A Historic Day

We voted early in the morning, with all of the kids. As we were walking into Beaver Lake Nature Center, I put one arm around Emily and Ryan and explained to them that someday - when they were older - they could say there were part of this. They were there to help cast a vote for Barack Obama. I started to cry. Chris looked back at me while holding Alex, and rolled his eyes. (for those of you that don't know - he tells me I cry at everything. yes, even sometimes cheerio commercials)

I am always a little paranoid about following the rules when it comes to voting. I gave this speech on the way in to vote - but before we reached the "100 feet away from polls" sign. I knew that they could turn us away from voting if we were campaigning within 100 feet. Yeah - I know. I wasn't really campaigning by giving the kids the speech, but I wasn't taking any chances.



While we were waiting for Chris to cast his vote, a couple in their 60's came in to sign the book to vote. The woman threw her arms up in the air and said "Finally. FINALLY! This day is HERE!!!!" I waited for them to throw her out right then and there, but they all just sat and stared at her with a smile. Who knew?

I know you were there too, but that night it went from wait-wait-wait to a decisive win at about 11:00 p.m. We switched from station to station to hear all the same news. I bounced from website to website (to Facebook) to see the same news. It was over. He won! He did it! It was too much. I can't pretend to know what it was like for my African-American friends. I can only imagine they were feeling beyond infinity the emotion I was feeling. All at once everything seemed possible - everyone in Grant Park - all of those crying, laughing, speechless people. We were all one. I didn't see color. I didn't see Democrats. I didn't see Republicans. I saw America - in all her beauty.

The best part - we were all a part of that right there.

On Being Obnoxious

I know this will come as a complete shock to all who read this blog, but I've discovered I can be a very obnoxious person when it comes to the election.

The interesting thing is, I'm not obnoxious in other situations (at least I don't think I am...). I'm instead obnoxious in just the public sphere, in regards to the presidential campaign.

Examples:

1. I took Chris to a Dr. appointment, and I had to wait in the waiting room where they had the morning news on. During one of the commercial breaks, a McCain/Palin political ad came on challenging Obama's record. I watched the ad, then looked around the room at the 15 or so other people to see if anyone else was reacting. I then chose to guffaw and shake my head adamently as if it was the most ridiculous ad I've ever seen. I didn't just giggle, mind you... I GUFFAWED. Nobody reacted, probably because they thought some crazy chick was waiting with them and they didn't want me to be noticed.
2. On my way to teach today, I passed by some road workers (is that what they're called?). One of the road workers said to his buddy "Hey - was that an Obama supporter?", which prompted me to turn and say loudly "There are a LOT of us around, buddy!"

I would never act that way about other controversial topics (when I see a child on a "leash" I don't launch into the reasons I disagree with that parenting style). For some reason the election inspires me to share my strong feelings with anyone located within earshot.

I'm looking forward to November 4, not just because we'll finally have a President in office I have faith in, but also because I'll be less annoying to society in general.

Why I'm so Offended by the VP Pick of Sarah Palin

Yes, I'm a Democrat. Yes, I'm an Obama supporter. Let's just get that right out of the way.

I was trying to put my finger on the reason I am so incredibly incensed about Sarah Palin in the VP spot on the Republican ticket. The reason I was confused was because there is nothing I'd like more than to see a woman in the White House. I think it's about damn time we were represented in the White House - VP or President. But I don't want it to happen this way. Not with a woman who is not qualified to be in the spot.

It's as if it is the ultimate insult. They are using the very stereo-typical ideals we fight to be equal as traits to "sell" us on her qualifications. I have yet to have one McCain/Palin supporter share with me why she was the choice (yes, I mean other than "she's pretty!").

I find it demeaning that they think they will get women to vote for them just because there is a woman on the ticket. We are not just empty shells and vessels that mindlessly go to the polls. We actually have minds and opinions. Oh my! I'm sure it will come as quite a shock to them on election day when they realize we all didn't fall in line.