When interviewing for my first job after graduating college, a highly sought after Capitol Hill job for a senior Democrat, the very last question posed to me was, "Why are you a Democrat?" I answered without hesitation: "I'm a Democrat because I think a woman has a right to choose, that marriage is defined by love, not gender and I care about animal rights and the environment." It was as simple as that, and by far, the easiest interview question I've ever been asked. I was offered the position the next day.
After I had been in the position for a couple of weeks, the co-worker who was training me told me that I got the job that so many had applied for because of my answer to that question. Some of the others answers that had been given were "because my parents are Democrats" or "I just am" or incredibly, "I don't know." It baffles my mind to this day. Maybe it's because I've always been a passionate person, with solid beliefs and convictions that I'm not afraid, ashamed or embarrassed to back up, but I just don't understand how people don't have an opinion.
By the look of yesterday's turnout, however, I think things are starting to change. It seems that more people care, more people are invested and more people do have an opinion about who's leading our country. This thrills me beyond belief. I stood in line an hour yesterday morning to cast my vote. I was surrounded by young people, old people, whites, blacks, Asians and more. The diversity of the line I was standing in was a perfect representation of the melting pot moniker of America and it was exhilarating to be a part of it.
When I got home (very late!) from work last night, Jon and I settled into the couch to watch as state by state reported their numbers. I kept saying in utter amazement to him, "We are watching history happen." I couldn't tear myself away from the t.v. and stayed up way past my bedtime to watch McCain's concession speech and Obama's acceptance speech. I have to admit, both brought tears to my eyes, something that I wasn't expecting at all. I am inspired, inspired by change and inspired by a man who believed that yes, yes we can.
To finish the most political post I've ever written on this blog, I wanted to share an e-mail my mom forwarded to me that her dear friend wrote. This, too, made me cry, because not only am I so happy and excited for me and for America, but I'm just so happy and excited for her on a personal note.
"First, let me start by saying that I actually do like John McCain. I think he is a great person and has done a lot for our country. I have the utmost respect for him. I also think that McCain is a gracious man who can still do a lot for this country and I do look forward to seeing more of him. That being said, I have to say this. I never thought I would see the day that someone like me would be President of the United States! Barack Obama and I have a similar background and I'm sure we had similar problems growing up. He was raised by his white grandparents and I can only imagine what he had to go through. While I was growing up, I was called "nigger", "half-breed", and any other evil names you can imagine because like Obama, my mother was white and my father was black. I was tortured, beaten up because I was different and was left with very little self-esteem. At several points in my life, because of what I went through growing up, I even became suicidal. But fortunately, like Obama, I had strong parents who reassured me that there was nothing wrong with me and that I was not a "freak" ...I was special. Some of my mother's own family disowned her and she basically went through hell because she loved my father. But she always stood her ground and I am so proud of her for doing so. They weren't even allowed to marry in Baltimore, MD because it was "illegal" (this was in 1953). They had to go to DC to get married. I am now very proud of who I am because I never judge anyone, I appreciate BOTH sides of my heritage and I like being who I am...I get the best of both worlds! I just think it's wonderful that someone who is "culturally the same as me" is now going to run this country. I always felt like I was different and now there is someone to represent what you can do regardless of how some ignorant people treat you. I wish him, his family and all Americans all the blessings in the world and to hopefully get our great country back on its feet. Did I ever think I would see the day that someone who was born around the same time I was and go through similar obstacles become President of the United States? Not at all! I hope this is a step in the right direction and that more people realize that it's not the color of your skin that matters....it's the person inside."
Well said, Jackie, well said.
