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The Eclectic Pen - Obama Nation


By: Danil W. (watson3)  
Date Submitted: 11/9/2008
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs » General
Words: 554
Rating:


  Just over a few centuries ago, our Founding Fathers created a Constitution way beyond their time. This Constitution was written by idealistic and realistic men, who thought of as many scenarios possible to protect each citizen's rights as well as the promise of a New World Order. There would be no tyranny, no loss of personal freedom, no overthrown government, etc.

I'm born and raised in the Windy City. It's hard not to think Chicago's one of the best cities in the nation when walking downtown by Lake Michigan by day or night. There's always been a strong pride for our diversity here. Walking briefly down State Street is like a display of the United Nation members: Middle Eastern, European, Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Caucasian engaged in their lives. I believe this is the real snapshot of America.

I've had the pleasure of having then Senator. Barack Obama as one of our Senators. In just 3 short years, he introduced close to 600 bills of which about 20 became law. This week I revisited the topics of all those bills: women's rights, children's rights, men's rights, veterans' rights, gay rights, so many for the environment, anti-discrimination, and so on. His campaign mirrored what he truly believes in: A United States of America.

Three weeks ago, my mother, my 3 month old and myself went to vote (early voting.) There was no line of people waiting, just us. My heart was pounding, my skin had goose bumps and my eyes were teary as I voted. Afterward, I took a picture with my baby to commemorate this special occasion. I couldn't believe in less than a month we would have a new President Elect. I must say I thought Sen. Obama would be a complete underdog and election night would turn into another chaotic night filled with problems. I truly believed we wouldn't know for days and possibly into December which candidate would be taking office at the end of January.

I began my coverage by watching Oprah, of course! In Chicago, her show is in the morning and this week was live and "unleashed." I enjoyed the fun-filled show and turned the channel to CNN. All day there were callers who were frustrated because they weren't on the registered list. I had friends who shared the same frustration here in Chicago. This worried me immensely. I thought, "here we go again." I'm not a Democrat or Republican, however, I have read enough to know the Republican party excels in stealing elections. I was hoping the huge increase in first time voters would overcome their nasty attempts. My hopes were right on!

The Moment will forever be etched in my soul. I already knew it was mathematically impossible for Sen. McCain to win for hours, but until it was announced, I wasn't going to believe it. There it was, a picture of our newly elected President: Barack Obama. That moment I knew all things are possible in this country. For the first time I knew I could really believe it when I said, "Haley, you can accomplish anything you work hard enough and smart enough for." In that moment,


The Eclectic Pen » All Stories by Danil W. (watson3)

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Comments 1 to 6 of 6
Veronica S. (snowkitty) - , - 11/9/2008 9:44 AM ET
Well written.
Claudia (BrokenWing) - 11/10/2008 9:51 AM ET
I stood up and cheered when I learned Obama had won. I also volunteered for his campaign in my home town. Well written.
Geri (geejay) - - 11/10/2008 4:54 PM ET
Well said!
Marta J. (booksnob) - 11/11/2008 9:04 AM ET
YES WE CAN!!! I was in tears of joy on election night. I can truly say to my biracial sons--"Everyone has a place in this world".
Sabriena W. (hazeleyesrangeleyes) - 11/11/2008 2:24 PM ET
Were you intending to write more to this? You ended with a comma. I am not going to get into politics... you wouldn't get me to shut up! LOL.
Asher S. (basalguilder) - 11/15/2008 2:30 AM ET
It is a monuments time but I couldn't help cringing when you said that "There would be no...overthrown government." When in our Bill of rights it states clearly we have the right to overthrow the government. "That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." It is important to never forget our rights. The ideas that founded the nation and the election of Obama shows that every man (and woman) is equal (at least more then ever before). This is a great country with a lot of potential if the people commit themselves to what they believe anything is possible.
Comments 1 to 6 of 6