A New Day

As I sat and watched Barack Obama deliver his speech victory speech, tears fell. I cannot remember the last time I cried out of joy. But it was more than joy, it was the pride of accomplishment, the realization that we weren't insane - that this nation was better than the last 8 years - the feeling of a weight - a depression - being lifted, the crisp taste of optimism that had been missing for so long, and the knowledge that I could barely begin to understand how significant this was to so many Americans who have fought much longer and harder than I have.

The approach of November 4 and the events of that day helped this country realize what it can and has accomplished. But so many of us can't fully understand what it all means. I read stories of families voting together, dressed in their Sunday best. We heard Mr. Obama tell us about 106-year old Ann Nixon Cooper and the highs and lows she has seen this country go thorough. I watched a video about a voter in Boulder named Charles. And with each story I understood how this election was not about something as ideal as Change or Hope or something as simple as politics. This election was about America. It was about us. It was about rectifying the mistakes of the past 8 years and the past 200 years. It was about the unique ability of this country's people to assert themselves as "We The People" and remind the world that, while imperfect, this democracy is awe inspiring.

So, while it is a new day in America, and it feels like so much has been accomplished, the work has hardly begun.

Since its formation, this country has been at war with itself. Those in America's darkest corners have fought to keep their fellow Americans from reaching higher, achieving more, and garnering the same respect they enjoy. At the beginning, it was slavery, but progress won - slowly. At first those on the right side of history had to compromise and permit slavery to form the nation. But then those on the right side of history shed their own blood to end it. Women, too, were denied equality. Those on the right side of history continued to fight, this time in the courts, to gain equality for women. But those in the darkest corners continued to repress their fellow citizens, passing absurd laws that denied them basic rights. So, the war continued in the courts. Those on the right side of history argued and won in cases like Loving v. Virginia, and Brown v. Board of Education.

The war is not over, but on November 4, 2008, we shed a little more light on those dark corners and the people that occupy them who are always on the wrong side of history. We told them once again that their war is not welcome here, that they will be defeated, and that we will not let them exploit our insignificant differences. The election of Mr. Obama represents not the end of the war, but another victory for those on the right side of history.

So now we must revel in our joy for a brief moment so that we can pick up the mantle of change and equality again tomorrow to fight keep the light on and be vigilant against those who are on the wrong side of history.