Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly

It has never really been a secret that I am an Obama fan. Before he even became a candidate for this election, my "I heart Obama" sticker was proudly displayed on the back window of my car. When he actually began his campaign, though, I took the sticker down. Not because I supported him less, but simply because there was more riding on that bold statement of support now, and I did not have the knowledge about politics, him or the other candidates to be making such a loud statement so early in the game. While I do kind of regret taking the sticker off of my car, I don't regret at all the way that this admittedly long (and excruciating at times) campaign season has peaked my interest and involvement in politics.

I was "hearting" Obama back when he was just a really awesome senator from my home state, doing cool things in my backyard. I read his books, and found myself wishing someone like him could become president one day. Someone bold, with a fresh perspective, who is intelligent and capable of taking the reigns and leading this nation toward positive change. I am an optimist, a believer in good, a dreamer, and a hoper, and I have been moved to care more about what is going on during this election.

I've been moved to engage my mind, my heart, and my beliefs. I've been moved by images of generations of people coming together in this election, demanding change. And I've been even more deeply moved by seeing on the faces of generations of Americans the walls of segregation that have still been shadows in this nation, torn down once and for all. It was a monumental election race, with two highly qualified candidates working hard for the good of this country, for the people of this country. While generally I find politics to be a dirty game that I don't understand well enough to play, there have been enough glimpses of hope in this campaign from both sides, democrat and republican, that have led me to believe those historic words from last night's rally to be true: "yes we can."

Last night, our new president gave a beautiful speech. I felt the excitement and the weight of history being made as I watched my hometown cheer him on. His eloquent, graceful and hopeful words were so fitting for the moment. I am not an incredibly patriotic person, but last night and into this morning, I have been swept up in the beauty and freedom of what this country is, what this means for us historically, and where we are headed as a nation. And I am just plain excited about the change that is coming.