Obama Rally Reflections

Nov 5, 2008, 9am  

I was in Grant Park last night...and this morning I keep finding myself daydreaming, and pinching myself.  What happened last night hasn't sunk in completely. For a twenty-something gal that increasingly trusts few, is cynical of nearly everything, and has at times bittersweetly pondered fleeing the country as a final option, last night was an absolutely euphoric experience. Call it afterglow, call it cheeseball, call it shameless liberal propaganda, call it ridiculous optimism, or naiveté. Call it what you will, but you can't rain on my parade...

It's a beautiful morning full of possibility!
 
So today, for me, is about breathing a tiny sigh of relief, and then rolling up sleeves and getting down to the real work. My hope is that people don't slip back into complacency, and that we all remain passionate and involved now that we have proven that we can use our voices to make a difference on a grand scale. I know Obama is no superhero, this election was about everyone. I hope that Obama's mantra of change extends to people on a personal level, that we change the way we treat eachother, we change the thought that we're too different or divided to come together, that we change by no longer letting injustices -- like sexism and bigotry -- slide simply because we're afraid to make waves. Remaining silent with regard to discrimination makes you complicit.
 
Unfortunately California, Florida, and Arizona are gigantic disappointments on this front, but even last night, for the first time, Obama spoke specifically to the gay population, so I can only hope that a new age of acceptance is on the horizon. In the meantime, I know where I'm not going for vacation, and where I'll be focusing my voice of protest.
 
Also, with Joe Biden on board, and the Dems at a comfortable majority, there's a good chance that the Equal Rights Amendment will be reintroduced and FINALLY passed after a 30 year battle...and that gender issues will recover from the backlash of the Bush administration, that in many ways have set the Feminist movement back decades. In Obama's speech, when he thanked Michelle, there was the sense that he was thanking his partner, advisor, and colleague, not simply "his wife" or "the future first lady". I wish and hope that more couples out there aspire to the same level of mutual respect and egalitarianism that the Obamas appear to have in their relationship.
 
And a president that finally (FINALLY!) takes global warming and green initiatives seriously? I don't even know how to describe my excitement on this, but I am crossing my fingers that Al Gore will be an integral piece of the fight.

I know there are other enormous issues to address -- the economy, the war, I could go on ad nauseum, but I'll stop myself for the moment.  There is so much to do! Even if you didn't vote Obama, don't lose the momentum...this is everyone's chance to start anew and build together.

Where's the Green?

November 7th, 2008

I just found clip from the UN Conference on the Environment from 1992. I would have been the same age as this girl. Remember how it felt to be truly passionate about a cause? It's unfortunate that the "angst" attributed to teens generally doesn't carry over more into adulthood, or we'd be much more productive as a people. Maybe this election has changed us for the better...time will tell.

It's a pity that a 13 year old is more truthful, earnest and articulate than most adults (myself included). It's also a pity that there are so many empty seats at this conference for her speech...and that none of the problems she addresses have been given much attention since 1992.

check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g8cmWZOX8Q

Something to consider, I hope it gives you pause as it did for me. Please feel free to forward to anyone, anywhere...