Full Circle: Inauguration Day 2009

It was barely a year ago that I decided to support Barack Obama. The thoughts I had then are still how I feel now. I feel hopeful and excited and like I want to hug everyone and say, "Can you believe it!?" I feel electrified. I am so proud to be an American today. I cannot remember the last time I felt that way. We will be a great nation once again.

Yes, We Can.

In November I'm going to vote for the Democratic Presidential Candidate, no matter who it is. There will be no thought, no hesitation, no fanfare, no big deal. This means, of course, that my political moment is NOW. Tomorrow is the Wisconsin primary and I have a decision to make. I always thought I would vote for a woman candidate as soon as I could. I went to an all-women college. I was a Feminist and Gender Studies major. I thought I would vote for Hillary all along this season. Then, a few weeks ago I began to change my mind. Ron says I'm jumping on a bandwagon. I just think I finally sat down to do a little homework. I am excited by Obama's message. I want change and I want to believe we can achieve it. I think Hillary already thinks she knows what she can accomplish as president because she has all that experience in the Senate and as First Lady. I think this means she will be more conservative and not try new things. I think the one thing we've learned from the last 8 years is that the predisent can pretty much do whatever he damn well pleases. I want a candidate who is going to reach for the stars. I want Obama and I will be voting for him tomorrow. No, I don't know everything about him. I read his blueprint for change and have listened to my share of NPR. His message resonates with young people who are tired of the status quo and want to try something new. I'm in. Yes, we can.