Monday, January 19, 2009

I need to get this off my chest.

I'm STOKED about January 20th, 2009, and it's not just because I like Obama. 

No, I'm beyond excited because finally, f-i-n-a-l-l-y, we have a black President (and, no, that is not why I voted for him).

As today is the day that we observe Martin Luther King Junior's birthday, I reflect on the state of this so-called union as it was only forty-some years ago. And I think, disgusting. Brutally disgusting. I become enraged simply thinking about the horrific events that took place in this country. It's absolutely devastating.

So to be able to witness the most historic event of my life thus far, I am beyond proud. And to be a mother in this "era," I am beyond proud.

And that brings me to some reading that I have been doing as the inauguration approaches.

I've read some comments from individuals who will be purposefully and adamantly NOT watching the inaguration because they very much dislike Obama. What do I think about that? Fine - that's your loss.

But then I've read a couple of comments from individuals who belittle the importance and significance of Tuesday because Obama is "only half black." 

Excuse me as I regain my composure.

How in God's holy name does the amount of "black" in Obama's lineage make Tuesday less worthy of God's praise? Honestly, are people that ignorant? Why, God, why, are there still people (so-called Christian people, believe it or not) in this great land who do not see how beautiful tomorrow will be? 

I don't expect all people to agree with Obama (I don't agree with him on many things).
I don't expect all people to like him (there are some decisions that he has made that I don't like). 
But I do expect so-called Americans to respect the enormity of tomorrow's events. 
Is that so much to expect from my fellow people?

9 comments:

Sarah said...

Yeah. What you just said.

Rebecca said...

You know me, I am so not this guy's biggest fan.. BUT, I will be watching tomorrow. You just can't discount the significance of these events. Not just the presidency, but our first African American President. I wrote a little blurb on BlogMommas about watching and most of the comments (well, you even commented too) were how people would not be watching - that bothers me. Just because you don't like the guy doesn't mean you stop paying attention to our nation's events.

Anyways, I rant about him all the time and I hope you haven't been offended by me. Just know that I am not a close minded person and I still pay attention to what goes on even when I dislike a politician - and we have the next four years to see what he's really made of anyway.

Rebecca said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rebecca said...

Oh, that reads wrong - I meant you commented in a way that you know I wrote the blurb, not that you commented about not watching (because you didn't)... you knew that, you're a smart girl. ;)

Anonymous said...

Well said, Ali! I think it's hugely important, and I pray that everything goes smoothly tomorrow. What a testimonial it will be when he is inaugerated (or however you spell it!) and our country once again transitions to a new government without bloodshed, coups, or gunfire. Sometimes it seems like that's a rarity in our world...

Deni said...

I have to admit I am super excited for tomorrow too. I pretty much could not have wrote it better myself. I like Obama, I voted for him and while I don't agree with him on everything or support all of his decisions....tomorrow is going to be so awesome. I am stoked too and very proud to be a mom in the era.

Well said sweetness, well said.

Dawn said...

I didn't vote for him but I'm praying he does well during his presidency. It would be crazy to wish anything otherwise.

And, yes, I do see the significance of tomorrow. It is history being made for us to see.

Anonymous said...

Preach it sista!!
Lisa

Beth said...

Found your blog on the live feed. I totally agree with you! I have been irritated more then once today with peoples disrespect for the enormity of what today was in history!
Beth