I want to be proud

Yesterday, I had one of those moments which, for me, come very infrequently. As I was watching my baby daughter play, MLK Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech was played on the radio in its entirety. Now, normally I'm a pretty cynical person when it comes to affecting real change in our country. But at that moment, thinking about how later that evening I would watch an African-american accept the nomination for president, at that moment I felt so proud. I wanted to say to her "See, we can do it, we can change this world and leave it in better shape for you than it was for me. I promise, we're not going to destroy the future for you. We're going to turn this thing around." I think this is the very first time since either of them were born that I could see a way to a brighter future for them. Actually, it may have been the first time for me to think that far into their future at all.

I've heard so much cynicism regarding this election. So much dismay at choosing Obama because there's so much fear that he won't get elected because of the forces of racism at work in this country. I've heard other afraid of the turmoil that will supposedly break out when he is elected. But this is a pivotal moment. Is it of utmost importance that democrats win this election? Of course. Should we bow to pressures that tell us to take the safe road, that tell us to stick with what we know? Absolutely not. Obama represents the best of what we can be, the change that we all are capable of, that we never quite reach. For the first time in many years, I have hope that I will be able to be proud of my country again. I feel proud that I can raise my children in a country where citizens are brave enough to ignore the racism that resides in all of us, and nominate the best person for the job, no matter what he looks like or what his name is.

Will it be a hard fight? Yes. Do I think the democrats will win? YES! I absolutely think, as Bill Clinton said last night, that Obama is "on the right side of history". You can only fool people for so long. So for all those in power who are trying so hard to hold on to what they've got.... enjoy it while it lasts. Cause we're gunning for you and we're going to take our country back.