I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t embarrassed to come from the land of the free, which I always saw as the land of the presumptuous and entitled.
I’ve never had faith in politics or the American people. Perhaps it is because I grew up watching more SNL satires of politicians than actual politicians. Or perhaps it’s due to the fact that, just as I was old enough to know what was going on in the world, the world began to focus more on Clinton’s affairs than on his state of affairs.
I’m not quite sure at what exact point I grew so jaded and apathetic, but it happened. And it got worse. And after we “re-elected” Bush, I became Canadian. I’d never been to Canada but I had no problem telling people I’d met while abroad that I came from the land of the Maple leaf. I’d rather claim the nationality of a country to which I had never been than admit to my Wonderbread roots.
But last night changed everything. Everything! Obama makes me happy. And proud. And hopeful. And energized. For the first time in my life, I am excited about the future of my country. Obama is the antithesis of everything I’ve always thought politics to be. And we elected him. 63,493,372 people agreed that America should be different. 63,493,372 people agreed! And banded together. And put the right man in charge. I’ve seen strangers all day sharing looks that say, “We did it. We see eye to eye.”
My normally cynical eyes were streaming tears during Obama’s speech last night. I cried because I felt relieved. And because I felt hope, not just for America, but for the entire world. And because our country has finally made race inconsequential. And because I am part of something huge. I am no longer the liberal minority voting for a losing candidate. I am part of something ENORMOUS, a clan that believes in the same future for our country.
Finally, I trust that Americans share my beliefs and my hope for something better. Finally, I believe in my country. Finally, I am proud to be an American. Fuck Canada.
