i think the significance of this moment in our history is only beginning to sink in. for years to come, we'll be telling stories of where we were when president obama was elected.
i was in china, in a jam packed american bar called malone's, with my friend margaret, the "best burger in shanghai", and a renewed pride in the country i come from. people from europe, australia, canada, and china congratulated me in the following days. they shared their hope for healthy international relationships, and their thankfulness about a new world leader that they respect. we heard it was the first time that democrats and republicans didn't divide between the 3 floors in malone's. i have a feeling that it was the first time an american election party wasn't limited to americans.
chad was in seattle, and soon found himself among hundreds who took to the streets in celebration. there were people jumping out of cars, strangers hugging, and a shared sense that we've accomplished something ... that we will dare to hope for change ... that we are strong when we are unified.
when i listen to barack obama speak, it is evident to me that he sees the beautiful faces behind the issues that we, as a country, make decisions about. i see conviction, and yet not idealistic ignorance. i watch him wrestle in the midst of no easy answers. i'm inspired by his willingness to sit in the "grey".
this week a chinese friend was asking me my thoughts on the election and obama. she said that the people of china and the international community really wanted obama to win. with a knowing and gracious sincerity, she looked at me and said, "we want what is best for your country. america is the world's leader, and what is good for you, is good for us too."
i had been hearing similar sentiment in the surrounding days of the election, but it was only in that moment that the weighty realization set in. i am humbled by the privilege i have as an american, and by the long reaching impact of my vote.
the result of the election is evidence that we, as a country, have come a long way. and yet, so much ugliness is not so far in our past. i hope this is the beginning of a sensitivity towards perspectives that come from lives unlike our own ... stories often untold, but no less human and no less significant. i hope that we would hold gently our power, that we would listen carefully ... and that we would continue to fight together until all voices are heard as loudly as ours, whether it be across international borders, or right in our own neighborhoods.
