Yesterday, I experienced another surreal, incredible, and joyous moment in my life and in this Nations’ history. A night like that November evening when the Dream became reality. Barack Obama officially became the 44th President of the United States of America. I attended this event, easily the best decision I’ve ever made to this point. Although issues were abundant, I realized that it was all worth it in the end.
Let me first say that DC was in NO way, shape, or form ready for the millions of people who arrived this weekend. The Metro train system was beyond packed (think a normal delayed train experience in NY *2) and it was clear that it caught them off guard. Their whole checkpoint system was bugged too. We were frustrated from waiting online in 10 degree weather from 5am – 8am to get on the National Mall, only to find out that Secret Service changed plans and essentially we were on the wrong line. 2 hours, 2 checkpoints, and 2 frozen nigh frostbitten legs later, we finally arrived on the mall to witness history. I won’t front, I came close to leaving that line (I HATE the cold and it was getting the best of me) but perseverance…along with older brothers and friends telling me to stop bitchin’, motivated me to stay online, lol.
Let me also say that Barack is a human Stimulus package. This man generated tourist income for DC like no other. I know the Metro made at least 6 months worth of profit off of one DAY of business. The hustlemen were also out there HEAVY, selling everything from buttons to shirts,. Hand and feet warmers, hats, posters, etc. I respect the hustle because it was FREEZING out there! We have a Celebrity President, an icon, whose presence creates wealth along with public interest.
I didn’t have front seat tickets to the inauguration, but trust me I didn’t need them. Standing on that National Mall, with 1.2 million other people proved to make the moment remain still in time. You witnessed the power of hope, and the will to succeed, through the turnout yesterday. People of all races, creeds, and nations united to show support for a man whose life story and journey to the Presidency, which anyone would speak of as only a dream, embodies a vision. This vision is a vision of change, inspiration, and hope that our country can overcome the hardships of the last 8 years. That the aspirations we have for better wages, education, and health care convert from ideas to reality. A vision that Nations will reclaim that respect for our country and regain confidence that the US can lead the free world responsibly, confidently, and successfully.
Barack Obama embodies all these visions because he is the American dream. The dream of whites and blacks. The dream of pilgrims who founded this country on a vision of freedom, and slaves who built this country from the ground up, hopeful of freedom in their own right. The dream of Martin Luther King Jr and Lyndon b Johnson. The dream of sovereign nations who look towards the United States for help. The dream of young children, boys and girls, that any glass ceiling can shatter at the feet of determination and the conviction of Change. This is the defining factor that makes President Obama a galvanizing figure in the world. We all have a vested interest in his success, if for no other reason, because his victory reinforces our hopes of similar achievements.
Some people say he isn’t a true agent of change. I say change is more than appointments to his cabinet and policy reform. Its bigger than the static definition of the word. Its a paradigm shift in the status quo towards achieving goals in the face of any prejudice and preconceived notion. Its overcoming are world cynicism to foster a country wide reform. It represents embedding an inspiration and confidence in our Nation, especially the youth, that there are no more excuses and the time for change is now! I look to exude the same confidence and humility as My president, when he stepped out of his private vehicle to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue with his wife. No fear in his heart or sense of arrogance. He walks with kings yet still keeps the common touch.
I look to hold Barack accountable for his time in office, irrespective of how much I support him. My frostbitten legs wanted me to especially write that “he better not suck” for all the BS we had to endure. However, standing in DC, on this most pivotal achievement in US history, made any moment or suffering into a lifetime of happiness. I salute you President Obama, and have faith that Change will come to fruition when its all said and done.
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