I feel inspired. I feel awed. I feel full of hope. I feel privileged to have seen and taken part in this historic election. And I feel honored to one day be able to witness to my child what happened on this eventful day – the day the USA finally put their hatred behind them and elected their first African-American president. We have turned a corner on race, and also on fear – the fear that has plagued us since that fateful day on September 11. The fear that has guided us and ruled us. The fear of which we can finally let go. I feel as if we are on a path of healing and of peace – a path that will lead this country to be once again a pillar of inspiration in the world instead of a travesty.
For years I’ve felt the fright of 9/11 hang over my head. Every political race I witnessed seemed to use this fear to sway my vote. It was as if we couldn’t let go, and that behind every corner a terrorist lurked to steal our lives and our freedom. I’m not naive. I know that the threat of terrorism still hangs over our heads. Tomorrow or the next day or the next or the next could bring some horror no one wants to face. At some point, however, we as a nation have to say enough is enough, and I think that is what happened tonight. McCain tried to play to our fears – to persuade us that Obama would not be prepared to see this country through another terrorist attack. He evoked with these words 9/11 without even having to say it. He used our fear to try to sway our vote. He didn’t count on us wanting to change the dialogue – on wanting to get out from under the pall of fear, and finally begin to heal.
The people spoke up tonight, and firmly stated they want hope. They want peace. Obama’s message is positive and full of life. He looks to the future, and sees that this nation can once again be great. He sees that we can live in peace, have hope that our future is secure. We may face another attack. We may face another hardship, but instead of harping on these negative ideas, he gives us the hope that we will come out victorious no matter what happens. Because we are nation of strong people. We are nation of proud people. We are a nation who strives to be and do good in the world, and we are a nation who thrives. I feel inspired, and I hope he follows through on his promises of hope and peace and compassion. I believe he can unite us as we have not been united in a long while, and I finally feel hopeful for the future – my future, your future, my child’s future.
[...] Chrissey on Hope [...]