"For the first time in my life I can honestly say I'm proud to be an American!!! Yaaaaaaay!" -Good friend, RJS
On Tuesday, one of my professors assessed the level of energy in class and determined that this was no day for a class discussion on mediation. Instead, we talked politics, before being dismissed early, to go vote, or just enjoy the sunshine... and try to contain ourselves before the evening results unfolded! The night was one filled with anxiety and then LOTS OF HAPPINESS. Our basement was filled with friends, eagerly watching the polls come in...
What an exciting night! I got a call from a LEH in Chicago, as she and some others attended the rally there! How exciting to hear the incredible buzz of people there, all celebrating triumphantly!
America, I am happy for you. And world, for you too.
And you know what I just realized? I was in South Africa at the time the first black president was elected there, in 1994, and now, 14 years later, I'm in the US, at the time the first black president is elected here. "You should just travel to every country!" -JLL ...I wish it was that easy! Here's some words from Nelson Mandela, the famous first black president of SA, to Obama:
We join people in your country and around the world in congratulating you on becoming the President-elect of the United States. Your victory has demonstrated that no person anywhere in the world should not dare to dream of wanting to change the world for a better place. We note and applaud your commitment to supporting the cause of peace and security around the world. We trust that you will also make it the mission of your presidency to combat the scourge of poverty and disease everywhere. We wish you strength and fortitude in the challenging days and years that lie ahead. We are sure you will ultimately achieve your dream, making the United States of America a full partner in a community of nations committed to peace and prosperity for all.
- Full text of a message from Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa, to Senator Barack Obama, the first black president-elect of the United States of America. (Source: The New York Times)
And, to close, here's a quote which encaptures it all.
Rosa Parks sat in 1955.
Martin Luther King walked in 1963.
Barack Obama ran in 2008.
So that our children might fly.
One last thing...
Hey,
Want a free Obama sticker to celebrate our victory? It's designed by Shepard Fairey, the artist who created the iconic HOPE poster. And MoveOn's giving them away totally free--even the shipping's free.
I just got mine. Click this link to get your free Obama sticker:
http://pol.moveon.org/shepstickers/?id=-10261287-rGENxBx&rc=
Thanks!
Posts
