A Dark Cloud

Something I wrote on Nov. 5th:

Today we stand as one nation to lift up our first black President of the United States. The road that was paved with the blood of so many has led us to this point in history, the monumental moment cannot be overstated. Barack Obama is our 44^th President and the culmination of so many hopes and dreams. From his grandmothers love to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s sacrifice President Obama now stands as the validation for so many embattled souls. I am proud to be an American, I am proud to have been part of such a historic event. The chant “Yes we can” will forever be emblazoned into our hearts and minds. As I watched President Obama’s speech I could only marvel at the significance, trying to soak in every moment. Imagining what it will be like to speak of this moment to my grandchildren I felt lost in a sea of joy and honor. The United States of America is truly great.

However a small black cloud hangs over those of us waking up in California. With only the smallest of margins the constitution of our great state is now exclusionary to gays and lesbians. This morning I can only imagine the sorrow of those families who are so personally touched by this injustice. It angers me that on this great day California has chosen to take a step backwards. Marriage, first and foremost, is about love and commitment. Yet it is apparent that many people hold gender to be a much more significant factor when defining marriage. There is much to be said about this, but one word embraces my true feelings. Disgraceful.

Why Today is Importatnt to Me

In 2004 I had just moved to California with my brother. The Iraq War was in full swing and starting to take a turn for the worst, it was constantly rainy in San Diego, and I had just started a job that I wasn't sure would go anywhere. That Nov 2nd I stood in in with my brother while it rained on us and my fellow citizens. For the rest of the day I followed the election online while at work, listened to Air America on the drive home and heard Jeananne Garafalo and her co-host strain for some optimism of the results while the rain kept falling. I watched the cable news networks call each state, and had some glimmer of hope when it came down to Ohio, but early in the morning of Nov 3rd it was considered over. All the while I was reading forums and boards online, feeling even more distraught by the things my fellow citizens were saying. Seeing them cheer and celebrate the re-election of who turned out to be the worst president in the history of our nation.

This year is different. There is no rain, my career is in full gear, I have a wonderful supportive girlfriend, and things overall are better. Unfortunately for our country things are getting worse, the result of 8 years of unabashed hubris on the part of our leadership and those who followed. Our economic situation is considered dire and with the way things are going there's not much to look forward too.

But that will change tonite.

After following the election cycle these past months I am confident that tonite will be historic, and Barack Obama will be our 44th president. Even with all the problems we as a nation face at this moment, his campaign has delivered on it's promise: Hope

I know that tomorrow will be a better and brighter day, and that we as a nation can come together and climb back up that hill to shine unto the world.

Update: It actually is raining, which for the most part is pretty nice and doesn't dampen my spirits at all.