Reflection 08

Senator McCain's concession speech really touched my heart last night. His words were eloquent and gracious and he captured the historical importance--for all of America--of this election of Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States of America. It grounded my perspective, which had until that moment been so partisan and divisive.

This morning C and I turned to Facebook to see how our peers were reacting to the news. I was a bit shocked to hear the response of a few "Republicans." Words included referring to the "U.S.S.A." and a bitter declaration that the outcome was an excuse to not get a job after college and feed off the government. It is cynicism like this that I would expect out of a Democrat. In fact, during the past 8 years (which is the extent to which I've had any interest in politics, or an ability to participate), words similar to these characterized the sour sentiments of all Democrats regarding our Republican President. For that reason, Democrats had been characterized as Anti-American and unpatriotic. I'm not free of this charge. I have been very displeased with President Bush and am guilty of participating in the slandering and caustic rhetoric. Until now, most Republicans have been "proud to be American" and have proudly touted their "Country First" slogan. But now, following the election of Barack Obama, the tables are turning, and I'm hearing for the first time some Republicans expressing Anti-American thoughts. Granted, this is based on a couple Facebook statuses, but I expect the sentiment is more widespread.

While I am currently ecstatic about the historical importance of Barack Obama's election to the Presidency, I know the excitement among us will eventually subside and our expectations will challenge President Obama to hold true to promises, reach across the aisle to bring together our two major parties, and be the transformative President that we all should hope he will be.