Wednesday, November 05, 2008

BYBS: A Profound Event

Something profound happened the other day and I missed it.

I was voting in the election and when I cast my ballot, the race of the candidates did not factor into my decision. I was more wrapped up in the issues at hand, whether the candidates could be trusted, etc.

When I listened to the coverage of the election today, I discovered that the race of the president-elect had made a huge difference to some people. They spoke about how they were proud of their country, and that it was amazing to have gone from 1968, when Martin Luther King was assassinated, to 2008, where Barack Obama was elected president.

Reflecting on it, I realized how it could be so meaningful. This is after all, the country that had the Rodney King beating and riots. This was where Howard Beach happened. This is the country where Martin Luther King was killed.

That my country could have changed does not mean that the problem is gone. But it is a sign that just because we may have a past that includes racism, does not mean it will be our future. We can change.

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Just to reassure everyone, VYSW will be back next Wednesday :-)

4 comments:

storyteller said...

Yes … I believe that some of the most significant occurrences escape us at the moment, but return to flood us with awareness after the fact. Reflecting on Tuesday's election I find myself hoping Americans will come together, remain engaged in making a difference by thinking globally & acting locally out of 'intention' to reclaim our heritage and return to proactive, ethically responsible choices in our daily lives ... encouraging others to do likewise.
Hugs and blessings,

SandyCarlson said...

We're allowed to enjoy this milestone and this momentous moment. I was just so excited to see people interested in what was going on, to believe being involved could make a difference. That alone thrills me to the bone!

CyberCelt said...

There is still plenty of racism out there. I have been appalled by some of the comments I have seen. In fact, my BYBS post is a prayer for the president-elect.

PERBS said...

I wasn't available last week and didn't post a BYB but have one this week. Just stopped by to see if you did also. Maybe this is it posted early or maybe it is last week's posted later than usual? At any rate, you make a lot of sense. I can hardly wait for the new Presidency to take over. . .