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Understanding History

November 10, 2008

Senator Barack Obama was elected President of the United States on November 4, 2008.  It was a moment that millions honestly felt they would never see in their lifetime.  I have written before about how I had doubt that America could or would ever elect an African American President.  So when we flipped the television to CNN and heard/saw Wolf Blitzer announce that CNN was ready to declare that Barack Obama was President, there was a brief moment of silence. 

Even though I was in a room of Barack supporters, everyone still had a moment of shock and then a loud yell of excitement and rejoiced in the fact their candidate had won, that there was a new President and that an African American was able to DO IT.  I was so excited and so proud of the moment.  I couldn't wait for his acceptance speech.  I knew it would be the definition of a change that was upon us as a society, a nation, and a Race of people.

Of course, we had to wait for his speech.  As always, the first speech is that of the losing candidate.  We had to hear the concession speech.  I must say that it was probably one of the best speeches Sen. John McCain had given during his campaign and I know if he had spoken with such passion and hope throughout the campaign there is no way Barack would have won so easily.  Anyway, I was very happy to hear him give his speech of support and respect.

Finally the moment came and Barack walked on stage.  I am from Chicago, still have family there, and just spoke with my mother who was standing in the crowd at Grant Park so that she could make sure she was there for this history making event.  When he walked on stage, I felt so much emotion and just was overwhelmed with a sense of PRIDE.  His speech was exactly what I expected; very poignant and inclusive.  It was everything that he was and that he hoped for this country.

The next day, I had to get up earlier than usual and was trying to get ready quickly.  My wife was still sleep in bed and as I was putting on my pants, it all hit me.  This was all bigger than anything I imagined.  It was all a moment of clarity.  For me, it was the manifestation of the mantra, "you can be anything you want to be."  Barack was President of the United States of America.  I had to take a seat and just cry.  Not cry with sadness, not cry with joy, just cry.  It was my moment of realization!!! 

Even to this day, 6 days later, I find myself sometime overcome with emotion that causes my eyes to tear.  It's nothing I can do to stop it.  It's emotion.  I UNDERSTAND HISTORY and I am proud that this moment has not past.  It's unbelievable!!  I love this emotion and I doubt I will ever lose it.  I mean I ask you, how many papers did you buy???  I know I am not the only one, understanding history means we all have had or are having our emotional moment.

 

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  • Jason Wiley

    New York,
    United States

  • I am a marketing executive at Jive Records, but life is about more than where I work.I am a dedicated husban…

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Jason's Latest Commentary (6)

  • November 17, 2008

    Voting is suppose to be anonymous, so I question the validity of the poll.  Also, who was responsible for the poll?  Either way, I don't quite understand how allowing someone to be committed and become a more stable home can be bad for anyone?  Also, how does other people getting married affect others, i.e. even if a heterosexual couple gets married tomorrow, it won't affect me, so why would a gay couple affect me.  "RIGHTS" is a powerful word and why shouldn't everyone have the same rights?  I thought that was the point of this country....  If someone can explain why it's so bad for same sex marriage other than, I think it's wrong, then I will agree, as of now, I could care less if anyone wants to get married.  Because I have heard a lot of reasons why it is bad if a committed couple can't be married; i.e., legal, in death decisions, property, etc.

  • November 11, 2008

    It's interesting because both of our recent posts are about the overwhelming emotions that we are all feeling by the election of Barack Obama.  There are a lot of hard times ahead of our new President.  I hope we all give him time and work to help him accomplish the necessary things to make this country successful.

  • September 26, 2008

    I know I will do my part to make sure it happens next year.  Even though I spent most of my time in the hospital.  I would do it all again to make sure the picnic happens

  • August 4, 2008

    Okay, but lets be honest, there is a general type of person who is urinating in public, in the middle of the day, with no influence of alcohol or drugs.  Is it good to start that path with a child so early? 

  • July 20, 2008

    This is where I have always wondered about the translation of the Bible, because I do not believe that anyone should ever fear, i.e. be scared, nervous or un sure about GOD, but always have faith that his will and his love will carry you through anything.  To me, by having faith in him and believing in his WORD, you will always try to live life as he would want you.  Unfortunately, everyone is human, so no one can ever live life perfectly as we should, but in trying to live a GODly life, you are also assuring and displaying to everyone your Faith in GOD.  If I have Faith in him, why would I Fear him?

  • June 30, 2008

    does it really mean family

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