After a long election day (standing in line for over an hour to vote in DC and then volunteering in Virginia to help get out the vote) Robin and I made our way across town to a friend’s house to nervously watch the election results. Ah what a feeling! With great anticipation, we listened to McCain and Obama speak and were touched by both of their words.
Then we spilled out into the streets of DC with thousands of others in celebration. Car horns honked till 2 in the morning. People who would otherwise be sleeping were gathering on the streets in jubilation. We joined thousands of singing and dancing people at the White House. People were courteous and orderly; strangers hugged each other. In a word, it was exhilarating, like a deluge of rain after a long and painful drought.
Why such a joyous celebration?
In past elections, I have witnessed and participated in celebrations of victory. But, at least for me and I think for most others, this was different. It was not exactly a celebration of victory (as with a sports event); it was a celebration of humanity.
Permit me for a moment to describe what I mean and why Tuesday night was so magical to me.
I must say, first of all, that I am keenly aware that not everyone is pleased with the outcome of this election, not the least of which some of the members of my own family whom I love and respect. I do not wish to gloat or downplay that disappointment. Disappointment is a difficult emotion to bear. In part, the disappointment could be a by-product of concern about what the future holds, the uneasiness of the unknown. I have the same concern. As President-elect Obama said,
“And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.”
A New Beginning
Obama’s victory marks a new beginning, one that seems to be desperately needed. Whether or not the future will bear what we hope for (greater peace, prosperity for all, freedom and fairness for us and for all mankind) is yet to be seen. As such, Obama is a risk, but a risk that we welcome. This is an opportunity to shape the country and the world in a way that provides an opportunity to bring greater happiness and joy to all. The tears that I witnessed (and shed) on Tuesday night were tears of hope.
Inspiration Matters
When I think about people like Abraham Lincoln, FDR, John F. Kennedy, MLK, and other great leaders, I think:
“Four score and seven years ago…”
“We have nothing to fear but fear itself”
“Ask not what your country can do for you: Ask what you can do for your country.”
“I have a dream!”
These great men, and many other men and women like them, inspired others. Lincoln himself never fought in a battle, Kennedy didn’t go to the moon, but they each inspired millions to do that which does not come easily to humans: hard work and sacrifice.
I feel that inspiration from Obama.
Sacrifice and Service
Amy Bucci, one of my co-workers, put it this way: “I’m ready to go to work for him.”
The giant problems we have in front of us (both known and unknown) can’t be solved by one man or one woman or one teacher or one doctor or one scientist or one farmer, or one president… But, they CAN be solved by millions of people working together. That will require a real leader who can inspire people to look outward and make sacrifices rather than protecting their own interests.
Can Obama lead us there? I don’t know. There are many forces to contend with. But I am encouraged by the willingness of virtually all of the people I know and work with (on both sides of the political spectrum) who are willing to work and sacrifice to make this change a change for the better, to meet these daunting challenges. This enthusiasm could continue to develop a culture of care and volunteerism– an era when we act on our duty to be our brothers’ keeper. It could also be more of the same. But I am willing to take a leap of faith.
In the words of our president-elect:
“…let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. [...] in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.”
Healing and Race
A grandmother of one of my co-workers had never, in her 92 years, voted for a Democrat. She voted for Barack because, as she said, “this country needs some healing.” Indeed it does. Obama is not a healer, but he represents something different from the past, a turning away from ideas and attitudes that have damaged our souls and sullied our international reputation. We can now begin the healing.
As a black man, Obama is also a signal to all races that it is not the color of your skin that matters. “America” should be synonymous with “equality.” Now we have the proof we need that skin color is not an insurmountable barrier. We still have a long way to go with this one. Racism still exists, but it took a serious blow on election day.
Tear Down This Wall
Today is a national holiday in Kenya. Think about it. An entire country is celebrating the success of one of its progeny. Other celebrations around the world remind us that we are still a beacon on a hill. The world looks to us to act responsibly, carefully, respectfully. But instead in the last several years we have been reckless, arrogant, and afraid. We now have a chance to reset.
As a friend of a friend in Israel texted, “It’s cool again to be American.”
Impossible Expectations?
Can it work? Can we really change the world even when we’re mired in two wars and a financial crisis? Maybe yes, maybe no… but yes is better.
Really, it can only work if we ALL work together in a unified manner.
As our President Elect encouraged, “Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.”
Let us remember that hope is greater than fear.
