All In My Saab

Just Finished Placing My Vote

It’s November 4th, and I just got back from voting. I waited until today to vote, not because I was still deciding (anyone who knows me knows I am not middle of the road), but to experience the high of this year’s election. The line was pretty short here in Riverside, California.  I saw neighbors who I have grown up with my entire life.  Some, I am sure, voted YES on 8 (banning gay marriage in California), others voted no, and some… I have no idea. There were many Obama and McCain stickers on cars in the parking lot.

After lunch I’ll pick up my free election coffee.  On the way to work after voting, I saw city workers removing the “Yes on 8″ signs illegally placed on overpasses.  All in all it felt good to be a part of the community in this election.

The Internet is Abuzz

I have about 10 tabs open in my browser right now tracking news coming in.  Rove predicts the election for Obama, reports of lost ballets in NV, too much to follow.  Twitter is totally abuzz with the election (I’ve even posted a few comments).  Facebook has over 2 million people checking “I voted”. And its only halfway through election day.

Tonight, I will be celebrating this election.  Not just because Obama is predicted to win, but because this year I have seen more people vocal about politics than I ever thought possible.  Yes, like most people I am ready for this election to be over.  However, the energy behind both parties has to stay.  Yes, I am very opinionated about my politics.  I yell at the radio every time NPR interviews someone who calls Obama a socialist, or Palin cracks a “home town one liner”.  However, this kind of passion and involvement in politics has to stay.

The best quote I heard on the radio this year was from a radio interview on NPR when an urban black voter said “I like the fact that on election day my vote is just as important as Tom Cruise or other famous people.“ For the first time in 8 years, I feel like the energy and passion put forth by minority and young voters is going to make an impact on this country.

Empowering Change

I don’t expect the economy to magically turn around or to have affordable health care tomorrow.  However, I don’t feel alone in my passion for our quality of life or willingness to make personal sacrifices.  Obama and what he represents (hope and change, sacrifice and hard work, compassion and drive) has got this country fired up.

I’m really proud to have voted, but I am even more proud because I am one of MILLIONS of empowered voters this year.