. i’m so shocked people are still reading this blog. lol. i didn’t know it would receive a response like this and i am blessed for it. even with the few “i cried for how many babies would be killed” and responses of that such, it’s been nothing but positivity, even from some people who didn’t vote for Obama. (now who’s on a tangent?) but anyway – thank you for taking the lunch hour to read… and respond. it was well worth the response. and yea… it was history and i know my Grands were watching from heaven like so many others.
@mixedbabiesrock - i totally agree. i know tons of people my age… that had never voted before. never wanted to vote, never thought about voting before, didn’t care to. but they voted this year. and when i asked them why – it was ’cause they wanted to see a black pres. and i told them.. man… if you vote for Obama bc he is black… you are so wack! and they laughed me off… but i meant it. it was so much more to him than the color of his skin. he motivated me. he made me believe that America WAS ready for change. (mixed babies do rock by the by)
@august_has_fallen - imagine living in a world where you could tell your children they could be “anything” but there was always an invisible ceiling, there was always a point you just wouldn’t think you could make? that was the world so many were living in until Nov 4. and to see it crumbling?? man… it’s a beautiful thing.
Great post!
Thank you so much for posting this. I cried as well. =)
This really is beautiful. I’m 17 and wasn’t able to vote in this election, but i fully supported Barack Obama and understand completely the challenges our country is going through. I’m so glad he won and I am finally ready for a change.
Your post is very moving…I voted too and it felt amazing..
this was very good thanx
I was moved by this post. It was beautiful!
beautiful post
*Claps!* Beautiful!! You moved me very much :)
Great post!
Oh my goodness! this was really nice, you almost brought more tears out of me lol. but you weren’t the only one who cried that day, I was puffy-eyed all day long lol but they were tears of joy. I too thought about my grandparents and how they fought for a day like this. Is it not beautiful or what that we actually got to do something that our relatives before us fought so hard for us to do? I had to laugh when you said “how easy it must be to be careless.” lol, that’s so true… the least we could’ve done, to show how much we appreciate what they did for us, was go out and vote. [ thank God Barack won lol. ) but I loved this, it was very beautiful.
beautiful. i’m so proud to be an american. america’s a beautiful place, isn’t it?
Beautiful. I’m glad you appreciated both sides of the presedential election and didn’t shoot anybody down
Go youand your grandma 
Reading this gave me goosebumps and even though I am not American and have never ever stepped foot in America, I watched Barrack’s Obama speech the night he won the election and I cried.
@whoaamello - thanks for coming by. ive seen you around! hope to see you more often too!
You’ve seen me around? =D Hmm, for some reason that made me smile. I guess it’s just cool that I’ve been noticed. Thanks. (I think)
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