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Today I have been suffering from a happiness hangover. Exhausted from euphoria. Granted, the parties, the celebration and the champagne didn’t hurt, but this hangover is from sheer joy!
Nov. 4, 2008 was epic.
It was a night of cheers, tears, hugs from friends and strangers, emotion and unrestrained celebration. The dark clouds that had hung over our country for the last eight years, the clouds of fear and repression, suddenly parted and let the sun shine through.
There is no better antidote for fear than hope. With the announcement that Barak Obama would be our next president, we stepped out of the darkness and into the light of hope and change. It was as if the whole world let out a huge collective sigh of relief.
It was the end of an era and the beginning of a new, brighter era. It was a sweeping endorsement of long-awaited change. It was a night when the torch was passed from an aging white power structure to a new generation transcending race, age and gender, with new ideas and ideals.
As a country we are tired of lines being drawn and not crossed. We are tired of the abuse of power. We are tired of lies and hypocrisy. We are tired of wars that are not ours. We are tired of bipartisanship. We are tired of being raped financially, environmentally, and emotionally. If we are going to tell the rest of the world how to behave, then we must first learn how to behave.
We want our laws and constitution to be respected. We want nothing less than our country to regain its luster and be a guiding light for the world. We want wonder and imagination, dreams and possibilities, not only to be considered, but ignited.
President Elect Barack Obama has the courage to blur the lines of color, whether black or white, red or blue. He has the desire and ability to set our country back on the right course.
Today, I am still holding on to the feeling of euphoria like a warm sweater, pulling it close to protect me against the difficult times we know are ahead. But, I am willing to face those times, knowing we present a united front rather than individual struggles. Knowing we will work together to make our country better, one step at a time. Knowing we can regain our pride, not only individually, but collectively. Knowing we can regain respect on the world stage. When I feel discouraged, I’ll pull that warm sweater of remembered joy a little closer.
Yes we can be the most powerful country in the world and still be a voice of compassion. Yes we can be the light of democracy. Yes we can lead the fight against tyranny. We are America. Yes we can.
We are all real Americans. Yes we are. And as proud Americans, we spoke in a loud, clear united voice. Yes we did, and we chose that one – Barack Obama!
Cheri Cabot, Politics Correspondent
Cheri’s column, “Personal About Politics," published every week, will reflect on how the life of a 59 year-old, middle class woman is affected by politics, policy and the current state of the nation - a look at the personal aspects of politics. The articles will be posted to Politics.gather.com as part of Gather Essentials.
You can find all of Cheri’s columns on Personal About Politics at www.personalpolitcs.gather.com, or www.ccabot.gather.com.
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28 comments:
Bruce B., Nov 5, 2008
Thank you, Cheri, for this positive, uplifting article. I allowed myself a bit of joy last night, hitting the strongest when Ohio was announced for Obama. But for some reason, I find myself feeling cautious and still worried! I should allow myself to celebrate a little more. So I need your optimism!
Jim G., Nov 5, 2008
I'm still basking in the euphoria too, Cheri, while knowing that we have a tough battle ahead. It just feels so damn good to think that we're going to start heading in the right direction, with the leadership we need.
Wilma D., Nov 5, 2008
I did a little dance when my home state of Ohio went blue.
Cheri Cabot, Nov 5, 2008
B and Jim....I'll lend you my warm sweater when you feel the cold chill of doubt creeping in....
Boy...that had to have been one of the more exciting moments when Ohio went blue!
Boy...that had to have been one of the more exciting moments when Ohio went blue!
Cheri Cabot, Nov 5, 2008
Great to see you B!
Mari M., Nov 5, 2008
I'm still not happy about it,
don't worry I have 4 years to return the favor of complaining.
Wonder how much his campaign had to pay her off to get this kind of coverage
I don't trust the man, and I don't expect change except for the wrose
Good bye democracy
hello communism and socialism
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it
mooch
don't worry I have 4 years to return the favor of complaining.
Wonder how much his campaign had to pay her off to get this kind of coverage
I don't trust the man, and I don't expect change except for the wrose
Good bye democracy
hello communism and socialism
That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it
mooch
Rosita B., Nov 5, 2008
Cheri baby! (lol)! You said everything I have been wanting to say and then some! ALL people will benefit from the entrance of Obama as our president and I pray he'll be safe!
Don (Welcome president Barack H. Obama) S., Nov 5, 2008
10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,
10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,
10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10.:-)
10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,
10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10,10.:-)
Don (Welcome president Barack H. Obama) S., Nov 5, 2008
I still am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo proud to be An AMERICAN again.
MJ *Wooohoooo!* W., Nov 5, 2008
We're changing the name of our state song from "Beautiful Ohio" to "Bluetiful Ohio"!
Mike Robinson, Nov 5, 2008
A very emotive piece of writing Cheri. I hope you have your happiness hangover for a long time to come.
Cheri Cabot, Nov 5, 2008
Thanks Don....that is awesome!
Cheri Cabot, Nov 5, 2008
Thanks Mike....I liked the champagne too!
Don (Welcome president Barack H. Obama) S., Nov 5, 2008
My county (Wood) went for Obama and it is usually in the pocket of any piece of excrement the gop throws out.
Mike Robinson, Nov 5, 2008
As it happens Cheri, I opened a bottle of champagne last night.
It was a suitable occasion for champagne. Or even gold, frankincense and myrrh.
It was a suitable occasion for champagne. Or even gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Bag 'O Cash, Nov 5, 2008
'Twas a perfect night, well for the most part. I've never seen a victory speech celebration like what went on in Grant Park. Simply stunning!
The only damper on the night was that voters in CA saw fit to grant additional civil rights to farm animals while voting to take away rights from groups of their fellow citizens. What the hell is the matter with people?
When ever that thought gets me down I just think of Libby Dole's remarks about her opponent being "godless" followed by her being booted out of office. That has kept me smiling all day long!
The only damper on the night was that voters in CA saw fit to grant additional civil rights to farm animals while voting to take away rights from groups of their fellow citizens. What the hell is the matter with people?
When ever that thought gets me down I just think of Libby Dole's remarks about her opponent being "godless" followed by her being booted out of office. That has kept me smiling all day long!
Ruman Sukhoikamov , Nov 5, 2008
Since I don't drink I simply stayed home and did some drawing. I'm not much of the celebrating type.
Cheri Cabot, Nov 5, 2008
Well said, Bag. I too was happy about Libby Dole. She was barely in the state....never said much, just got by on her "good" name. She muddied that however with her sick ad. Not only is she booted out of office and earned the disdain of many, she is being sued for defamation of character. Good times.
♥¸.* Bridget Jean *.¸♥, Nov 5, 2008
I was surprised at the results!
Jan S., Nov 5, 2008
I pray that Obama will fulfill the hopes of all who supported him and will surprise the rest with wonderful new programs to restore the economy and bring peace and unity.
Robert (1-20-09 can't come fast enough!) S., Nov 5, 2008
Just 76 more days and the churlish fear mongers will leave office and the sun will shine on America again from the New England shores to the beaches of California. A special thank you to the former red states of Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina , Virginia, Florida, Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Neveda and maybe even Missouri (It is very close).
Let us stay in the Obama network and all work together for a better America where people bear the responsibility for themselves and where people care enough for their fellow man to take care for those who cannot physically or mentally bear responsibility for themselves. May the force be with us.
Let us stay in the Obama network and all work together for a better America where people bear the responsibility for themselves and where people care enough for their fellow man to take care for those who cannot physically or mentally bear responsibility for themselves. May the force be with us.
Marilyn M., Nov 5, 2008
Last night was the only time I ever cried after an election, and my tears were not tears of joy. Remember that almost half of America did not choose this president-elect. I pray that he is not able to do much damage.
Neil K., Nov 5, 2008
Now the Hard Work of beginning to repair the damage done by an
immoral, heartless, illegitimate, and usurping administration must start in earnest.
As Senator (and President Elect) Obama said, it will not be done in a year nor in 1 term.
It took 8 years of Srubdom to nearly destroy this Nation.
It will be extremely hard to put the pieces back in place.
Patience is key.
immoral, heartless, illegitimate, and usurping administration must start in earnest.
As Senator (and President Elect) Obama said, it will not be done in a year nor in 1 term.
It took 8 years of Srubdom to nearly destroy this Nation.
It will be extremely hard to put the pieces back in place.
Patience is key.
Neil K., Nov 6, 2008
Worst of all, we will have those who supported McSame and Shrub like Marilyn M.
with convenient memory loss that fail to admit just WHO nearly destroyed this economy, WHO illegally invaded Iraq and caused the deaths of Tens of Thousands standing on the side lines hurling verbal molotov cocktails and worse.
Those who can't bear to own up to the Truth of what has REALLY taken place these past 8 years.
May the Universe deliver unto them the swift memory reboot that is so sadly needed in their lives.
with convenient memory loss that fail to admit just WHO nearly destroyed this economy, WHO illegally invaded Iraq and caused the deaths of Tens of Thousands standing on the side lines hurling verbal molotov cocktails and worse.
Those who can't bear to own up to the Truth of what has REALLY taken place these past 8 years.
May the Universe deliver unto them the swift memory reboot that is so sadly needed in their lives.
Sean Mac, Nov 6, 2008
Last night, the first thing I did after watching Obama's acceptance speech was shave and take a long shower. It was quite liberating, like washing away all the dirt and despair of the last eight years.
I have been so used to eating s&$t for the last eight years that I had forgotten what it feels like to be not only hopeful but actually optimistic that my tuition will not be money spent in vain. I will actually be able to pay it off and put it to good use.
We will see. There is a long way to go, but this is the first step and the first step is always the most difficult. We are on our way now regardless of the uphill battle.
I have been so used to eating s&$t for the last eight years that I had forgotten what it feels like to be not only hopeful but actually optimistic that my tuition will not be money spent in vain. I will actually be able to pay it off and put it to good use.
We will see. There is a long way to go, but this is the first step and the first step is always the most difficult. We are on our way now regardless of the uphill battle.
Lawrence U., Nov 6, 2008
Behold the rise
Of the enduring power of hope...
Obama's new dawn
Of the enduring power of hope...
Obama's new dawn
Kathleen ♥ L., Nov 6, 2008
Lovely imagery, Cheri!
Can we cast a 'wet blanket' on people like Marilyn? ;>P
Can we cast a 'wet blanket' on people like Marilyn? ;>P
Cheri Cabot, Nov 6, 2008
You know, people like Marilyn are only happy when they are miserable, hence she probably loved the Bush years.
