Wednesday, November 05, 2008

America the Beautiful...

There are no red states, or blue states, only the Island:


Graphic courtesy of the talented Mike Garrett of Triple Point Studios

In all seriousness, I try not to be political on this blog, but something happened yesterday that transcends politics. Much like Barack, I'm a minority, the product of a mixed-race couple, one of whom was an immigrant. I owe everything that I am to the American Dream. Yet I used to secretly scoff when I overheard minorities tell their children that anyone can grow up to be President in America. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd live to see a black man elected Commander-in-Chief. Never have I been so ecstatic to be so wrong...

A few years ago, I went to see the film Legally Blond. As the closing credits rolled, I saw a little Latina girl applauding furiously as her immigrant father smiled and looked on, no doubt dreaming of his daughter's Crimson future. It's important that our children believe they can grow up to be anything they want to be, but that's not enough by itself. To become reality, adults have to believe the dream, too, or it inevitably gets deferred. That's why Barack Obama's election is so key. For the first time since I was a kid, I really believe, in my heart of hearts, that anything is possible in America.

Beautiful...

5 comments:

chriswaslost said...

Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

It's sad that some people just don't understand what happened and what it means to so many people, regardless of race.

Anonymous said...

You know, I just wanted him to win because I believe in his message. I completely forgot that America actually elected an African American to the Presidency! It occurred to me later Tuesday night and I thought, oh yeah! Hah.

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you have a proud heritage. I do as well, though they are all poor white folk! LOL!

There is only one race, the human race. We are all connected.

It is historic, but I hope Obama takes his job seriously. I'm a fan of Colin Powell and hope he influences the new administration.

Anonymous said...

Think what his election says to the rest of the world every time he steps out of the door of Air Force One followed by Michelle, and if they’re not in school, those two kids. Black people, handsome people, intelligent people, in charge of the most powerful country in the world. It could not have happened in any other country.