Inspired

I am inspired. Simple as that. As with many Americans last night I stayed glued to my television set watching what many of us felt would be history unfolding. Last night did not disappoint. For the first time in my adult life I was not working in a newsroom or at a campaign headquarters on the night of an election. The evening at home was bitter-sweet, yet the result was no less energizing and inspiring.

As with many in my generation, I have become jaded by politicians that 'represent' us in Albany and Washington and had little faith in their ability to actually inspire those who put them in office. Last night my faith in our ability as a people to unite was renewed. From the early morning hours of people waiting hours in line across the country, to the massive crowds on the streets of Washington, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago and New York and around the world. They all felt that this was their election. It was nothing less.

We are experiencing history because of what we did as a people. As I listened to Barack Obama's speech last night, it glowed with unity, not vanity. He reminds me of true leaders of change in America's history - Dr. Martin Luther King and President Kennedy. They served as the beacon of hope for so many. This morning that light will bring the world to a place in history yet to been seen.

In my short 29 years I cannot recall a time in history where we were truly united as one voice other than September 11, 2001. Politics faded and our common humility as a united people were chilling - in that case due to a tragedy. But today we are the United States of America for the first time in a long time. I watched the hundreds of thousands of people on television and their faces said it better than anyone anywhere can ever say it - there is hope.

Election Night High

For the first time in my life, I actually got up early to vote today. For those who know me, I don't get up early for anything (including my wedding). I walked into the voting booth and voted with no false expectations about my vote actually counting on a national level. I 've been born and raised in a blue state and I accept that. However, I've been wired in to the election news coverage for months and now that the day is actually here, I am more inspired and adrenalized than I ever thought I would be about an election.

Regardless of who wins, voting will never be the same, nor should it be. It is inspiring to see people like me all over the country lining up to vote. I watched a piece on CNN where a school district in Florida actually registered all of their high school age voters at their respective school districts and then bussed the students to the various polling locations to make sure they voted. And here's the kicker - the kids were excited to do it. At 7:15 this morning, I actually was to. It's a great privilege to take an active role in shaping the path of history in some small way and I think nation-wide people want to participate in it. That's why you are getting the lines of people who aren't complaining about the wait. They can say they waited in line to participate in history. It's become a badge of honor nationwide. I'm so proud of our citizens for being so motivated. Well done.