Obama!

I have never been so proud to be an American. I couldn't be happier with the progress we have already achieved. It's going to be a long road, but I feel much better with Barack Obama at the helm. His acceptance speech was incredible. I don't have much to compare it with, within the scope of history, but it made me cry and it made me happy to realize that finally, someone wants America to be by the people, for the people. I do feel like we need to get back the the values and ideals on which our country was founded. It's not about parties or reputations, it's about making America a better place. Its about making sure people have a home they can pay for, a job they can earn a decent living with and its about freedom of speech and acceptance. Its about providing health care to those who need it and an education to those who want one. Its about equality. Although we took 221 years to elect someone who didn't fit the mold, 8 years to see the mistakes and desire change, it took one night to make America a place I am proud to call my home. Although I am overseas, I am looking forward to eventually coming home. I can't say I'd feel the same way if the results were different. I wouldn't be looking for a place to live outside of America, because you can't really escape America. That can be good and bad. My passport proudly announces that I am an American and today, I proudly announced it. For the first time.

Some of my favorite parts of the acceptance speech (from npr.org)
"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."

"...from the millions of Americans who volunteered and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this earth. This is your victory."

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year, or even one term, but America — I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there."

"This victory alone is not the change we seek — it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you."

"In this country, we rise or fall as one nation — as one people."

"And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright: Tonight, we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity and unyielding hope."

"For that is the true genius of America — that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

"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."

Something good I read somewhere else, don't remember where: "Rosa sat so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, Obama is running so our children can fly."

My thoughts on American Politics...

I thought I'd take a brief moment to discuss American politics. First off, I am very happy that I am half a world away from the debacle that is known as American politics. To me, politics have generally, and will always be, a popularity contest. Not the same type of popularity contest that exists in high school or even college because clearly nobody cares who the smartest, best looking person is. Which in a way is good, but also bad. The issues one faces while the president of student council are far less appealing nor important as one faces while the President of a country. I don't think deciding on prom decorations or service projects rank too high on the list of a country. A President must deal with the failing economy, endless and unnecessary wars and a slew of other problems, including health care and education. I know I mentioned that being the smartest doesn't matter, but I'm not sure I could back someone who finished near the bottom of their class. At the same time, it doesn't matter where one went to college. Prestigious Ivy League or not, the name of a school on a resume doesn't necessarily mean one is qualified for a job. Unless it's Hamburger University and you wish to manage a McDonald's.

Another thing that shouldn't matter is experience. In the case of the President of the United States, experience in politics or foreign policy may actually be a bad thing. Look where "experience" has gotten us in the last eight years. America needs someone with a new look on things, a new agenda. We need to start over. A myriad of problems exist within our 50 states, but we are so focused on other things, in other countries. Obviously we need to be aware of potential threats and what is happening around the world, but we also need to focus on our people. I think we need someone who can bring America back to it's people and start helping the world instead of trying to impose our ideals upon it. We need to be more globally aware, but sometimes we need to see America for what it really is. Education is failing in rural areas because jobs are being lost, whole cities are shutting down because of shifting economic priorities and large corporations need to be bailed out by the Federal Reserve. I would be the first person to tell you that I want to change the world and I want to help as many people as I can, but what if America becomes one of the countries we hear about on TV all the time. The countries without clean water, basic daily needs. This already occurs in many places throughout the country. However, we can't do anything or expect help when we are so self-centered. When did America stop being "For the people, by the people" and start being "four people, how can we buy people?"

Living abroad has made me more aware of America's perception to the world. We aren't as popular as many of us believe. America isn't the greatest or grandest country in the world, nor do we need to be. We just need to be a country that we started out to be. Opening our arms to people looking for a better life, working together to form a more perfect union. It seems that we have lost our way over the last several hundred years. I know that the world changes and I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the way America has changed, but we still have a lot more changing to do. We can't go back, but why stay in a rut?