I sat in the BU Student Union today, with perfect strangers and wonderful friends and watched the swearing in of the 44th President of the United States. I listened to the call to action, I listened to the cheering in the room around me, the prayers and benedictions offered up. Obama's speech writer is 26 or 27 years old, maybe that's why I connected to the words of this dynamic politician?
Or maybe, I connected with his words and his mission is because I am already there, along with my classmates, starting the long journey to attempt at making a difference of some kind in this world. As my Social Welfare Policy professor reminded us today, we felt inspired even before Obama became President and now (she said) we might feel like our mission and work has more support than ever...because we finally have a community organizer in the highest office this country has. A man who so intimately understands the long process that change is, the struggles of getting people to come together and the greater struggle of keeping people focused on a common goal.
It's funny, how people around me were so angry with the election of Obama. People asked if I was really happy with my decision and that they hoped I was happy with my choice. That they hoped anyone who voted for Obama was happy with their choice. YES I AM. And even in 6 months or 2 years, when Obama's honeymoon has worn off, I will still say "YES. I am happy with my choice." I made my choice because this man could rally people behind him and isn't that what this democracy is supposed to be about? We do not live in a monarchy, where a King or Queen rules. We live in a country, that although not perfect, is a democracy. I voted for a man who I knew would support the ideals that I want this country to stand for. I voted for a man who embodies the ideals that drew me to the field of social work. I voted for someone who was able to re-energize a country that needed to be reminded of what it means to have freedom.
So yes, I am proud to say that I will never regret my vote. Because it is NOT Obama's job. It is OUR job to make change, the job of the citizens of this country. If we do not risk standing up for what we believe and for what matters to us so that change will occur, then there is nothing Obama can do for us. When did it become okay to pass responsibility on to the next person and stop taking responsibility for our own citizenship, for our own well-being, for our neighbors, co-workers and country. Even the movie "Wall-E", an animated Disney movie, shows the laziness that exists within our culture and it is unfortunate when a light-hearted Disney movie takes on such a political undertone.
Turn off the television. Pick up a book, a history book for that matter. Read about the men and women who have come before and the challenges they faced and conquered. This country is where it is because of all of us. The smallest crisis can have a ripple effect that is unimaginable. But that ripple can be positive or negative, it's all up to what we choose to do about it. The time has come where we are being called to take responsibility as citizens of this country that has already accomplished so much. We cannot let the sacrifices of those who have gone before us to fall to the wayside, Obama was elected because people wanted a change. People wanted to feel inspired. People wanted someone who would emulate the dreams we are all working to achieve, each different, each unique, each important.
Today is a day I will remember forever. In the way my parents remember the assassination of Kennedy, of MLK. The way I remember 9/11. I sat in the Student Union and cried today because just a few decades ago, this moment would not have been possible. And here, in my lifetime, I am witnessing history in the making. I am part of this history and it is overwhelming. Margaret Meade was indeed correct when she said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
This was a proud day for social workers. A proud day for the world. A proud day for America.
Peace and love on this historic day.
Quote of the Day:
"Rosa sat so Martin could stand. Martin stood so Barack could run. Barack ran so our children could fly."
No comments:
Post a Comment