I don't belong to this country and I never will. That's just the way it has to be for some travelers.
I do know that I am extremely proud of the people who DO belong to this country, who do make up the fine country that is the United States of America.
You will now realize, America, that the world doesn't hate you. We don't want to. We want to appreciate all you've done for us and all you have given the world. And we will. We will follow that bright beacon now that a true, honest leader is lighting the way.
Of course, times will be tough. Every move will be scrutinized. Not all of our dreams will come true. Money will be lost. Wars will not end immediately. And not all damage, to your fellow people, your allies, your enemies, and your country will be undone.
Maybe we can now believe in our planet. Maybe now we will look beyond our computers and towards a bright, shiny new day. We'll step out onto the fresh earth and plant a tree, ride a bike, support our leader, stay informed, let our voices be heard.
As Gandhi said, be the change you want to see in the world. We are the change. We are humans. The most advanced species on this earth. We have so much power and we have come so far, we can go further and we can do it in a natural, safe way and give our children a healthier, safer future.
This is the step that we needed to take. Obama is not the solution, he is the inspiration. It truly is up to us.
They say the president is nothing more than a CEO. But CEO's can be influenced by their people. While the government may still be working in an inefficient, if not, corrupt way, they will never change unless they hear our protests; hear our voices.
And Obama told us he was listening. So stand up and say something now, while everything is just getting started.
18 comments:
damn hippie get out!
:]
I'm totally proud of America right now, and hope that her people will remain passionate and patient as Obama leads them back on the slow but steady path to their better ideals.
Nicely written post, Caitlin.
It's refreshing to see the world through your eyes - very optimistic!
And you look absolutely adorable in that suit jacket.
=D
Yum, I think I would kill for a cupcake right now!
:)
perhaps more tomorrow
*clapclap*. Nice speech Miss Hill.
"Obama is not the solution, he is the inspiration."
I really liked that line so I tweeted it. Hope you don't mind.
Can you please send me an Obama cookie? Thanks Caitlin! :)
Very well written. And you're right -- it's time for all those who were so passionate about the election to now turn their efforts into doing good in the world and pushing through items that will make it more so.
I'm very happy, not only for my own country internally, but so I can say to all my international friends and family, "Look! We're not complete morons, I swear!"
That's the cookie!! : )
Well said, Caitlin. I'm very happy that America made the right choice (in my humble Canadian opinion, anyway). I guess we'll soon see how it all plays out.
Cheers!
Why can't some people just listen instead of bash? "you're not saying what I want to hear so screw you"... That is asinine. Especially when our tradition is that of Voltaire, "I disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it." You wrote a well written, well meaning post Caitlin... Thank you.
I'm so happy for the rest of the world.
But so much for me ever owning my own buisness:(
I could not agree more with what you wrote. It is up to us to be the change and it is going to take more work. I am so happy Obama will now be our President. I believe he will start this country on the right path. There are many reasons why this election stood out more than any other election that has ever taken place in this country, race was one of them. When they showed the video from Kenya with everyone jumping up and down celebrating it almost made me well up with tears. I realized then how much this election ment to people around the world and to be cheering for America was something I hadn't seen for some time. It did help that Obama's family is from Kenya :) Even still, it was a great thing to see and gave me hope for everyone's future.
Hopefully those people who looked at our country as a country divided will now see a changing America, one that doesn't judge by color of someone's skin but by the content of their character.
Martin Luther King's dream was brought to life last night.
And maybe someday all of ours will too.
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I don't think American's can appreciate how much this election mattered to those of us in other countries - both for their own situations and for the American people.
The world has become a very interconnected place in terms of economics, politics and as always, environmentally. US Policy still sets the benchmark for Western democracies and carries a lot of weight outside of it's borders.
It is also important to say that the world view on the U.S. while recently seems negative, it is a reaction to US govt policies.
On the whole, American's themselves have always been well liked and respected. This election reinforces that feeling as a symbolic return to a more worldly outlook on things.
A Foreign Correspondent's perspective is very valuable so I hope you keep it coming - thanks - Simon
Well put, and you are correct, it's down to each and everyone of us to carry that baton of change. It is our responsibility to keep ourselves informed, politics effects pretty much everything so why not make sure we have an influence on the decision makers, the law makers to instigate the changes for reform where needed so we can have the kind of world we desire and need. Barack Obama, i believe will make a good president just as he has inspired millions of people of varying demographics and i believe United The United States of America like probably never before we must also realize no man is an island and the very people he is willing to serve in turn need to be his inspiration. I as a person of African decent, though this election was never about the color of skin, race or sex for me personall, it filled me with so much pride, joy and hope because in my heart i believe this message says to people of color through out the world that they also can ACHIEVE what their hearts desire if they would only believe. I've always believed that everyone has something to offer to bring too the table, we are all weak and strong in different area's working together with the goal of improving things for the masses serves to enrich humanity and our world.
very inspirational caitlin. do u per chance have the same speech writer as presidential elect barack obama? :P even tho ur not american, im seeing a future with u working as a member of presidential elect obamas staff. rite? ^__^
Wow. That was very eloquent. Well spoken, though I do not agree with some of what was said, I can certainly respect the person writing it. I also must take issue with the statement that you don't belong and never will. I would instead suggest that it is entirely up to you. I for one welcome you to stay as long (or short) as you want. Live and work here for a bit or the rest of your life, the choice is yours. This can be as much your home as you chose to make it. I am sure that Australia still means a great deal to you, but that doesn't mean that this can't also be your home.
Keep doing what you do, and I will always be here to watch, read, or try in my own small way to participate. Cheers.
Thank the lord this election is over. Now we can get down to business.
As an American, I appreciate your compliments to my country. You are a very thoughtful person. I have always been proud of my country, and I always will be. It’s pretty damn cool that you are proud of it too.
The President-elect has certainly proven that he can greatly inspire the masses, and that will help on the road ahead. The difficult part of being a leader is making tough decisions about which the outcome may not be known and which may ultimately be wildly unpopular. I hope he is up to the task. Regardless of what happens, I will support and respect the President of my country as I have always done.
Don’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of belonging to this country. If you stay here much longer, you may just end up falling in love with some charming All-American boy and start popping out apple pie eating American babies before you know it. I’ve seen it happen many times.
-James
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