Where were you the day the world changed?
Will you remember where you were when you heard that the United States had elected the first black president?
I will tell my children about the night I sat with three friends in a living room in Florida. There were dots on the walls and ceilings and a life sized killer clown statue in the corner. We sat with our laptops and iPhones and watched the results trickle in by phone, internet and twitter.
We talked and laughed, poking fun at one another about things of no interest to CNN.
And then the numbers on the screened flipped past 270 and in less than 140 characters, we heard that “John McCain called Obama and conceded”.
The world stopped. The world changed. Hilly and I teared up as we staggered in the face of the moment’s significance.
For the rest of my life, I will recall this moment with clarity.
How will you remember November 4th, 2008 – the day we elected Barack Hussein Obama?
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Posted in Serious Discussions - Politics, Religion, Society Tagged: Barack Obama, defining moments, election, history, politics
I was right here in Chicago thinking about a million things all at once. I want to find those two white guys that beat me up in an alley after I marched for open housing in 1969 and give them a great big kiss. I want to find some Klansman and put a clown nose on him. I’m thinking about an uncle who warned me that one day a black man would be my boss and how I should never accept that. I’m having a ;ate night whiskey. Screw Joe the fucking Plumber.
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I left work early to get home to watch the results. Now, that shining place we used to know as America, years and years (and years and years) ago, has a real chance of returning. All I can say is, “thank God!!” Those of us from other countries seemed to realize that if the results had been different, “rightness” would have lost again, and the slide down for America would have only continued. I hope we all pray for Barack Obama, because he has a heavy job ahead of him. Couldn’t you see that realization in his face and in his eyes too?
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We went to the democratic campaign office (is that what it’s called? whatever, the building with all the blue signs in the window) across the street to watch the acceptance speech. It was packed and everyone was cheering and booze was served…and we got to see the republican office right across the street close up shop early (in the middle of mccain’s concession speach) and yell obscenities across the way…classy, huh?
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Laying in bed with my boyfriend watching CNN. I didn’t want to get too excited when CNN called it, but then MSNBC and Foxnews called it also, and I got super excited.
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We had an eventful night, full of death threats and hatred before the results started pouring in. But it was quickly forgotten after they were. I am so, so very happy.
I wanted to wake up and hug my daughters. But I’ll just tell them in the morning.
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Great Post – brings back the chills I had just an hour ago. My brother and I called our mom within mere seconds of each other…”did she ever think she’d live to see this day”? And to think, tomorrow really is a new day.
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Absolutely inspiring. I hope more people are inspired to do big, big things.
I was with my brazilian fiance, her mom and my one month year old daughter. Great victory for her, indeed.
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Where was I? Trying to get some sleep after a very trying day at work. Had my room door locked when mommie dearest started beating it down. Seriously. Really hard. Then she tried to pick my lock to get in because I wasn’t answering her (I was ignoring her so I could get some sleep). She thought I was dead.
When I finally opened the door, she screamed (with tears streaming down her face) the words, “We did it, Robin….he won!! He won!!” I slid down and cried, right there in the hallway….and I am still shaking, 2 hours later.
Just amazing.
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I watched it on CNN with my husband. I realized that our president elect was giving his acceptance speech just a few blocks from where I was born. I felt so… connected to him, to everyone there. Then, when he spoke, for the first time in a long time, I saw the embodiment, the actual physical proof of what I have always known. That we are, truly, a great nation. And when my daughter gets older, I will tell her that one day, she could be president if she wanted… and I will mean it.
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Sitting with my laptop in front of the TV isn’t particularly notable, so I’ll just have to remember the event itself. I only wish my optimism for President-Elect Obama was matched with a corresponding optimism that the Democratic Congress will behave responsibly. I guess that’s where the “hope” comes in.
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Sitting in bed with my daughter lying beside me watching the returns come in on TV, and reading my friends’ viewpoints via Twitter, Facebook, and blogs on my trusty laptop.
When ABC confirmed it, a rush of adrenaline swept through me and I teared up. It was real. I grew up in an atmosphere of racism and ignorance…not because those around me had outright hostility toward those different from them, but because they never took the initiative to lift themselves up out of the pit.
And here we were on this night. I had the honor of voting for this man and now he had been elected.
And that speech…was it not of the caliber of MLK or what???
Breathtaking.
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We were having an election party, but I was in the other room doing a little late-night work stuff. I was participating in a live-blog at the same time (All work and no play…) when I saw the news. Work was officially over for the night at that point.
It’s 2 and 1/2 hours later and I don’t think I am going to sleep tonight.
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I’m in Canada and, as your neighbour, your politics affect us greatly.
I was in an evening meeting with about 50 other people. Someone got a phone call from a family member at home with the news and our meeting stopped for the announcement. It was met with cheers and applause from everyone- a few moist eyes as well.
I am so, SO proud of everyone who voted for Obama. Well, done America. Well done.
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I was watching it on CNN at home with my son. He cried and I cried. ‘I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime,’ said my son. ‘Neither did I,’ I said. We hugged and jumped up and down. Today was an extremely important day in history – as important as the landing on the Moon, as important as the Berlin Wall coming down. I am honoured I could witness it. For the first time in a long time I feel a palpable sense of hope!
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I’m so proud of America tonight, and yet so disappointed in California.
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Sorry Momma, to have America as a neighbor is like living in an apartment next to a couple who gets drunk, fights all the time, and then has loud rowdy make-up sex all night. We’re glad you love us anyways, though
I was in my living room getting my daughter ready for dinner. I was able to take her outside for our family-honored celebratory honking of the car horn. Usually we only do this for New Years, but this, of course, was a special night!
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And as for the speeches, I thought Obama’s was very good if not a little wistful and long. I actually thought McCain’s speech was excellent. Like all the real feelings he’d had to bottle-up and shelve for partisanship could finally come pouring out.
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As the lone liberal in an office full of conservative Republicans, I am very glad to be on vacation this week so I won’t have to listen to them tomorrow bemoaning the “end of America as we know it.” They say that like it’s a *bad* thing …
Also, I am thrilled beyond words that we’ll finally have a President whose speeches won’t be ear-shuddering and embarrassing.
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Where was I?
Being cynical as ever… because today the world did not change.
It isn’t about electing Barack Hussein Obama changing the world… it’s that America just grew up a little more… and the promise of change is one step closer to being fulfilled.
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Otherwise its just another day for me…
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I’ll remember starting the day at 5:00am, calling voters in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Ohio from a cramped Obama office in California. I’ll remember not stopping for nine straight hours, dialing along with 100 or more strangers joined in a common cause. I’ll remember the posters on the walls, the spirit of purpose in that room, and that cute little dog that everyone adopted as the office mascot.
I’ll remember crying when the victory was sealed. I’ll remember feeling the joy of witnessing hope conquer fear and hate. I’ll remember crying again as President-elect Obama addressed the country. I’ll remember being a part of history.
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I was at the Alamodome watching my daughter’s HS marching band win 4th place for Texas State UIL. Out of 800 total bands. Wow. Almost made up for the loss I feel for our country.
Yeah yeah, whatever. Before you commenters rip me a new one, just realize that 99% of the commenters here are pro-Obama, yet the popular vote was mostly split. Hopefully that goes to show how tilted the viewership is. Cliquey.
Imagine if McCain had won. Just try. Think of the anger, fear, injustice, shock and bewildered-ness. That’s where I’m at. Have any compassion? Do you care?
Yeah, didn’t think so.
Fwiw, I support our President come hell or high-water. I still have my strong opinions about this election but I still don’t know if I’m “safe” to express them, even on my own blog. But I will endeavor to treat the office holder with respect the office deserves.
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Dude woke me up to tell me John McCain was making his concession speech and I thought I was dreaming. I came down stairs so I could see it for myself. That’s when I finally felt that my voice had been heard and vote finally counted. I felt like for once, as Americans, we got it right.
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i fell asleep early last night. didn’t write a post for my site, just read a bit while watching the coverage and passed the fuck out on the couch with my dogs. had a dream that mccain won. woke up to obama as president elect. i’ll be honest…my first reaction was pure confusion. as i type this it is sinking in…
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I didn’t stay up to watch the concession. Once 11pm EST came up and CNN rolled the numbers into the 300s, I felt pretty good and went to bed.
But I won’t forget this day, and I’m not even American.
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I will remember it as this:
I fell asleep early for a quick nap at 8:30pm. I woke up at 2am and staggered out to where Dawg was. “McCain won.” My face dropped. I had never been more disappointed in my entire life. And then Dawg said, “just kidding, Obama is president” and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
The End
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As I told my bi-racial son, this is a moment your children will read about in history books.
Did the world change? No … the country didn’t even change. Those who voted along racial lines (against AND for) are no different than they were 24 hours ago.
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I was talking to my 65 year old father who was crying… because while playing college football in the early 60’s his very white team plus one black man traveled to the deep south… the one player had to stay at hotel by himself and they were refused entrance to a restaurant due to the black player… the team refused to eat until they could eat as a team… they ate at a “black” restaurant… my Dad had just called that one individual and stated that now it was time to return to that restaurant and show them how the world is so much a better place because of this election….
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“I sat with three friends in a living room in Florida. There were dots on the walls and ceilings and a life sized killer clown statue in the corner. We sat with our laptops and iPhones and watched the results trickle in by phone, internet and twitter.”
Me too!
I cried throughout almost the whole speech but had to try to hide it from Clown.
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RW: I think a lot of people no longer need to be found now. I bet they get CNN.
Momma: you could, too. He looked like he needed a nap.
Danalyn: oh how cool you got to go there though!
Amanda: yeah, we were all very, very cautiously optimistic as well.
Maria: at least for one day, good triumphs evil – right?
ScaryMom: my GRANDPARENTS lived to see this.
PAPA: I’m already thinking of the next big thing. And my gay friends here in Florida with no reason to celebrate.
Robin: *sigh* big hugs
Faiqa: amen, Mama.
Ren: I said out loud at one point in the speec when Obama was talking about being responsible and compassionate and blah blah blah blah now “mmmm, some of those House Democrats are saying WTF right now!”
Ginger: both candidates gave EXCELLENT speeches last night.
B.E. Earl: wow – WE were a bunch of bums in comparison!
Momma2731: gosh, I just realized how great it feels to be proud of ourselves in the global eye again.
Selma: ditto – and note I wasn’t alive for any of those moments listed (wait, Berlin wall I was in elementary schol I think) – so I am so thrilled to be a witness to it.
Nikki: agreed. I am ANGRY at my fellow Floridians who passed a similar proposition with overwhelming numbers.
rebturtle: oh how cool is that.
And yes, I thought McCain was excellent. I actually wondered aloud, where was THAT GUY during this campaign??
SJ: I am a lucky girl to be so insulated – for the most part – today.
NYCWD: let me be clear – I did NOT vote for Obama because of his race. ALLLLL of the reasons I voted for him still need to have time to be worked out.
BUT…
A country that once thrived on slavery elected a black man to the highest office in the land. That was not true 24 hours ago.
That’s some hellacious collateral change.
just bob: thank you
whall: before I forget – YAY FOR YOUR DAUGHTER
Secondly – the country survived Bush. We survived Clinton. We survive presidents. Because WE, as a country, our bigger than our politics, my friend.
I don’t know if you heard Obama’s acceptance speech, but it might be a comfort for you to find it today and read it. Because yes, we do care. That’s the point. The point is that even the voices of “dissension” matter and NEED to be heard.
POLICIES aside, revel in the fact that your children now live in a world – in a country – where race is no longer an excuse.
Lisa: we hear ya, baby.
hello haha narf: we wondered where you were on twitter last night.
SciFi Dad: I’m going to echo what I said to Momma up there – it’s nice to have the world be proud of us again for a minute.
Poppy:
Dana: I don’t think that’s true.
Because I? Didn’t vote along racial lines. At all. This? Is an amazing biproduct of my vote. This? Is the result of a country judging a man on his character – and THAT is amazing.
I think the fact that people who DIDN’T vote with racism were heard over those who did is a big, big deal. And a change.
Terri: man, and it’s things like that that a midwestern, safe girl like myself forgets about. Thank you for sharing.
Hilly: Dude, how cool is it that forever and ever and ever we’ll have this moment together? Even if you stop blogging and I stop blogging and we’re all “snackiewho?” and you’re all “I hated that twat” – we’ll always have this.
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I was sitting in my livingroom w/my family watching. Shed some tears even before the final results and shed more today when I woke and realized hope has arrived.
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I think I was in the bathroom pooping.
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I fell asleep early, when Obama “only” had 104 or so electoral votes, but I knew I’d be waking up to a different world.
I wish I could have voted. Next time. It won’t be as historic, but at least I’ll have the right to have my voice heard next time.
I think, though, that I misunderstood all of your past political posts. Didn’t you vote for McCain?????
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I was sleeping. I spent the evening doing homework (hooray) and asked my boyfriend to text me or something to let me know who won. Turns out all I had to do was stay awake another twenty minutes.
We just lived history. It’s kind of surreal, in a way. I know my kids are going to read about this in school and they’re going to be shocked that it was such a big deal “back then.”
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I was tearing up just as much as you and Hilly!
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I was sitting on my couch and Twittering. And then, at 11 pm NBC called it; I started crying and haven’t really stopped.
It’s an amazing thing, and I pray that he lives up to his promise and the hope that we have invested in him.
On the other hand, I’m sick about the gay marriage things… we still have a long way to go in some respects.
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With a smile on my face.
(It hasn’t gone away, yet.)
And Whall – that’s not true. I even felt sorry for McCain. Not that i feel sorry for you, but I DO have compassion – I am not a jerk. I still love you and your blog!
I’m just glad your guy didn’t win.
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It is exciting beyond words.
It is a time of hope.
I will always remember.
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I was glued to my TV, remote in hand so I could switch back and forth. The minute it was announced, I screamed. (a happy scream) I ran into the bedroom and said to my sleeping man, “Honey, we did it!” He was groggy, but he knew what I meant. He woke up and watched the speeches with me. I still have goosebumps.
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I was working. And running in and out of rooms watching the returns.
I remember thinking last night that no one has any excuses any longer – even me. None of us can ever say again, well, I can’t do that. The odds are stacked against me because I’m black/poor/a woman/whatever. And that the words “only in America” mean something again. Seriously. Who would have thought.
That all of my fellow idealists came out of the closet. I was born into the “I Have A Dream” era and it has shaped my life and personality to this day.
I was thrilled beyond measure at the huge voter turnout – to see my fellow Americans get up off their couches and cast their vote because it does indeed matter.
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I keep hearing…Only in America…..but, that’s not altogether true. Having an African-(Canadian) person running in Canada would have been almost a non issue, and we’ve already, years ago, had a female Prime Minister. Yes, we do have African-Americans here, remember the underground railway, they escaped to here and there are still traditional home places where they settled, not to mention everywhere else in our great country. So, maybe “Only in NORTH America,” but NOT “only in America.” Not that bigotry is absent here in Canada; now if the person running was Native American, that may be a stretch for some rigid folks.
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I ran upstairs to take a quick shower, hoping I’d be down in time to hear the results. Then my sister came upstairs to tell me it was over. I cried.
Then I got mad at McCain for conceding so quickly.
Then I went and grabbed my big girl panties, put them on, heaved a great big sigh and said “I hope I am wrong.”
I only can hope and pray to Obama does all of the great things that everyone seems to think he can do.
Also – I’m with Whall on the whole fear factor of voicing my opinion too loudly. Being called names in comments for having an opposing position has a tendency to do that to a girl.
If we can officially say that race is no longer an excuse, the next time I hear on the news that the reason why the schools in Chicago suck is because no one cares about the black community, the reason why gang violence is so high is because people hate blacks and a whole other slew of “excuses” people give for why they can’t pull themselves up simply because of their race, I will feel free to call bullshit to those who say things like that.
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At the moment McCain called Obama, I was in a grocery store dumpster looking for my handheld work computer which I’d mistakenly tossed in there. It was found, I washed the rotten egg off my shoes, then I went home and drank wine.
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Sheila (Charm School Reject):
Not for nothing, but we’ve still got miles to go. To wit, the following conversation was just overheard by me in my bosses office:
“This year Hallmark is making an Obama ornament. That way we can all hang a coon from a tree.”
It’s not dead, just in hiding.
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I was on my couch wearing a green shirt and gray pants and sobbing my way through an entire box of kleenex.
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Finn :
People like that disgust me. People who cling to the stereotypes of their race and never strive for anything greater, choosing instead to not take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them, also disgust me.
Am I proud that the bigots in America finally got over themselves and elected a black president? Am I proud of him for “rising above” the future that people in his situation (half-black, single mom, etc) would have been stereotyped into? Hell yeah. But his race and family history have nothing to do with how I feel about him as a person.
All of that being said, I respect him in the same way that one should respect their teachers – just because you don’t like them doesn’t give you the right to disrespect their office and position.
I’ve got hope for an even better America. I’m just too cynical to let those hopes get very high.
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Sheila:
For the record, I didn’t mean to imply that you would approve of such a statement — I pointed it out specifically because I knew you would not.
I understand cynical — I live with cynical (His name is Mister). But I cling to hope anyway. And my wish is that your current expectations are very pleasantly exceeded.
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Finn :
I’m clinging too – we desperately need something positive in America.
xoxo
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we went as a family to vote. being a homeschool family, i’d been working on civics and the government and the constitution and elections and all of that with james, my 4th grader…we walked over there and voted…james watched us, comparing mine and jason’s ballots, which were the same he tells us…we walked home…jason wasn’t feeling well and went to bed, i was on the computer…after 6 pm, i kept checking yahoo to watch the results come in…and his lead kept growing and growing…at about 11 o’clock, it was very clear he had won! we were a part of making history..my mom can still remember where she was when kennedy was shot, i know where i was when the space shuttle blew up (4th grade), and when the twin towers were hit (on campus, in class)…now, i will remember this.
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And can I just say – I hope no one would attack someone for saying they supported McCain. The point is that you SUPPORTED him, as in, you got up and did something about it. The point of democracy is not that everyone agrees, but that everyone has an equal chance – regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status – to voice their opinion without fear of reprisal.
Even blog reprisal.
Good for you for voting.
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I had stayed up all night in a coastal city in England, watching with my dad, watching as the country I had called my home for the past year, the country I had fallen in love with, that I knew would make the right choice, changed.
I stayed up all night and watched as the results came in, twittering and getting excited.
And when it was finally over, and my dad went to bed, I stayed up longer, just having to stay up to watch him speak.
And I sat tired but happy, at 5am in the morning, cuddled up with my two dogs on my sofa, hugging them and crying tears of joy at the fact that you frigging DID IT America.
And I was so proud… SO PROUD.
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I have to say, I was on my couch watching in disbelief, and a little bit of resignation. I always knew there were more Democrats than Republicans in the country, so I was pretty sure with the implementation of early voting, the poor campaign that McCain ran, and the wildly popular Democratic candidate, that Obama would win. But I hoped against hope that we wouldn’t elect a man who seems to be evil incarnate dressed in sheep’s clothing.
We did. And I’m terrified. Of course, I’m glad that we have boken the race boundries, for many reasons, but I’m terrified that we have sealed our doom in this election.
I hope I am wrong, I will support my president as surely as I would have were it my candidate that won, and I hope he does it all right. I would like to live in the paradise he outlined. I would also like to ride a Unicorn.
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I made a cake to celebrate! It’s what I do….
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As an 18 year old, this was my first time being allowed to vote.
I was in a room full of people on my college campus when CNN projected OBAMA to win. And we all burst out crying, waiting and hoping that it was true. When it was official we cheered and hugged. When Obama and his family were introduced as the first family, I began crying. And everytime I read his speech or think about the reality I now live in, I get teary-eyed once again.
When I walked around campus afterwards, there were parties and celebrations going on all night, reminding me that hope and the “American Dream” isn’t dead.
Change is on the way.
And I’ve never felt so proud and inspired by my country in my life.
We really did it.
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When the news came out, I was fast asleep in my bed in Vienna, Austria. But I woke up just before seven, got up and listened to the FM4 news.
I had tears in my eyes being relieved and happy – for the US, the world and for all that comes with the election of this man.
We don’t know what his term will bring (and I admit that I’m sometimes worried whether he will live through it or even see it) but after listening to his speech from last night I am very optimistic.
I look forward to visiting the US again…
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Where was I? In bed with my husband, hoping to whatever God there is that his lead would continue and he would win.
At 18 years old, not only did I vote, by my candidate of choice won. I have never been so proud to be an American as I did listening to his speech.
I am, however, extremely disgusted that all three of the gay marriage bans passed. Ugh.
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I will remember that it was the first election that I was old enough to vote in. That fact alone makes me kind of glad at being so young. The first election I voted in is such a historic one.
Oh and that I folded a lot of denim that night at work.
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~kat: awww
Avitable: *sigh*
Dawn: hey, it’ll be YOUR history. That counts.
Elizabeth: yep, surreal – exactly how I’m feeling today.
Clown: I don’t think you’re using that word correctly.
Finn: I’m with you on the gay marriage thing.
I hope WE live up to our expectations. I hope we don’t set this man up as our lone savior. I hope we remember he won because of what we did together.
Sybil Law: you are NOT a jerk!
Kate: me too!!
kaila : I’m pretty sure Jared was asleep.
Britt’s Mom: and you were STILL Up texting me at 2am.
Momma: I can’t say anything because I am completely ignorant on Candian history.
Sheila (Charm School Reject): you absolutely CAN call bullshit. And you should. We all should.
Becky..Absent Minded Housewife: so, um, there’s THAT. lol
Finn: there will always be evil in the world. The most we can hope for is that it is recognized as being abnormal.
maggie, dammit: and writing something beautiful about it, no doubt
Jamie: whew, it’s nice to have a GOOD historic moment for our time
little_lj: so. damn. sweet.
Allyson: here’s a testament to this campaign:
Early Voting was not new. It’s ALWAYS been an option. Obama was just the first one to use it like this.
Blondefabulous: oh that’s just adorable.
Traer: man I bet a college would be an amazing place to be right now.
pensive legal alien: optimism is a good thing.
Ashleigh: 100% with you on the disgust.
Sarah: my first election was Bush v. Gore. You’re a lucky girl, and hopefully will represent a more optimistic generation.
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i am going to disagree with you on “early voting has ALWAYS been an option”…unless by early voting you mean absentee voting which is quite different. Some states (Texas) began it in 1988…Florida did it for the first time in a presidential election in 2004…so maybe in YOUR lifetime of voting it has always been option…but it is a relatively new process in these United States.
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I was sleeping.
That is what I can tell everyone. Some story, eh?
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Only as a point of detail, I’d like to add that being in a dumpster at the moment Obama won the election is not what I’d consider a sign of how his presidency will go. It’s only a sign that I was…well…absent-minded.
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Congratulations!
I teared up too but not for the same reason as you.
It made me realize more than ever than time is not infinite, that dreams do not die and also, they are not always fulfilled. It’s how you handle yourself when you see those dreams end that shows the true character of your soul.
That being said, I think that Obama ran one of the best compaigns ever and deserves the respect and the backing of the American people.
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Where was I? I was at home, with my family.
Yesterday it was my vote, today he is my president…. but it’s not the way I voted? Why?
Because I love America, I love our freedoms, and I don’t want them to go away. But, since like Whall said – 98% of your readers are obama supporters, I’ll hold my fingers and not say more.
I hope he is able to bring this divided nation together, and I hope in 4 years we am better off than we are now – still a free country – and not under socialism.
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It was my son’s 5th birthday, so we already had cake and ice cream on hand!
We just watched updates on TV at home like the boring folk we are.
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I am Canadian, so I found myself chanting: ‘Yes We Can…watch’
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Your mom’s words and your mom’s wisdom in her posts reflect exactly what I am feeling… and what I felt on November 4th 2008 while watching the results while in bed. Our generation was shaped beyond measure what your generation is living… I am hopeful.
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I came home from work showered, changed, and against everyones wishes, took the bus and then the El to Grant Park. My fiance had to work and all my other family and friends dont live in chicago. They all told me not to go alone..its not safe. I didn’t care. On my way to Grant Park I began plotting how I would find someone to give me a ticket in, as I didn’t have one. I just knew I had to be there. I found a lovely couple on the El and quitely asked the girl if they had an extra ticket. THEY DID!! I spent the evening walking with them through security, finding the PERFECT spot to hunker down for the next 3,4,5 hours or more. I watched Barack Obama get elected in Grant Park with 250,000 others. I watched him come out and speak and for the first time I looked at a politician as he spoke and promised to get us where we need to be…someday, and I actually believed him. It was an amazing feeling. Now I know what my mother felt with JFK was elected. I never understood her true love for him until now.
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It is so strange to me that our neighbors to the South know nothing about our history when it is so intertwined. Just one example, there is a national battleground here, the Plains of Abraham, as special to us as any of your historical sites; anyway, if the battle had gone the other way, France would have won, which would have resulted in that part of Canada becoming part of the Louisiana purchase, so would then be America. Parts of the Louisiana purchase included where we NOW live, next to Montana. Just one small example.
And, to those afraid of Canada as Socialist, we are NOT socialist. Actually, in terms of our politics, Canada is Vermont! Our health care is not free, we do pay, and have to have health insurance. It just isn’t so stupid expensive.
We CAN buy guns if we are eligible (ie, not criminal) and I grew up with guns in our home. Our kids have won medals for marksmanship, our eldest daughter showed up her then fiance and his friends with her shooting of critters, much to the deflating of their manhood. You betcha.
Our banking system is regulated, a bad word with Republicans, but our banks are considered the soundest in the world.
Your Bill of Rights could be taken word for word as to how we live our lives here in Canada, too.
We are very patriotic, becoming as full throated about it as Americans, and we think OUR country is the best; 3 out of 4 would NOT move south of the border even if there were no barriers or hurdles. And the barriers are high, deep and strong! weird since my ancestors settled in America, with 4 generations of Americans before my Mom was born!
So, to those who are afraid of losing freedoms, or perpetuate the fear-mongering (Like McCarthyism) president elect Obama is evil incarnate, I say, “relax” I am not versed in politics or history, but Canada is a centrist, FREE country, not too different from America, and it wouldn’t hurt if our politicians took the best from both countries.
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I actually had the pleasure of being in New York City on that historical, momentous day! It was quite possibly the most amazing place to be…in all of the world.
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I just got goosebumps again! I was in my living room (in Canada!) with my husband, my sister-in-law and her fiance. We were glued to CNN and when it flashed across that he was the president elect, I just clasped my hands to my chest and heaved a huge sigh of relief. I said Thank. God. Then the hair on my arms stood straight up and I got serious chills of happiness and excitement and anticipation. Things WILL get better. Obama has a lot of work ahead of him, but he WILL get us back on the right track.
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I was sitting in my dorm room watching cnn on my computer. During the last election I was 17 so this was the first one I actually payed attention to. It was amazing. After watching and paying attention to it I decided that I wanted to never have any plans that interrupt watching election night stuff.
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