Real Shock and Awe
More powerful than was imaginable,
We are almost in a state of collective shock/awe.
The promise -- Antigone before the king comes to mind -- wonderfully hard to process.
He looked as a man with providence; the opposite mirror of Bush.
There was humility inside it.
He was even careful not to get too frenzied -- gave a soft landing.
Sober, reflective, determined... emotional beyond words.
The world looked to America... we showed our best.
For one night at least, the world was sane.
The planet sighs in relief and deserves a righteous party.
We have beaten back the worst in ourselves, the old and inevitable forces of cynicism and greed.
No more patriotic primates to rule the roost.
Real change will take sacrifice, vigilance and will.
The bailout of Wall Street, the wars and the final gorge of the right wing must be stopped now, a return to Keynesian balance.
Bottom up instead of top down.
The gold standard that every human has value -- be awarded respect, dignity and opportunity --
The currency of grace.
A wave of renewal and possibility.
And now the real work begins.
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Sadly, we have not seen past color. Many people voted for Obama simply because of his color. We don't need a BLACK president, WE NEED A GOOD PRESIDENT!!!!! I don't care what color he is, I just want someone to fix this mess. I believe that Obama can do just that - EVEN IF HE WERE WHITE.
Couldn't have said it better myself, John. Well done....
I was born in the U.S. 39 years ago, but I don't know that I have ever felt so strongly my "American-ness" until Tuesday night. Something I think everyone needs to remember is that this isn't the end of the story.....it's just the beginning, and we all have to do our part to make it happen.
I was raised to believe that America always held a very important and special place in the world. It was our job to lead by example. To be the highest standard there could be. For the last eight years we've been deprived of this as well as hope, respect, support, security not to mention our constitutional rights by people who called any dissenting voice un-American.
I hope every American realizes as Barack stated in his acceptance speech (as well as on the stump), that he cannot do this alone. This country belongs to all of us and putting it back on top is going to take more hard work and sacrifice than many (especially the young) could ever imagine. In a general culture of too much credit and 'one more couldn't hurt', we've got a steep hill to climb. Now we've been given this chance to regain our collective self respect, and do the right thing, we'd be even more foolish than Junior (Bush) to squander it. That would be some mighty powerful foolish.
Amen to that!
The currency of grace.....beautiful.
It's amazing how with all the prejudices that some people still harbor, we as Americans were able to see past the color and recognize a true leader.
I can't wait to see what the future holds.
Wow- inspiring!
Thanks for all your support
through your blogs, etc
Change has come and it feels great!
Nice writing, John.
Shock & awe, and no mistake.
Shatner-esq in its beauty.
except California seperated from the Continental shelf and got all evangelical up on the gays.
Yesterday I was overcome by scenes of great emotion in Buenos Aires because Argentina celebrates this great leap forward for a genuine change in USA!!!
All nations are turning closer, perhaps carried away by expectations of a peaceful opportunity, as if a fresh gem of both justice and dignity has just been born.
.
Could you perceive such a strong feeling coming from the southernmost country of South America?
All those Americans who have been moved by undescribable perceptions, should be aware that they weren't made up by your imagination.
A deep insight has been set up worldwide to rule.
Even a gust of wind might be intending to communicate the beginning of a new era.
Thank you for shedding light to the future of our planet. And let's get back to work right now!!!
Best wishes.
Man,you write beautifully ! Whether I agree or not with what you will write in the future..by all means,keep it up !
Still celebrating? I remember your write Bleary-eyed in Bangkok, how you described your city lived at night. If you want to continue celebrating this real, wonderful, incredible day when all the world won in dignity, respect and a light from heaven went direct to your country. You can come to my city, Barcelona, I invite you to change this world, the only one we own.
I think we´re closing a time of individualism and materialism. But we need to work a lot, not only Obama has won, we´re the real winners.
Continue writing, fight with your words, lovely gentleman.
Well, as usual the inimitable Mr C sums it up to perfection. We held our collective breath in the hope American citizens would prove themselves once bitten twice shy (although perhaps it’s a case of twice bitten thrice shy) and the global sigh of relief was massive. To each of you who braved the polling queues for Obama a hearty thank you.
As for you Mr Cusack we yearn to hear more from you. Don’t go quiet on us as Obama starts mopping up the historically stupendous skeptic tank of sludge and slime left by the outgoing administration. Surely your contribution to life, the universe, almost everything and, above all US Government must be more comprehensive than blogging for the wonderful Huff Post (although we thirst for your prose)? You have so much to share…
You're right, we did look to America to do the 'right thing'.
I watched, from Scotland, in the early hours of the morning, with tears in my eyes...and I saw it, you did do the right thing!
America stood up, was counted and should be rightly very proud of itself!
Now, as you say, the real work does begin, the world waits with breath that is bated....
Another eloquent and evocative post. Thank you.
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