I'm not really much of a flag waver. In fact, because I have so many friends and acquaintances from other countries, I tend to keep my American hubris on the down low. It's not that I am ashamed to be an American. Far from it. But I have to admit our most recent past has tainted the world view on the US and that shadow does fall over us all. And, I have to admit, I agree with the rest of the world's puzzlement and sometimes pure disdain over how we have conducted ourselves in the last 8 years.
But today, as I have witnessed history and seen the light of what is possible, I am uncharacteristically patriotic. I think we all feel we are on the verge of something. Something we feel will be great. And even though the election of the first African American president may have come too late in light of the forward progress of other parts of the world, I am so deeply proud that it has come at last. Growing up in the 60s and 70s I was keenly aware of the great divide between the races here in Kenosha. Now, my own family is comprised of Caucasian, African American, and Asian descent. I have the very personal feeling that this new President truly represents me and mine. And you and yours. I think that's the reason so many people are finding this time in our history so emotional. He is OUR President. A part of us all. And we see that he understands that clearly.
There is a lot of work to be done and, as he said, some of it will take a long time. But we're on the starting line of the great journey and, today of all days, I really feel we have someone who can lead us with confidence and honesty.
Today I am proud to be an American.
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