November 5, 2008
-
The Daily News
1 Headlines I never thought I'd see. That's a cut 'n' paste from MSN News.2 What a night.3 In our time, we were part of this.4 Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States, Barack Obama.5 This didn't take place in our great-grandchildren's time.6 This happened NOW and I am proud of our nation for finally breaking barriers and generations of racism and nonsense.7 I'd love to say that all stopped last night.8 Look at that headline.9 I went to school yesterday dressed in a pinstripe shirt, American flag tie, and ready to vote.10 I had my students write and discuss the election.11 Each student had the floor for anywhere from 15 seconds to two minutes. They were allowed to say their piece uninterrupted.12 I didn't allow argument, just statements.13 It revealed every issue you could name, and then some, but it also made me proud of all the young people who DO care about things.14 Some felt they didn't want Obama because he was just a commodity, a bandwagon-beacon of nothing.15 Others stood up and said that in our lifetime, we have finally brought someone who represents the REAL America into the White House.16 Some wanted McCain.17 Several, mostly African-American students, were in fear of assassination.18 Some wanted McCain, but worried because he was 72 and prone to dying, and that they didn't want an idiot like Palin in control.19 Some didn't care.20 Some didn't even sense the magnitude and historical significance.21 Some stood in awe.22 I said nothing. I watched young people struggling to make sense of things that they never really gave too much thought to until yesterday.23 Regardless of any of it, I did insist that they write something, date it and keep it.24 I knew, and I think THEY knew, that something very amazing was happening as they walked through their day. Other teachers saw to it that they understood this as well.25 Yesterday many of you sent me e-mails, some completely supportive, others completely angry.26 I didn't care if I made anybody angry.27 I was enjoying something incredibly historical.28 Some of you stood proud.29 Some texted me, or called right after you voted.30 I do know that immediately after I had voted, I walked out to the TOOOOOONDRA and got a bit caught up, as though I had just contributed to something historically significant.31 It was almost sunset, and I looked to the cloudy sky in all it's Fall splendor.32 Yesterday, in America, an African-American man was elected President of the United States.33 America stepped up.34 And after all the celebration and speeches and all, I walked into my office to write the DN.35 I found that Proposition 8 was losing.36 We clearly still have our work cut out for us.37 There is still plenty of ignorance and stupidity yet to be considered.38 Meanwhile, raise a glass this night.39 Raise it in honor of tolerance, of unity, and of a real peace.40 Wave that flag.41 Wave it wide and high.42 Summertime done come and gone, my oh my.43 And to President Obama, Godspeed kindly sir.44 Lead with wisdom. Lead with peace.45 Peace, and celebrate America.46 Peace.
~H~
Recent Comments