I feel like my words cannot do my thoughts and feelings justice. I was so nervous for election day even though it seemed like the whole world was on my side. But being outside the United States for an event like this gave me an entirely new perspective on life back at home. The U.S. has gained respect again from the world, and not just because we are more powerful, but because we are finally using our brains again and making the right decision.
Every person that realizes I am an American immediately asks if you are for Obama and is more than glad to explain to you that they are and are excited for the elections as well. We went out to bars to watch the states turn and instantly had a bar full of non-americans explaining their perspectives to us and their hopes that the Republicans would not win.
This man wanted to know everything he could about our election process as it was going on. With every state that turned we would cheer and I would have to explain more about the electoral college to him. Haha!When the screen flashed Obama´s name announcing him as the winner EVERYONE in the bar was extatic! I am not normally an emotional person, but my eyes watered up and tears almost streamed when I saw the results. I honestly had my doubts. Prefering to be pesimistic and not wanting to get my hopes up I continued to tell myself that the Bible-belt of America was going to pull through again and screw us over. But it didn´t happen. I am so glad to have been abroud and see what the rest of the world thinks of us during this time of change.
I have never denounced being an American, but I have felt very disappointed in my fellow Americans for quite some time. Especially those that were able to vote 4 years ago. Since Wednesday morning I have not been able to keep a smile off my face. The whole thing seems too surreal to me. I keep feeling like I am going to wake up and realize that this monumentous event didn´t actually happen. But it did. And I am so proud of America and especially the American citizens that finally put forth their views and opinions and got out there and voted.
I do feel that many might have just been swayed by the excitement around the country to go vote for the president and not all the issues. I am very disappointed in my fellow Californians for passing Proposition 8. Who has the right to tell anyone how to live their life. I do believe in our high school government classes we learn that there is a separation of church and state clause in our constitution, but that somehow seems to have been overlooked this year. I apologize to those in the gay and lesbian community for allowing your rights as a U.S. citizen to be taken away. I hope that within the next few years we are able to pull ourselves back together and overturn the decision. We have 4 years of progress to make up for 8 years of bad decisions and I have faith that it will get done. I don´t doubt that there will still be hard times coming, but the big outcome will be worth the struggle.
Have a wonderful day America and I cannot wait to return next summer!
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