I woke up this morning with excitment and anticipation a bit like Christmas morning. I was excited because I knew what the possibilty could and would be but there was a small part of me thinking that something must have gone wrong. Outside didn't seem any different but it felt like something profound had happened. It was only when I opened my laptop with the BBC page still up from last night that I knew. I watched with my mouth wide open, yes this does in fact happen as the blue and red bars chased each other across the screen both neck and neck and then suddeneley the red bar stopped and the blue kept going and going until it got past 300 votes. I sat there mouth still open stunned and so so happy. I only felt I could properly celebrate when I saw that McCain had relinquished his race for President of the USA.
I then proceeded to watch Obama's victory speech which moved me to tears to the point where I couldn't speak. It seemed like such an amazing, out of this world possibility that a Democrat would not only be in the White House but that an African American. A man who believes in for ideals, liberty and opportunity for all. I believe this was one of his best speeches not because of the circumstances but because it shouwed humility and the reality that we still have a long way to go and the truth that there isn't red states and blue states, but one United States of America.
"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
"This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."
As I was going through the photos of celebration I came across one of Rev Jesse Jackson and I think that moved me more than anything. His face seemed to be a mix of elation, happiness, sadness and relief. And I thought what must he be feeling? A man who protested with Dr Martin Luther King, who heared his famous 'I have a dream' speech, who watched when both King and JFK were assassinated, who has campaigned for equality throughout his life. He must have been feeling that yes, it was worth and yes Martin Luther King's dream has come true.
I am excited and hopeful and I finally know now that I have chosen the right degree because its the perfect time to become interested in politics and world affairs. It's also given the optimism as a woman that anything is possible. That my views are worth listening to and the top of the mountain isn't just reserved for white middle class men.
I'll end on this quote from the Guardian,
"It is 45 years since Martin Luther King, in the greatest of all late 20th century American speeches looked forward to a day when his children would not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character. Almost unbelievably that dream has now become a reality."
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