Post-election post

This morning is one of high feelings, and feels auspicious (if that is the right word). I am just dizzy with excitement over Obama's election. For the first time in my life I was excited to vote in a Presidential election, and for once I look forward to the coming years as a time which may see a rise in our nation's morale and pride (not the divisive and righteous kind), and hopefully a widespread spur to action that will help our country into the future.

While that may sound too rosy, I don't believe this will all be the product of Obama's Presidency--and besides, it is dangerous to place too much hope and expectation on any one person. But I do think that, like myself, many people have been craving something for our country that no political leaders have been offering, and this election is a big expression of that craving. Unlike the past two elections that left me a little heartbroken and confused, this is a validation of the way I have seen America for years--a more balanced mix of "red" and "blue" states, with an upper Midwest that is true to its more social-democratic roots. Still a lot of fearful people and unfortunately racism across the nation, but at the end of the day a majority of people just who want to be forward-thinking and are finally willing to address some of the huge challenges we have with our domestic politics and economy (not to mention international standing). While there is still plenty of room for disagreement, over taxes and military strategy in particular, I am comforted by the fact that we just saw the highest voter turnout in several decades, and that enough people want the changes promised by this new leader. I pray that he won't let us down by failing to do as he has promised with taxes and job creation - issues I view as the meat and potatoes of current day politics. Can we please strengthen our nation with policies like the progressive income tax, without scaring moderates with over-regulation? Some things just have to be done, ya know?

That said, we have to remember that one person can't do it all. My biggest hope: let us be moved to action in whatever ways we can, to make the progress we've all been talking about! Be it energy, jobs and innovation, public transit and infrastructure, education...do something if you want it.

This morning I also spoke with my mom on the phone, who (while I don't fully understand yet) is disappointed and fearful about the Democrats' election. I didn't call her this morning, figuring she might not want to hear from her Obama-loving daughter so soon after election day. But thankfully she called me while we were each reading the morning paper.

Naturally, we had some back-and-forth about the election, she expressing her fear and foreboding about higher taxes and Pelosi-Reid in the Senate (I believe spending was her concern). She is worried because she knows little about Obama, claiming that he has "kept everything secret" about his life, like the schools he went to, or his grades, and of course his association with that crazy, vulgar, racist preacher...gah. All I could say in response is that I think he's been pretty open about his past, and the information is out there and has been coming out for 2 years; the "evil associations" name game doesn't do much for me since both parties can play that card if they want to--and correct me if I'm wrong, but are there not plenty of crazy, vulgar, even racist, white preachers around this country? Come on now. Just come on.

But hey - can we at least celebrate the success of a pro-worker party? That record is clear, with the vast difference in union support between the candidates and parties. This is one thing that is without a doubt good for us...it's at least something to celebrate, no? mm? She seems worried, despite all evidence to the contrary, that Obama will spend tons of our money on welfare programs for the poor...which fascinates me, since (a) this has not been part of his platform and (b) she experienced the benefits of public assistance, as well as the vitriolic attacks from people who think welfare is a lazyman's easy street. (People who joked that they should quit their full-time jobs with the state and go on the rolls, since it looks so good. Until she pulled out the check stub and told them where to go.) We both know that kind of talk is absurd, but isn't that the Republican Line? I am a little baffled at where the disconnect is. I mention this connection, and my confusion there, but I don't belabor the point. We've got plenty of time to try to understand each other after all, and at least we're keeping it civil. I think we could all use more practice talking about these tough issues with people we love...even if we don't agree, the ability to have dialogue and not shut down is important. Even if you have to change the subject often.

We talked about the good, the bad, and the chill - moving on from national hopes and fears, she informed me about the passing of Michigan's Proposal 1, which legalizes medical marijuana for the severely ill - score for humanity! Even if it's just one step toward reason, I am heartened. (Especially, though I don't say it, after their anti-gay legislation the other year. Michigan, give us something to go on here.) On this victory at least, mother and daughter agree. Yay!