Barack Obama: A Symbol of Change & History

"O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA, O-BA-MA.." Chicago can carry a chant quite strongly. And in the end, it really wasn't even as close as many had projected it would be. Obama won nearly two-thirds of the electoral votes needed to become President-elect. Well, America - we can breathe again.

His delivery suggested confidence. His family represented change. And his words, actions, and body language clearly stated "Yes We Can".

I think I'll write a Haiku about Obama's victory speech. A little 5-7-5 never hurt anyone. I may be missing a few of the definitive elements, but you'll get the picture. I hope.

"Positive. Honest.
Historical. Powerful.
Thankful. Refreshing."

None of what I can say will justify what this momentous occasion means to our country, our country's history, and our country's future. Simply speaking, I think we should just relish in the anticipation of a new administration, cheers diplomacy, and support Barack Obama & Joe Biden with goodwill, solidarity, hope, help, and enthusiasm.

Job well done, my fellow Americans!

McCain's Concession Speech: Gracious or Tactless?

To be honest with you, I was initially a bit surprised at the general reactions to McCain's concession speech that appeared in my web surfing this morning. I'm by no means a political analyst, but while watching his rhetoric last night, I thought that he delivered gracious words to his supporters, his family, and to President-elect, Barack Obama. Some of his statements did seem to carry suggestive undertones, but to be fair, beliefs are beliefs. Without strength in your personal beliefs or your party's beliefs, then you're not a viable candidate for the presidency. Sure, he might have made a few mistakes and probably should have said a few things differently, but at least he was consistent with the person he has been throughout his campaign. I guess.

He seemed sincere. It was a sincerity that was non-existent during all of the Presidential debates, and throughout the hundreds of other speeches that he has presented. Apparently this actually meant something to him. Perhaps, it was in part due to his body language.. a language entirely different from and more authentic & honest than the power of words can sometimes convey. He held eye contact, paused appropriately, & spoke [relatively] comfortably while remaining as relaxed as one possibly can in this situation. It'll undoubtedly be a speech to be scrutinized, dissected, and analyzed in years to come. Much like Obama's victory speech.

The reactions of the Republican party in Arizona are the words and actions that concern me. Booing at the mere mention of the President-elect's name either shows the true colors of this troubled party, or the immaturity & ignorance that plagues a good portion of our country. I'm not sure which is better. Or worse, for that matter. McCain handled the crowd's inconsiderate, untactful responses by imploring them to stop with his hands & his words, and by pausing until their insults were silenced.

Now, I'm not saying that I agree with everything he said or that I'm all of a sudden a McCain supporter, but in the end, I have some sympathy for the guy. It was a long, grueling race. A lot of blood, sweat, tears, money, time, & support went into this effort. But only one person can win.. and I'm glad it was Barack Obama.

I voted for Obama

I am sharing this statement for one simple reason: I would really like to stop pretending that I am Canadian when I am traveling in foreign countries - pretty, pretty, pretty please. Some might question my decision to deny my nationality. I guess it has been that look I have been getting the last 5 years (or so) when I tell people that I am from the United States: contempt. Contempt for us greedy Americans who think that we can invade countries without just cause, and don't really seem to respect other cultures. While I do love taking the opportunity to prove not all Americans agree with the current administration's approach to foreign affairs, I just can't seem to get over that initial reaction.

I've been reading about, participating in, and listening to the campaigns and policies for each candidate over the last months, and I am much more confident that Barack Obama will do a better job righting the view of our country around the world. While McCain will be a definite improvement over Bush (I would be an improvement over Bush), I also feel that he would be much more willing to use force where Obama would be willing to use diplomacy. Less areas where there are military conflicts means MORE places for us to visit. I also feel that many foreigners really won't be able to distinguish between the two administrations, and a negative attitude would remain. Don't even get me started about Sarah Palin - she not only seems to cringe when talking about stepping foot out of Wasilla, AK, but also seems to have a disdain for the entire Northeast of the United States. You know, where all the "Unreal" Americans live. Maybe if McCain wins, then I can tell people I'm from the United States of Unreal America.

We need a CHANGE. Vote tonight if you haven't already.