Yes we can.
To my little ones,
Tonight we elected a new President. Tonight I witnessed Barack Obama become the first African American to hold the highest office in our land. It was a historic evening and as I watched the returns I couldn’t help but feel… hopeful.
And that was what this election was – to not only me but to so many people across this country – a chance to have hope. A chance to dream of a better life. A chance to hope for a stronger economy, a safer world or a brighter future. To me, for the first time in my adult life, this wasn’t so much a choice of just two men for public office – both who were highly qualified and both who would, no doubt, do a fine job as President – but, rather, a choice of how we want to feel about ourselves and our country.
And my choice was also for you. For so many reasons, this election seemed larger than any I have seen. But the main reason for my vote was what kind of country do I want you to grow up in. Not only in relation to the issues of the economy, the environment and all the multitude of problems we face, but in the very tangible feeling of hope and optimism that has been missing for quite a while now. And while history will be the ultimate judge, on this day and at this time, I feel that President Obama will help this country believe in itself in ways that we haven’t seen since President John F. Kennedy over 40 years ago.
While I am always proud to be an American. Tonight, I am actually excited to be an American. I am excited at the possibilities of a President who has a real chance to unite this country in ways that few people can. As he promised tonight in his victory speech, this country is not a collection of individuals or red states and blue states but, rather, this country truly is The United States of America and my fervent hope is that President Obama helps unite us in ways we haven’t seen in my lifetime.
This election is much more than party alliances. This election was much more than right versus left or, even, right versus wrong. It was about having the opportunity to feel emotionally connected to the future of our country and so many people are feeling that way tonight. And this is not to take anything away from Senator McCain, who is a national hero and deserves respect, but rather says so much about a man born from a black father and white mother who was raised by his grandmother who has risen meteorically through the national conscience because of his ability to connect to so many.
So, on this night, I sleep well having more hope for the future of your country and I pray that this election truly was the beginning of a country united. You deserve that.
With love,
Daddy.
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Beautiful words. I truly believe that this kind of heartfelt sentiment comes not only from the joy and responsibility of being a father, but from the inspiration somebody like Barack Obama brings to this country. With renewed hope for the future, it is now up to us as parents to celebrate that hope, and work to keep it alive and thriving in our children. With President Obama leading the way, the task at hand is that much easier.
Yes we can.
Comment by Kevin T. — November 4, 2008 @ 11:38 pm
You hit it dead on. Dead on. This was my first election where it truly mattered. It mattered how I pulled the lever. We not only need someone who is smart and can pull the right people together. We need someone who WANTS to do it. Not for the title. Not for family reasons. Not for power. But because it is the right thing to do.
Yes we can. Yes we did. Yes we will.
Comment by DC Urban Dad — November 5, 2008 @ 4:56 am
I’ve never been so emotional about an election, but this one has brought tears to my eyes repeatedly. I was SO proud to be an American last night. So proud of everyone who stood up and made their voice be heard, saying “We want better.” I’m inspired by President Obama’s words and feel like, if anyone, HE will be not just our leader but our UNITER. HE will roll up his sleeves and lead by example, breaking down barriers and boundaries and creating a new reality for our country.
Yes we can.
Comment by Kate — November 5, 2008 @ 9:29 am
…that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Last night all Americans realized that dream. Way to go America!
Comment by Grandmother — November 5, 2008 @ 10:33 am
My humble musical letter to president Obama:
http://www.writinghannah.blogspot.com
Best,
Hannah
Comment by hannah friedman — November 5, 2008 @ 11:31 am
Well said. A toast to change!
Comment by Kari — November 5, 2008 @ 3:18 pm
Last night your nation took a step my country (UK) I do not think will be ready to take for a generation, probably more. Congratulations all the citizen of a great nation who once again is leading where others have not the courage, so far, to tread.
Today your nation stands where it briefly did following 9/11 – it had the world in your corner. Your politicians all but destroyed that good will then. Please don’t do that again.
From this blog your love of your children and your hopes for their future are so self evident but my hopes are that once again my children can visit your nation without an atmosphere of distrust and that in return my nation can do the same for your children.
Comment by David — November 5, 2008 @ 3:31 pm
Well said! We took Da’Gorgeouses to vote with us just because we wanted them to be a PART of it! LOL!!
Hugs & Blessings!
Comment by MamaChanga — November 5, 2008 @ 5:19 pm
Judging by all the blogs I have visited today and seeing so many people present such hope and excitement in their words it seems more then ever we are connected and have been united more then I have ever known. This feels great.
Comment by Ryan — November 5, 2008 @ 7:19 pm
Very well said. our kids will thank us someday.
Comment by James — November 5, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
Oh see leave it too you to come up with the perfect line. “I am actually excited to be an American” Just perfect and exactly how I felt on Tuesday night. I’m still so excited. I just can’t wait to see how things change in the next few years.
Plus, I didn’t really want to move to Canada. One major move was enough for me.
Comment by Issa — November 6, 2008 @ 1:41 pm