Wednesday, November 05, 2008

open thread (11.4.08)- what is historic

what makes this morning (guess last nite historic) and what will you tell your kids, for thoes who dont have any yet

54 comments:

RunningMom said...

We showed up in mass numbers.

We banded together to make sure Obama won.

We inspired each other to get out there and vote!

We encouraged people to vote for their heart regardless of who that vote was for - just vote.

We registered more new voters than ever before.

We reestablished faith in the Democratic process.

We saw Republicans in large numbers cross party lines.

We proved folks wrong who never believed.

The real history will come as we all come together in life the way we did in this election. I believe in you, and you believe in me. Together we can produce change and make a difference. Yes we can!

CRUSHED said...

wow! I'm so glad that I took my son on his day out of school yesterday to the MLK Center, so we could read see and feel a part of history that neither him or I experienced. We watched one of the movies there and both got teary eyed. I felt like it was imperative for us to go so we could reflect on our past and and our future. What makes my experience so historic is we just had a history lesson at the King center and it gave us some insist as to how far we have come, and how far you can go if you just stay persistent and fight for what you believe in. In all my son is 12and he thanked me for taking him and told me he enjoyed our outing and the things that he learned. Now that's a beautiful thing.

Glen Antoine Palmer said...

Man, I am running on limited sleep right now. I feel so proud. What was seen as impossible is now reality. The greatest thing about this is people judged Obama by the content of his character and depth of his message. He was able to engage the country and turn typical Red Bush states Blue. People were able to look past preconceived notions and stereotypes and elect the best MAN to run this country. I am hopeful that this country is progressing to the point were all walks of life...despite color, gender, ethnicity, etc can achieve anything with hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Anonymous said...

i don't have kids but i'm wondering what you told yours after you basically said mccain would win.

The Bear Maiden said...

I took my kid into the booth with me yesterday, and told him how excited I was to pull the lever for a man who looked like me.

We watched the beginning of the states roll in, but he got tired and went to bed, and when it was called I couldn't wake him though I tried.

This morning... he asked "who won?" and I said "We have a brown man for a President" and he said "YES!" And I told him that in the 232 years of this country, we have never had that... and that he will always remember that he can do anything... ANYTHING. Even be president of the United States of America.

Yes he can!!!

Anonymous said...

Great to see that all the lies and dirty tricks failed and Americans are ready to look at red white and blue states again. The timing is perfect. We took our middle sons with us Eamonn clicked the switch in my wife's booth and Seany clicked it in mine. Love those old Skool NY voting machines they work every time. Here's to a breath of fresh air, beautiufl family and a new puppy running around in the white house. Peace and Hope, finally.

Linda said...

I will tell my kids that Tupac should have stayed around just 12 years more.. and then he didn't have to sing:

"And although it seems heaven sent
We ain't ready, to see a black President, uhh - but some things will never change"

;)

Greetings from the netherlands!

Mrs. Mary Mack said...

Read my new post and you will know!

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

My grandmother was born in 1901. When I became of age to vote, I would go and vote with her. She forbade me from using the word Nigger. She believed for me things I could not imagine until today.

I tell my children, that they too are America. That America is only as good as they themselves are. That they have a responsiblity to be of service to the world.

My children have seen me vote, get elected, go to community meetings. They have seen me teach, they have seen me speak to crowds of people, they have served food with me at soup kitches. They have gone with me to deliver meals to folks shut in. They have seen me build houses with Habitat for Humanity, they have seen me read to children.

They have seen me rise up from bad decisions. They have seen that whatever your mistakes you can come out on the other side.

What makes this day historic? What makes this time historic? I get to live in a way that my grandmother could not. I get to be and do things she was not able to do.

I get to be a free thinking woman on my own terms. Obama reflects all my granmother's best intentions.

kayellejaye said...

Absolutely anything is possible. Even the unthinkable.

Never let fear or naysayers stop you from achieving your goals/dreams.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness Raw Dawg...this moment is just so phenomenal...it was a blessing to see something like this. I truly wish my grandparents could have lived to see it. We all came together and stood together for change..We should become more united than every before; all races, colors, and cultures.

Shelly- Mom Files said...

My children sat with me and the hubby when all the news unfolded. We all cried and cheered but remembered all the people that went through so much to bring us to this point. My 14 year old can't wait to vote next election. She is studying government in school and has participated in mock elections and debates. She is deeply inspired and knows that her goals can and will be reached with hard work. My 12 year old was excited to see that somebody that looks like us is the new President.

The lesson we are teaching our children is you have to WORK HARD to get where you want to be.

You can do it if you believe you can.

It is time for our fellow Americans to stop making excuses now. Action, action, action!!

Our country has elected our new President and it is our responsibility to do OUR part to make our country better. It is a 2 way street.

I am so happy with the outcome!! God Bless our country!

Tha BossMack TopSoil said...

I sat in my Truck, ate fried chicken and shed a tear or two, I never thought it could happen. I felt like tha world changed last night.

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

For me history will be when all black folks who aren't working or have given up hope realize that they too stand a chance and start to MOVE. We made it through slavery--all else is an easy feat there are roadblocks but our strength is sooo GREAT.

History was made when people crossed party and racial lines. History was made when Michelle stood by her Black man and did not tear him down in front of the world.

My parents are from Ghana and HAVE NEVER wanted an American citizenship--and then came Barack. They paid 1000 to be citizens and vote for that man. History will be when we each teach at least one person or help one person in our own little way. It was my first time voting and I did it because I felt BLACK AMERICA needed this man and his wife so that we too can not only dream but believe that we can make it out of any situation.

I will tell my children and every child that with a little faith and work nothing is impossible. there will be barriers but knowledge is power.

Anonymous said...

it's historic cuase we as a people finally did it u-know we stuck to wat was right and we didn't back down for nobody. wit obama winning were that much closer to wat it is we as africanamericans deserve. even though he fully blaack tha's okay cuase he can be the voice for both black and white people.i'm glad that he won and i hope he has a nice tyme in office ,america we finally did it we got wat we've being wanting eguallity for all men i guess now we can finally say that all men are created equal!

Grace said...

I would say... "Nothing has been the same since"

Thank you god!

Anonymous said...

As my little one gets older, I will tell her that with hard work and education, the possibilities truly are endless. I will tell her that every vote counts and that voting is the way to have your voice heard.

For me, I think it's the first time in my life that I felt like we, as a nation, finally came together and bonded over what was important and didn't let something like race divide us. I think it proves that we can all work together for the common good and have good come of it. While my state is traditionally democratic, my county is hard-core republican. I am very proud that my county had record turn out (63% of registered voters) and that Obama won in my county by almost 20 thousand votes. I hope that at least some of those votes are because I campaigned so hard for him. I'm a 42 year old white woman who is still technically registered republican. (I'll be changing that immediately to Independent) I'm just very proud that our nation could stand together to send such a strong message - hope knows no color.

NoRegrets said...

That the US actually elected an intelligent, passionate, articulate person.

Keli said...

It's historic because after 40 years of having the right to vote, we were able to vote one of our own...it's also historic because it ends 8 years of GOP reign, and hopefully is the beginning of a new era...one of growth and progress.

DeadMule said...

This election is historic. We just elected the first Black POTUS, but the work is not yet over. We'll know it's really over, when we quit celebrating Black firsts.

Still Patrice said...

That their parents voted for America's 1st African American President. That we did not squander the rights that MANY before us fought for and died so we could have an opportunity. Do NOT let anything or anyone deter you from your dreams. You can do ANYTHING and be ANYTHING that you want to be. DREAM BIG BABY! DREAM BIG!

*whispers prayers that I will have kids to tell that to one day *

Christopher said...

I am beyond happy!

We did it. Obama is our president and change is coming to America.

I admit, I was nervous right up to the moment CNN called the election for Barack. The leftover doubt after the stolen 2000 election is something I may never get over.

What a long journey it has been but, we did it!

Yes, We Can!

Rich Fitzgerald said...

The election is hostoric in so many ways. Having worked the polls, I am reminded of the brother who had to be in his 30's look me in the face and ask if I could help him with his ballot because he couldn't read well. This was his first time voting. Or the 18 year old kids who looked 12, but they had hope in their eyes beaming because they felt they mattered. Or the white guy who drove on his lunch break to vote for Barack and then found out his boss didn't want to pay him because we couldn't give him proof that he voted other than a sticker. He said, "Eff his Republican A**, I'll just go to the bar and wait for them to lose." I couldn't imagine this guy voting for Barack. He may have been a Democrat, but to see him you wouldn't think he would vote for a black man.

This was my first time working an election. That was historic for me. It won't be my last time.

Lastly, it was historic that you, my brother, actually wrote your name on the ballot for the Presidential race. I still can't believe that, but we all do what helps us sleep better.

I am happy with the outcome, but I don't have any overwhelming emotions. Maybe I'm just too tired right now. Nevertheless, I'm very proud.

Anonymous said...

I just did a post on what this meant to me. It was just a dream and not it's reality. I keep hearing the words, "one day this nation will rise up...." We still have a ways to grow as a country but for the first in a long time we've seen another step in the right direction and it was a huge step... and the world celebrated with us. :-)

Dope Fiend said...

I'll tell them everything the history books may try to leave out!

QuietStorm said...

Evn tho I've only started supportin Obama recently..I have always respected him as an african american male who pushed through barriers, perservered through racism...in order to follow his dreams of leading the country. He's intelligent...he's driven...and he has the whole country in mind rather than a portion. Its historic becuz americans went to the polls bcuz they were fed up w/ how crappy the passed 8 yrs have been and bcuz we finally have our 1st blak prez.

Sista GP said...

So many of our ancestors struggled for the equal opportunity to run for this elected office. It is monumental that Obama is the first person of color to reach this status.
Obama should not have been expected to win just by his skin color. He had to qualified to handle the job.

There are many opportunities in life, it is what we do with them that makes the difference.

T.a.c.D said...

That change and evolution does happen! and that MY generation was a part of something that was bigger than me, bigger than black and white, bigger than just a dollar...that was and IS a movement to take the US to the NEXT level in unity and prosperity...

that they can do anything....ANYTHING!

I am so happy that little black and brown, yellow and red children will now have an example of a man, woman, husband and wife, mother and children, father and daughter example in their face on their screne and on the front page of their papers...

being intelligent and brave IS positive!

Tyhitia Green said...

I don't have any kids yet, but when I do, I will say, "It was historic on so many levels. African-Americans finally feel "included" as a part of this nation, instead of feeling the never-ending exclusion." That in itself is so powerful. YES! WE! DID! :-D

CapCity said...

I will tell them that their GrandDaddy (MY DADDY;-) voted for the first time since he could vote for a reflection of him self!

clnmike said...

I'll tell them daddy was there when the world turned upside right.

Unknown said...

I am glad we have video online, as now we can save Obama's speech and refer to it when necessary.

I hope and pray he does right by all of us and especially 106 year old Ann Nixon-Cooper. What a wonderful woman and I bet a life story that would make the hair on the back of my neck stand up.

ps..my dog loves her jacket Torrance. ;) Today was the coldest morning so far and I put it on her.

T.Allen said...

I will tell them what I've always told them, "anything is possible if you work smart and hard, believe in truth and practice integrity." Only now, I believe it.

Kim said...

Every boy - even little Black ones - CAN be President of the United States.

Black folks WILL vote - for a change they believe in.

Anything is possible.

Jay Midnyte said...

Momma we made it!

Tera said...

This was the most important election in history.

Many of our ancestors gave their lives for our right to vote and endured some of the worst treatment known to mankind.

When our nation in trouble, it is imperative that we set all differences aside...race no longer matters, religion no longer matters, sexual orientation no longer matters...we have to pull together, stand united and make change happen.

We have witnessed a day that no one ever in their wildest days in over 200 years seen coming.

Know and understand that your vote and your voice counts. No matter how hopeless it may seem, it is your responsibility and sworn duty to do so.

Be damned proud of who you are, and never let anyone tell you what you can't do. Barack Obama despite the odds showed America what we as a people can make happen. He combatted the stereotypes and labels placed on Black men. He knows that above all that unity is the most important aspect of rebuilding this nation.

What do you think MLK would say? Rosa Parks?

We did it...we made history.

rainywalker said...

We have all realized a dream and now our job of making that dream come true is starting. The President can not do the job alone, we must help him and so doing we will all share the same dream.

Anonymous said...

We made history, even though racists and ill-minded blacks with bullshit stats tried to hinder us.

so what other false predictions are you thinking of? i need a good laugh for the day folk.

uglyblackjohn said...

Nothing has changed. The sun came up this morning and will go down tonight.
Psychologically - everything has either been affirmed or proven wrong. This step doesn't matter as much as the next (which will have a lasting impact).
How do we go from James Harris to Doug Williams to the commonality we have in today's NFL - in a social context.

Anonymous said...

well first of all....all these black people were suppose to have a glorious day today...but naw man...they were pissed. Guess why? Because the damn newspaper company didnt produce enough historic papers for everyone to buy.

You know a nigga will try to make a buck (E-bay) man. Them papers are so demanding right now...people are on their knees begging ...

how are you bro?

Unknown said...

I would tell them...

Anything is possible and to keep dreaming, hoping, and believing in the impossible....

plez... said...

tell your kids, "anything is possible."

RealHustla said...

I am so glad that I have a son old enough to appreciate what's happening. I feel so blessed. I hope that experiencing it all means that he won't take it for granted.

t y said...

Sort of echoing what has already been said, but I know will be said time and time again and what I will tell young ones... Anything you dream is possible.

If it's important, it will take time.... it will take tons of effort.... it will take perseverance... it will take heart, and passion....and if it's big enough - it will take a banding together of a nation... with that, it can be done. It has been done.

Kofi said...

I would tell them about the man on the walker who made it to the poll center.

Waiting two hours to vote.

The three year old girl who sang to her parents for two hours to keep them upbeat (it was 6am and it was cold).

Listening to people hit the streets after it was called, people partying, beeping their horns, watching them chant in front of the White House, etc.

And why the Prop 8 deal was not a good look.

KELSO'S NUTS said...

I told my boy (turns 9 in February) that:

I was proud of the way he and his friends had discussed the candidates and the issues and gotten interested and active.

I told him that his enthusiasm for Barack Obama was infectious!

I told him that he's only lived in big multi-ethnic cities, NYC & CdP, so this is way more special than it seems

I told him he's now seen the worst and the best of American politics in action

I told him that I hoped he'll be out in front interested and fighting for what's right when it's time for: first gay or lesbian president, first Latino(a) president, first atheist president....

I told him to remember that this election will have made all other meaningful ones possible

angela said...

how many of us now feel like we actually... belong? like this is home now. OUR home too. we can finally unpack.

that's just a bit of what i am feeling now. i think about my family's history. how far we've come. how blessed we our to actually own the the actual land that, as slaves, my people labored on, and ... how far we've all come.

Anonymous said...

Have y'all noticed that they straighten Sasha and Malea's hair after he got the nomination and things got cook'in during the Obama campaign? Before the hoopla, they had kinky dookie braids. Just thought I point that out.

...Afrotechnica

Monroe Anderson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Monroe Anderson said...

Torrance: I was surprised. I predicted it would be a landslide and explained why the day before on my blog and at ebonyjet.com.

Angel said...

If I am blessed with Children & Grandchildren when I'm talking about it I will say 'even black people in the UK partied and that was just the beginning…..'

SoulOnIce said...

I'll tell my kids they can do anything, ANYTHING, and sincerely mean it. I never thought I'd see this day come, and this is coming from a 26-year-old man, but I'm glad to see it has.

Unknown said...

still tryna figure that out...