A Brave New World

Each of us has a vivid recollection of some event in history, a moment in time that perhaps reflected an experience for our generation. These events are not something that you think "I wonder if we'll remember this in 40 years" - they are moments that we experience that we know deep within are important - as they happen. They don't happen frequently, but when they do, you really know it. It's almost a gutteral, surreal experience.

My generation has experienced the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger on take-off (January 28, 1986) and the attack on the World Trade Center (September 11, 2001). We've seen the Berlin Wall crumble (1989) and Nelson Mandela's release from prison (February 11, 1990). If you're in Austin, you remember the University of Texas beating USC 41-38 in the Rose Bowl (January 4, 2006). We've certainly seen our share of phenomenal events on the world stage.

But if I look back in time to my parents' generation, I see the names of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. Their generation remembers Dealey Plaza like it was yesterday, remembers watching Apollo 11 land on the moon, revels in the stirring oratory and social inspiration of "I Have A Dream". These were times of social upheaval, of challenging the world order.

I may be completely wrong - and I've certainly been wrong before - but I truly believe that tonight we're on the verge of something truly important to our generation and those after ours. The American populace spoke up today. They voted for Barack Obama - in a landslide. They decided that it was time to step forward for equality, for peace, for the vision of the country from the times of our founding fathers.

I've been reading "The Audacity of Hope" and I have to admit, I've found it thought-provoking - not as a Democratic sympathizer or liberal in hiding (or not hiding as the case may be), not as an advocate of "us versus them", but as a person reading someone's life experience for face value. I listened intently to his speech at the Democratic National Convention, and I listened to his speech tonight after being proclaimed the winner of today's national election.

I would have to say that this is the first time in my life, in my time on the planet, that I think we've witnessed someone that can inspire hope and passion and courage in each and everyone one of us. Barack Obama has truly spoken to us on a deeper level. My gut tells me that something is happening, something very important to all of us.

We're at a turning point in history. Today's vote isn't just about today - it's about getting down to the business at hand, working as one to re-establish the lustre of the American Dream. It will involve work, it will involve dedication ... it will involve everyone pulling together, regardless of party lines, race, gender, or lobbying group. It is truly a landmark time in our history - for so many reasons. It is a time for opportunity and for growth. The good thing is that this country has a history of overcoming challenge successfully, of innovating and exploring and coming up with solutions. It could be going to the moon, or it could be a young African-American man having a dream to become President of the United States - either way, it is all possible in this country. 

We don't really know what the future holds. As Lincoln once noted, "The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time". And we all know (from our experiences with events like 9/11) that our lives are fragile, that freedom is never free, that our pride is strong, and that we have the ability to pull together as a country, as a people united under one flag.

As I head off to bed on the first day of this brave new world, I can only think of one thing:

Yes We Can.

(images from DesignForObama.com )