…Cause at least I know I can vote. Well, okay that's not the way the song goes. But it's definitely the way I feel right about now. For the last couple weeks we've watched our country's economy spiral down. It's scary to see what is happening to our country. There were so many opportunities for us to have been told the truth and yet all we received were lies. That is very unnerving.
Well last night I was asleep and I heard someone speaking. It took me a second to realize that the TV was on. I began to listen to the voice and here is what he said, " I'm reminded every single day … (insert calm instrumental music here) … that I am not a perfect man. I will not be a perfect president, but I can promise you this I will always tell you what I think and where I stand. I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you when we disagree and most importantly I will open the doors of government and ask you to be involved in your own democracy again." I knew without actually rolling over to see the screen that it was Barack Obama speaking.
A couple days ago my good friend "Bob" and I were discussing the fact that many Americans are not involved with our democratic process. I said it was because many people did not feel a personal connection with their legislative leaders - or their president for that matter. Now I feel though, as if we have entered a new era in which change is just not a campaign slogan anymore, but the quest of one man to make this country better and to restore it to its glory.
Michelle Obama once said "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change." The media and bloggers wasted no time jumping all over her for that statement- deeming her unpatriotic. But, as a 20-something year old I understand her statement. Because as an African-America and a woman I was not privy to the age in which we had to fight for change. I was just fortunate enough to reap the benefits. I am a true African-American (meaning that I am a Black American child born to African immigrants) which guarantees me the right to vote. It is a privilege my parents had to apply for but came as a birth right to me. In 2000, I was not old enough to vote in the Gore/Bush election and in 2004 I voted absentee because I was away at college. So for the first time in my life, I actually get the chance to walk into a voting booth and cast a ballot for my choice for president.
And I will not only be voting for me but for the men and women who died to ensure this right for me - when others tried to keep me from it because of my race and gender.
For the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my countrymen for voicing their need for change. It doesn't matter whose version of change you believe is right. I am just proud that so many of my 20-something-ers have stood up and are fighting for change the way so many other 20-something-ers did during the Civil Rights Movement and the Women's Liberation Movement.
So with today being the last day for early voting in Illinois - I am going to go do what I should have done about two weeks ago … I'ma go get my vote on!
Afua S. Owusu
(uh-fee-yah) (Oh-woo-sue)
News Producer
Comments (1)
I voted for the first time in my life today. When I walked out of my polling location, I took a couple of quick steps, then jumped up and kicked my heels! I got a couple of strange stares from those still in line; but I know they'll feel the same way after they cast their own votes.
It felt soooo good...
Posted by Danielle "Nola Divine" Rouson | November 4, 2008 11:09 AM
Posted on November 4, 2008 11:09