A Fresh Start And the American Election

Growing up I remember learning about the atrocities of slavery, what happened to the Native Americans, and the many harmful, and violent things that were done in the name of freedom or of Christ. I personally have often felt ashamed by much of this country, it’s a narrative I was born into but didn’t identify with at all.

Voting yesterday for me (as for everyone else) was different from all the other times I’ve “pulled the lever,” because I did it with the feeling that I was voting for the kind of America I want to identify with. Not only was I voting for a candidate I actually wanted to see president, but it was a candidate who stood for a fresh start in America’s history.

Today on NPR there have been all kinds of stories about first time voters, people who lived through the Civil Rights and even an interview with a 109 year woman whose father was a slave. For me, hearing these stories moved me to tears. Hearing the stories today made me really glad to actually be alive today to see America do what it did.

I hope we continue to dream about an America were we are all welcomed to participate and given a fair hearing at the table. I’m glad new voices are being heard in 2008, I hope it will signal a new day.