Friday, November 7, 2008
A.O. (After Obama)
I'm still numb. I live in Chicago ,where I have seen Barack Obama many times before he started his presidential election campaign. I took my 12-year-old daughter and canvassed for him in Gary, Indiana, knocking on doors and venturing into trailer parks. By the end of October, I knew that he would win, if not just because people are suffering in this country in ways that they never have before. I walked into my polling area and was greeted with two different methods of voting--paper or electronic. I didn't take this lightly. I know of many places where the privilege of voting is not guaranteed and there are no such choices. But I hesitated. Which would be the most fool-proof? Which ballot would be guaranteed as counted? I did not take this lightly either. A poll watcher saw my hesitation and explained that both methods were backed up with an electronic disc. I chose electronic because I figured my photos would come out better.
I took a photo of my voting card.
After I cast my ballot and attached my "I voted" sticker, I drifted out of the polling place, dazed. A woman stopped to ask how long the lines were. She had voted early and waited for 3 hours. We talked for an hour about history, injustice and how change would have to come, one way or another. I feel the change already. People are smiling and giddy everywhere. I have received calls and congratulations from all over the world. It's like we all participated in a global push for change and it worked. It's here. It's just going to take a while for me to absorb it.
Labels: 2008 election, Barack Obama, Chicago voting, Obama
# posted by Fly Girl : 3:32 PM
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Yes, it was quite a day. I was in a long line. I took a book to read while I wait, but I was too distracted to read. I ended up talking to a couple in line about the election, life, and Jesus. It was nice.
I know, this election has inspired a lot of thought-provoking discussions about our lives! It is nice.
It is truly the dawn of a new era and I can't wait for it to start... I was celebrating in a tiny town in Mexico somewhat overshadowed by the tragic plane crash in DF, but a truly historic moment. VIVA OBAMA
LOL @ people taking pics as back-up in case anything went down on Nov 4. For some reason, all the comment notifications sent to my email went into the spam folder, so I didn't even know people had responded to my last few posts. Anyway, thanks for keeping up with a bruh. I've been captured by Sao Paulo, so I think that'll be the definite next move. I love my peeps in Salvador, but I'm not the type for chillin on a hammock, caipirinha in hand, letting the days roll by. I need the big city! Heading down to the big B for Christmas and New Years this year. Gotta get my whites ready for Mama Iemanja!
(word verification: sweede - a TRUE Swedish person)
(word verification: sweede - a TRUE Swedish person)
Christmas and New Year's in Brazil? I'm jealous, even if you're going to business-focused Sao Paulo!
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