When they shot JFK, my parents wept openly - holding each other and wondering what would become of this country.
I was too young to understand.
When they shot MLK, cities across America burned. From my front porch, I could see the glow in the sky as large parts of Pittsburgh went up in flames and I knew that my father, a City of Pgh. firefighter, was out there somewhere - risking his life.
When they shot Bobby, I wept openly. I'd come of age earlier than most of my friends, and I understood that our nation had lost a man who represented hope, unity, and justice. I'm tearing up a little even now, remembering. God how this nation needed Bobby Kennedy!
When they shot the kids at Kent State, I was angered. No - I was outraged. That event built a fire in me unlike anything I'd ever felt. A part of it still burns in me today - partly for them, partly for the justice they never received, partly to keep the fight alive.
I, too, have felt much like the bridegroom left by this nation to stand alone at the alter of hope and freedom - more times than I care to recount here.
And today, Audio Guy, after living for the same four decades with the same broken heart with which you have lived - aching for the promise of this nation to fulfill itself, searching in vain for the leadership it needs, hoping each time that the next one would be the leader who'd be worthy of this nation's potential (and every time, having been disappointed), I believe that I, too, have found in Barack Obama the leader this nation simply must have.
I'm a volunteer team leader for the senator's campaign here in PA. Our small team is responsible for over 20 voting districts covering many square miles, but we will do all that we can to deliver PA to this man.
And at my age! Becoming politically active once again?? Who'd have thought it was possible - that there was any fight left in these old bones, in these tired muscles, in this tortured soul? I lead a team of people who range in age from their 20's to their 60's - encompassing each decade in between. Me? Walking the streets and knocking on doors along with a group of college kids? ME?? My wife is convinced that I've lost my mind!
But this time, Audio Guy, it does feel different. It feels REAL to me. And while I'm certainly not a far-left radical, I do share your gut-wrenching love for this nation. Like you stated, "I fucking love this country." I share your broken-hearted hope for our country. I yearn for the promise of America to be fulfilled again. And I'm a left-of-center Obamacan.
You and I, Audio Guy, we differ only in one small way. I refuse to shed tears this time. Oh, NO tears this time! I've been calling on the memories of 40 years of frustration to rekindle the fire, rekindle the FIGHT, rekindle the hope. This time, I refuse to be denied. This time, I'm falling in love with America for keeps, and I'm overjoyed to have you here with me at the ceremony.
It inspires me to know that you're out there, my brother.
The fight continues, but this time - we win!
Celtic Merlin