The Obama Headquarters on Devilliers St. in Pensacola where we watched Obama's victory
Sharon and I were so excited and nervous on election day. We went early to vote and it was kinda anti-climactic. There was no line, no magical moment. But we did cast out vote towards a new day. On election night Sharon had to teach a class so I was watching the results come in alone. I decided that I wanted to go somewhere to share this historic moment. I remember just down a few blocks from us was the Pensacola Obama headquarters. Located in a black community the energy there was electric. I met several nice people as we watched state by state results come in. Everyone was a little cautious and on edge. Sharon got finished teaching at 9 so she came down to meet me there to see the decision. It came so quickly after she arrived, before I knew it California, Oregon and Washington went blue! And it was over, Obama clinched more than enough electoral votes to win.
The small crowd erupted with cheers and tears, we could not help but get emotional with them. The look of hope and pride on their faces was overwhelming. It is was a very unifying moment. Change was truly on its way. This was another moment in time I will always remember. Everyone was silent and very respectful as McCain spoke, he did an admirable job. I do believe he is a great man, and would have done a great job as president. I just did not think he was what this country needs to get the world on our side again.
I was very proud to be an American. I still am, but it got tainted a bit with all of the ignorance and hate that came out that night and still today. The racial remarks were reprehensible that I heard. My fellow Americans that accuse Barack of being a terrorist are out of line. The attempts to demean him for his color step over boundaries of decency. The image I heard about of the statue of liberty with an Aunt Jemima hat on was deplorable! When is this nation ever going to realize that we can never be great until we rise up as one to abolish the ignorance and hatred that is still very prevalent in our society? Some of my white friends are angry because they think black people voted for Barack just because of his color and not on the issues he stands for. I cannot deny that. But trust me, MANY whites voted against him just because of his color and name. And for the record, over 60% of his vote came from white citizens. People bring up his ties or contacts with terrorists, but how is it, that everyone overlooks the fact that the Bush family is business partners with Osama Bin Ladin’s family!!! Why is that alright? Ignorance, ignorance and ignorance. It has to go. Many white people claim to be superior, they claim to be more intelligent and civil. Well if that is true, why can’t they stand up and set an example and not draw the race card?
And as far as socialism, come on guys. Speaking and reacting out of fear is never good. And also he giving everything to the poor from the rich. He is giving tax breaks and credits, not handouts. If a person does not work, they do not pay taxes, so how can they get a break on something they do not pay anyway? Plus Reagan’s greatest achievement he thought was created the EIC, Earned income tax credit for people who work hard but are below poverty level still to help them out. He was a republican that everyone hails as a great domestic president. I think it is so wrong to see people want Barack to fail, just because of his color and name. Those would would be happier to see him screw up, than to see him succeed, even if it means that America gets better. So if you would be even the least bit happy to see him fail because you voted that he would, you are being petty and selfish. There is only one true American and patriotic choice now. That Barack succeeds beyond anyone’s expectations and makes America once again a beloved and looked up to as a Nation that is a beacon of hope and freedom.