A 20-Year-Old on the Meaning of the Election

{My son, Brett, who is 20 and just voted in his first presidential election, wrote the following on Facebook on Election Night. I was so proud and moved by what he wrote, that I decided to post it for others to see.}

Rise Above It

by Brett McElvaine

And they declared Barack Obama the president-elect, and said that millions and millions of people will always remember where they were when this announcement was made. I was by myself, on my couch in my apartment in Los Angeles. With a beer in reach, and after a post-election hangout with Claire and Django, which was mostly spent avoiding the election results because we're all a bit neurotic. I was alone, and the text messages and e-mails were pouring in, saying this and that. But here's the most electrifying thing to me: History was made, and I was a part of it!

To come from the television, seeing beautiful speeches and tears of joy running down the faces of masses of people--people to whom this victory means and says so much. People that never thought that they'd live to see this day: the day an African-American wins the presidency of the United States of America!

To go from that, and get on Facebook and not only see horrible racist comments but also see people encouraging an assassination of Barack Obama--and this, from people who say they have morals! So I had to start removing them as "Facebook friends," because there's absolutely zero f**king tolerance for these ignorant, racist people and certainly not for people who wish death upon others. I'm not sure about the president-elect, but it is illegal to threaten the president--and rather than report these pathetic f**kers, I just removed them and I am removing all of the negativity.

But something funny happened as I was deleting one of these "friends": just above where you click 'Remove from Friends' - this particular girl had No Doubt on her playlist and I reconsidered removing her. I f**king reconsidered removing her, but then I thought, What Would No Doubt Do? And although I'm sure they love their fans, I'm certain that they wouldn't want anything to do with this sort of extreme hatred--or any hatred, for that matter: No Doubt, No Hate. So I deleted her too, but man is it disheartening that people are that closed-minded and that cruel with their opinions. These retarded people need to ask themselves, "What Would Jesus Do?" before they call themselves a Christian. Or even ask themselves, "What Would John McCain Do?" after he gave a very gracious concession speech.

And to all of you that are "moving to Canada because Obama won," why do you even bother saying that? You know you're not; I know you're not. For one reason, you probably can't afford to move. 'You're moving to another country...' I get the point, but really, by saying that, you're just showing how little you know about other countries' politics. And if you do actually move to Canada, enjoy the universal healthcare they already have there . . . which I'm sure you know is something Barack Obama is trying to achieve.

So if you're looking to get away from Obama's politics, then maybe Canada isn't the best place for you, and neither is most of Europe; the United Kingdom, and France especially. So long London, so long Paris. There's no escaping him! Even Cuba has universal healthcare! So where ever will you guys move? Oh yeah, you won't really move.

You'll stay, and you can either be positive--and, regardless of who you voted for, enjoy this historical milestone, maybe even save today's newspaper and keep your fingers crossed, with the rest of us--as Obama said, "young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled"--Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America--keep your fingers crossed that what the future holds is brighter than what any of us could ever have imagined.

Or you'll continue to be negative; disgustingly negative, and down right evil sometimes. I guess you guys will still be there, but I want you to know: I voted for the candidate with my best interests, of course, but I also voted for the candidate who I believe will help everybody; who I hope will help everybody. You, me, the ignorant, racist, assassination-supporting people, and everyone in between alike. But please, keep that negativity far, far away from me. If you're one of those people, and you're reading this--please do at least one nice thing, and delete me from your friends. This isn't about all McCain or even most McCain supporters, obviously, but I was raised right to believe that words can't even describe how horrible something like bigotry and racism are. And murder, well that goes without saying. So to those people, please go away and let me continue enjoying my incredible life.

I called it, didn't I? I said, for a variety of reasons, that this time of the year; this and the next season, especially - will be good, if not better, if not f**king incredible. And starting even earlier for me, and now for so many people in this country--it is f**king incredible!

My best friend wouldn't tell me who he voted for. I told him that's what they do in a lot of other countries: keep that information in the family, with politics as well as religion, and although that's not how it's done here, I understand. So regardless of who he voted for, I hope that the candidate I voted for, the candidate who won, will give my friend's mother the healthcare he promised, and the healthcare she needs.

It's really so sad, about the hatred--but I still feel electrified. And regardless of who you voted for, I hope you have something to celebrate and I hope you're keeping your fingers crossed for an amazing future ahead of us--a future that we're all a part of.

I read an e-mail from my Dad that said: "This is the eleventh presidential election in which I have voted since I came of age in 1968. It's only the fourth in which the candidate for whom I voted won." I can't even begin to express my happiness for my parents! It's amazing to be alive for this. I'm happy I lived to see an African-American be the president-elect, so I'm that much happier that my parents are here to see history be made too!

-- Brett McElvaine, 11.04.08

Comments

[hopefulmama]

The great thing about this young man is that he spoke up and actually made his beliefs known, instead of remaining silent for fear of offending someone. Racists and bigots sure don't mind offending others -- now maybe we all will feel more confident about speaking up when others' comments offend us. I am thrilled to see our future generation thinking and feeling passionate about our country.

[sociocanuck]

Well, yes. Intelligent analysis is possible from persons of any age. I've even seen it from a few 10 year olds.

[UrbanRevolution]

I know a few people who voted for Obama and their spouses/sig. other voter for McCain. There is such a stark difference in the values of these two men I wonder how these couples get along. What do they talk about? I mean one believes the "you're on your own" philosophy and the other believes "we are our brother's keeper" - these are in complete contrast to one another. I don't know how they do it. I could NEVER be with a person who believes so opposite as I about core values.

[salsmom]

I voted for Obama because of the hope he conveyed for this country but, more so, because of the need to see it through the eyes of Brett, my daughter and my new grandchild. It is about my present but, more importantly, their future.

[JRsNana]

Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

[learnsomething]

I love it, love it, love it! HAHA....President Barack Obama, I love the sound and sight of that!

God bless our new president, and God bless the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!

[ewoman]

Robert, I know how you feel. My daughter voted for the first time, and she watched the election returns with her friends at college. At 10:45 pm that night, she called me and asked, "How's my Obama Mama?" The tears really began to stream down my face then!

I told my parents about Barack about three years ago, as I was moving away from Chicago...I told them to keep an eye on this guy, as he was remarkable. My mother voted for him, as did my brother...and we're scattered all over the U.S.

My daughter's father and stepmother are dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, and I know my daughter didn't call them that night...they don't know how she voted, and they never will. We're hoping that the rage will pass as time goes on, and that former Obama opposition will begin to "get it," and enjoy a participatory government - by and for the people.

[KiwisCanFly]

What a nice lad, thank u for sharing Brett, I found it toughingly authentic.

[jcorrington]

Me too! Indeed, you should be very proud.

[HeidiRenee]

Hey Brett - thank you for your honesty and passion here. I am a former youth worker that left the "bitter and racist" part of Pennsylvania and a large group of college students who are currently breaking my heart as they spew their ignorance and hatred and utter disillusion that I could have fully, joyfully and utterly supported Barack Obama for president (since before he was the democratic nominee). I am heartbroken that they have been so blinded and brainwashed by the church. The very people who should be caring for the earth, the marginalized and the outcast has become the ugly, snarling, racist mass and it looks very little like the "body of Christ".

I just keep telling them that hopefully Obama will live his life and lead in a way that will one day show them what I have seen all along. I know it seems easier to cut them out of your life, but they need you. They really do. One of their peers who is a light-bearer - you can help them just by being yourself. What I know to be true about that generation is that they are truly passionate, and they truly want to serve God, they've just been sold a version of God that looks nothing like the kind, compassionate God we know. Living well is the best revenge.

Thanks again for your post.

[RonCanada]

Damn....just when I thought I was finally over getting all teary-eyed.

[athenasword]

I applaud your son. Well-done. He did the hard thing when he could have simply said nothing.
Bravo.

Thanks so much for posting this. Young people like him give me so much hope in the future.

[blastit]

That was beautiful and inspiring, this is the america I want to live in

[weatherwaxx]

It's heartening to see that the flame is still alive. Good work, both of you!

[MaxChampion]

No wonder you are proud.

[Oregon Ivy]

A 20 year old with a very wise soul. :)

[OrganizersWin]

.... and a "beer within reach".

[LazarusLong]

Which brings into question the age limit for alcohol.

Sounds to me like Brett is certainly mature enough to handle a little drinking.