Berkeley Parties for Obama
Is this it? Is this how it feels to be proud of your country? Not to go all Michelle Obama on you, but that's all I could think as I traversed three of the undoubtedly many Berkeley block parties that sprung up around town tonight. Don't get me wrong. I've loved U.S. and A. ever since learning about the revolution and founding fathers way back in first grade. But my first political memory is the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and I think it's safe to say things have pretty much gone downhill since then. Until now. I can't recall another moment like this, when I've felt so much joy over something my country did. In fact, just that phrase feels a little odd jostling around in my brain. "My country." Mine. At least 52% of the country agree with me that Obama is the man for the job. For the first time, I'm in the majority.
Sure, my first impulse is to take that lead and run with it, to pull the same bullshit conservatives have for the last six years or so. "You don't agree with President Obama? What, do you hate America?" Or, "Hey buddy, he's commander in chief of this country. You're with him or you're with the terrorists!" Maybe we could even get Toby Keith to write a new America-lovin' anthem for us that we can shove in dissenters' faces! I'm thinking "Birkenstock in Your Ass."
But the beauty of Obama--and also McCain in his concession speech--is that he ran on putting an end to that kind of bullshit. He single-handedly destroyed the power of Rove-ian politics by calling them out directly in his 2004 "Purple America" speech. No red states, no blue states, just United States of America. This is his most fundamental message, and one we should embrace. While I am proud of my country tonight, I recognize that it is not just mine. And that getting out of this mess depends on everyone finally coming together, to the extent possible in our democratic system.
I think that was the real source of euphoria on Telegraph Avenue tonight. Sure, Berkeley's candidate was backed by a majority of the nation. He won. That's enough to make any Democrat happy. But I think what elevated tonight from just another election victory to the kind of pure ecstasy I saw throughout town this evening is the possibility that Obama may just be the miracle he appears to be. He might be that rarest of politicians who actually brings people together. I'm too jaded at this point to count on it, but I think what I felt tonight was the acknowledgment of that possibility, that this country might not be yours or mine anymore, but ours.
Of course, with Prop 8 still ahead as I go to bed tonight, it's clear there are going to be issues that sharply divide us. They're worth fighting for, and I plan to fight. But Obama argues that what unites us is more powerful than what divides us. He might even be right.
I'm not sure what we're in for in the next four years, but for the first time I can remember, I'm optimistic. Here's hoping that feeling doesn't go away.
----
Disclaimer: I recognize this blog was pretty self-indulgent, but such is my power. We're all feeling something tonight, and I figured I might as well share. Please do the same below.
Sure, my first impulse is to take that lead and run with it, to pull the same bullshit conservatives have for the last six years or so. "You don't agree with President Obama? What, do you hate America?" Or, "Hey buddy, he's commander in chief of this country. You're with him or you're with the terrorists!" Maybe we could even get Toby Keith to write a new America-lovin' anthem for us that we can shove in dissenters' faces! I'm thinking "Birkenstock in Your Ass."
But the beauty of Obama--and also McCain in his concession speech--is that he ran on putting an end to that kind of bullshit. He single-handedly destroyed the power of Rove-ian politics by calling them out directly in his 2004 "Purple America" speech. No red states, no blue states, just United States of America. This is his most fundamental message, and one we should embrace. While I am proud of my country tonight, I recognize that it is not just mine. And that getting out of this mess depends on everyone finally coming together, to the extent possible in our democratic system.
I think that was the real source of euphoria on Telegraph Avenue tonight. Sure, Berkeley's candidate was backed by a majority of the nation. He won. That's enough to make any Democrat happy. But I think what elevated tonight from just another election victory to the kind of pure ecstasy I saw throughout town this evening is the possibility that Obama may just be the miracle he appears to be. He might be that rarest of politicians who actually brings people together. I'm too jaded at this point to count on it, but I think what I felt tonight was the acknowledgment of that possibility, that this country might not be yours or mine anymore, but ours.
Of course, with Prop 8 still ahead as I go to bed tonight, it's clear there are going to be issues that sharply divide us. They're worth fighting for, and I plan to fight. But Obama argues that what unites us is more powerful than what divides us. He might even be right.
I'm not sure what we're in for in the next four years, but for the first time I can remember, I'm optimistic. Here's hoping that feeling doesn't go away.
----
Disclaimer: I recognize this blog was pretty self-indulgent, but such is my power. We're all feeling something tonight, and I figured I might as well share. Please do the same below.
posted by Dan at 12:55 AM
10 Comments:
Can somebody explain next steps for marriage equality in California? How do we fix this?
Take a deep breath.
Then, gather signatures for a ballot proposition for 2009.
Maybe that's too soon, but it's back to the ballot for gay marriage. There is no legitimate court-based strategy.
This is the first sunny early morning of the week. It's a little too perfect.
Unfortunately, I think this means gay "marriage" is not a possibility within the next few years.
Prop 8 seems to really display that many Californians, like many Americans have difficulty separating the religious sacrament of marriage from the state-sponsored contract of marriage.
I think most people would agree that Churches can't be forced by a government to alter their standards, but that its inexcusable for the government to treat people differently based on status.
It seems the only viable route at this point is to abandon the nomenclature, and fight in the legislature for civil unions that actually confer all the same state-law rights, and then look toward federal rights later.
How about a federal preemption argument?
Patrick--it's no longer sunny. The bloom on the new administration is already over!
I'm starting a ballot initiative that amends the constitution to ban ballot initiatives. I guess I should wait till we get gay marriage back. But after that, who's with me?
you may not be too far off there.
i think at least a constitutional amendment should require 60% of the popular vote. but AFTER we repeal Prop 8.
Nice post Boalties. Keep up the dialogue. Arguments should be interesting--worth taking time off from classes to attend or otherwise watch. The proposition system has to go--or at least be given appropriate limits. The rights of the few cannot be protected if the law allows them to be voted away by the many in every and any instance. This country, given proper facts and understanding of the inequity behind the current legal definition of marriage, is ready to recognize the civil rights associated with gay marriage (already existing whether or not authorized by law)--it's just that many people don't realize the logistics such as social security benefit inequity or even the right to make critical decisions for a loved ones care during their final hours. Eventually we'll get it. In the meantime, the legal arguments of Petitioners are valid. This is law in the making. Tomorrow will be an interesting day. Hopefully a good one, too.
-alumn whose first political memory is, unfortunately, a bit farther back in history than Clinton.
Nice post Boalties. Keep up the dialogue. Arguments should be interesting--worth taking time off from classes to attend or otherwise watch. The proposition system has to go--or at least be given appropriate limits. The rights of the few cannot be protected if the law allows them to be voted away by the many in every and any instance. This country, given proper facts and understanding of the inequity behind the current legal definition of marriage, is ready to recognize the civil rights associated with gay marriage (already existing whether or not authorized by law)--it's just that many people don't realize the logistics such as social security benefit inequity or even the right to make critical decisions for a loved ones care during their final hours. Eventually we'll get it. In the meantime, the legal arguments of Petitioners are valid. This is law in the making. Tomorrow will be an interesting day. Hopefully a good one, too.
-alumn whose first political memory is, unfortunately, a bit farther back in history than Clinton.
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