For the First Time In My Adult Life, I'm Proud of My Country

Last night was a truly novel experience.

I was in a bar full of young people cheering, screaming, clapping and crying over our new president. My heart swelled with brand-new emotions -- political emotions of pride, inspiration, patriotism and hope. I was in tears throughout his acceptance speech.

Who is this President Obama? He spoke beautifully! He said things didn't just make sense, they were highly intelligent! He was magnanimous in victory! He invoked the greatest moments of America's history, and our most shining patriotic values! He credited the democratic process and the millions of voters throughout the country for his victory, and he asked for our help, and yes, sacrifice, in meeting the difficult challenges ahead!

We took to the streets of Brooklyn where the whooping and hollering were joined by honking, high-fives and hugs, and dancing. I saw the same looks of amazement on everyone's faces that I felt.

This is an incredible day for everyone in America. But for young people who have never known, in our adult lives, any president except George W. Bush, who is the opposite of the above qualities in every possible way, it's an especially great day, because we helped make it happen.

Young people tripled and quadrupled their turnout in the primaries, providing the margin of victory for Obama in crucial states like Iowa. Rock the Vote alone registered 2.5 million. The news commentators already acknowledged last night that the recurring promise of the youth vote has finally been delivered in this election, as early reports showed record turnout on Election Day as well.

The Millennials, born after 1978, are more diverse, tolerant and progressive than their elders, and we have suffered harshly from the economic policies of the previous administration. We're the largest and fastest-growing group without health care and the second most likely to declare bankruptcy. We're burdened by student loans, credit card debt, and the environmental and economic crises created by our elders. But this is our moment to help change the social compact in America for good. This is our movement.

Read more reaction from HuffPost bloggers to Barack Obama's victory in the 2008 presidential election

Follow Anya Kamenetz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Anya1anya

Comments

[pheepher]

For the first time in over forty years, I too am proud of my country.

[frynpan]

I could not agree more. This time my guy won it and he won it well. The whole world cheered us.

[demfriend]

In all of the years I have voted for the office of president of our country I have seen celebrations but never on such a grand scale as last night. Celebrations were held spontaniously all over the globe and in many countries where there are some expats but the amount of people in celebrations didn't just include them but many who felt the change in the world brought about by our election. I never have seen this level of emotion from people not even citizens and the largest emotion was hope. Kenyans had a stake in the elections directly as Barack is their child/grandson too. But in the amazing amounts of people who gathered just because they felt compelled to come together as one people in Times Square, the White House and just everywhere that no one had any clue before they would gather because they wanted a piece, a share in what has happened. I believe in every part of me that although Barack will want us to do and believe in many things we will not but will make the choice as we know we must to fix what Bush broke and has been broken many years before him. Barack will not make us happy all the time but we should know he will not lie to us and our country is our common goal. I will continue what I have done for months now and pray daily for the safety of our new president.

[Sarahh2255]

I have to agree. I was never so proud of my country as I was when they announced Barack had won the presidency. It made me believe in an America again that had hope and had a chance to expand beyond the beliefs of our fathers. It is a new generation...thank god. I'm happy for my son and I'm happy for the millions of children in this country and abroad that really know that change is possible.