Obamanation now Obamaworld

Not just the United States but the entire world is celebrating the election of Barack Obama. Perhaps the most enthusiastic, the people of Obama, Japan.



You can read more about it here.

Election not over yet!

The election is not over yet! The most important decision is yet to be announced – what breed will the First Dog be?

Vote here.

It is ironic that even as America demonstrated it's ability to "transcend race" and elect the first African American president, at the same time it has taken away rights for another group of people. Unfortunately, voters in California overturned gay marriage. Voters in Arkansas imposed a law that bans gay couples from adopting children. The latter, in particular, is absolutely deplorable. How many children are out there without a family? Who are we to say that one couple is less qualified to be loving parents, simply because of who they sleep with?

I can't help but wonder, what will happen to children in Arkansas who have already been adopted?

America has demonstrated again and again it's ability to grow. During my lifetime I have seen the Berlin Wall fall and a man named Barack Hussein Obama become President-Elect. I have no doubt that both of these laws will be overturned in time. (One positive that came out of the California's Proposition 8 was that the vote was split almost 50-50. The last time gay marriage went on the ballot, the margin was much wider, meaning that attitudes are changing.) But it may take another generation before America is able to transcend it's attitudes about sexual orientation the way it has race.

In the meantime, I hope that the individuals in Arkansas who must enforce these new laws will take the needs of the children into account.

Both Liam and Mysterious Creature have posted on this as well...

A New America

“If there is anyone out there who doubts that America is a place where anything is possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”

- President-Elect Barack Obama

More from Obama in Cleveland

Here are some videos of some of what we saw at the rally Sunday.

First was The Boss.



Then the man himself.

Obama in Cleveland!

Today proved to be quite the adventure – my friend Paul and I attended the rally for Barack Obama! The rally was happening downtown at the same time as a Browns game and the Wringling Bros. Circus! Of course, downtown Cleveland was absolutely insane. We stood in line for at least 40 minutes just to get on the Rapid. Once we got downtown, we discovered that the line to get into the rally wound through town past Tower City down as far as Huron. In spite of the large numbers of people, everyone was quite orderly. There was never a moment I felt unsafe or overwhelmed. Everyone was friendly and excited about witnessing history unfold before our eyes.There was such a sense of community that I can't say I've ever experienced in Cleveland before.

This is us in line on Huron looking up at Tower City...

Here we are about a half-hour later, next to the Civil War Monument in Public Square.

We did not try to get into the rally itself. Instead, we ended up in the mall just across the street from the rally, next to the Mariott Hotel. According to the PD, there were 80,000 people! We stood there for close to three hours before the actual speech took place.

Bruce Springsteen sang to the crowd. I am not a big Springsteen fan, but the tone of music tapped into what we have all been feeling the past few years – that sense of clinging to hope in a time of hopelessness – perfect for the occasion. I can only compare his music to Bob Dilan.


And the man of the hour... Michelle and their two girls were there too.

It was truly humbling to be a part of history... to share a connection with so many people who truly want a better future... to join with 80,000 people in prayer for this country and our candidate. This is the real moral majority!

I must confess I'm pretty tired from the experience tonight. I will try to post more of my thoughts about everything that I witnessed and heard later this week.

You can view more pics and read the PD report here.

I WANT YOUR VOTE!

During my entire lifetime there has never been an election as important as this. Regardless of where your politics lie, it is your responsibility to get out there and let your voice be heard. If for no other reason, than to justify complaining about the results!

For those of you who live in Cuyahoga County, there is a sample ballot at the Plain Dealer's website, Cleveland.com, where you can go through each candidate/issue. It will allow you to view editorials on most of the major issues/candidates or direct you to where you can do more research. You can print out your sample ballot at the end so you are prepared for the voting box.

Click here to go to the sample ballot.

Or another good source is the League of Women Voters.

Total segue here, to learn more about the origins of James Montgomery Flagg's famous illustration of Uncle Sam, I found a cool blog here.