It's been a long time since I have said this but today , I am very proud to be American.
Last night's historical election had the world captivated. It had me captivated, and the announcement of the 44th President Elect Barack Obama brought tears to my eyes and a renewed spirit of hope to my heart. I am inspired by this vote because it shows me that our country is not afraid of the unknown; that it's still willing stand up to a challenge as we have done since our very existence, and that it still hopes for a society in which democracy, liberty, opportunity, and compassion burn at the core. Barack Obama presented and represented himself as the best candidate for president. The fact that he is bi-racial is enormous, not only in the context of representing the demographics of our country, but in the great step, symbolic and otherwise, it was to elect a man because of the characteristics he represents and not on the color of his skin.
What a wonderful beacon of hope this moment is not only for african americans but also for children, boys and girls, of all backgrounds. In America, we have always been told we can be whatever we want to be, no matter where you come from, what you look like and who you prey to. No where was this more evident than in Chicago last night when Barack Obama, an african american, son of an immigrant stood, chosen by the people in record numbers, stood as our next president.
I woke my daughter to tell her the news. She is our future, my future, your future, and I wanted her to hear it from me, that hope is alive and well. What surprised me today the dozen calls and emails from foreign friends...from england, hungary, croatia, france, holland, here in belgium and canada. These were all calls of congratulations to me, to our country. The world had lost hope it seems, and today, a flicker of hope for a better future was ignited in Europe, a place I have called home for the last 5 years.
The road ahead will be long, and change will not be immediate. There is a lot of expectation riding on Obama's shoulders. The election was won but this victory alone is not the change he spoke of for the last 21 months. It is only the beginning. Obama said it best last night:
"It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice...So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other."
Look inward Americans. Look to your communities, neighbors, to your families, and lend a compassionate hand. I believe that success and hope are not measured by our wealth or military might, but by the strength and compassion of our unity as a people. United we stand, divided we fall has a lot of significance today, but especially for tomorrow.
Obama was a brave choice, but not a surprising one for Americans. He represents who we are today, and today, we are again, very proud and very hopeful!
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