Ok, disclaimer: Matt's not helping me write this one. I feel compelled to hang on to the moment we were witness to last night. As I sat watching Obama make history, I found myself moved by the powerful statement this made for our country. I watched Obama address a stadium filled with diverse Americans who were as patriotic as I have seen in my lifetime. Not the reactionary, nationalistic patriotism I think I've seen before (perhaps after 9/11), but true pride in our country for making such progress in equal rights for all Americans. This was amazing and breathtaking. I feel as if I was aware of history in the making. I have never been particularly political and I have been hesitant to allow myself to be extremely patriotic, for fear of being manipulated (for my Christianity, for my gender, for my social leanings). Wow, I felt like it was finally OK to let myself be excited about a movement. It was OK to indulge in the moment. After thinking about Obama's speech and having watched the DNC, I do feel like this could be a movement. And why not feel optimistic about changing the culture of our country? Why not allow ourselves to be idealistic for once? This is how history is made! This is how revolutions happen and this could be terrific for our country. I think Obama represents an opportunity for our country to become inspired, and just think of what can happen then?! Regardless of your political views, I think it is important for all of us to sit back and, just for a minute, revel in the excitement and promise of this time.
