Let me first start by saying that I have been a regular reader and lurker on here for years - at least five, but I can't remember for certain. But I have never written a diary, so this will be my first. If I break some rules, or make a mistake please forgive me.
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I have never been so proud to be a Democrat, and so proud of my country as I am tonight. I will always remember this moment in history.
The Democratic party has at long last found its heart and soul, after searching in the wilderness for 40 long years since it was lost on that June day in 1968.
Generations from now, this night will be read about by school children in history books. This night and this campaign will symbolize a renewal of the American Dream. I really believe that, and I think most of you do, too. I'm betting that in November, we'll see that most of America believes, as well. Hope is funny that way.
We have followed our hearts and, at the moment when our future seemed most bleak - just when we needed it the most - our national character and spirit of hope has been revealed to us once again. And, yes, we do believe that the world will never again be the same.
This historic campaign - our commitment to tackle the great challenges we face - will define us as Democrats for decades to come. And it will define our country in the eyes of the world, and in the judgment of history.
The Republicans, and especially John McCain, would do well to think long and hard about how they've been conducting their campaign and how they will react to this defining night.
History will show this to be a shining star in the constellation that is our national experience. The Republicans can continue to react with cynicism and snickers of disgust and disdain, or they can show a sense of respect for this transformational week and this so very American story that has inspired us.
It is their choice.
Senator Obama is well aware of this, and he won't adopt their tactics - John McCain wants him to get into the mud with him so badly. That's why he keeps upping the ante with more-and-more outlandish accusations and gutter-level attacks. Wasn't it Mitt Romney who said something about wrestling with a pig will make you dirty, and the pig likes it? Senator Obama knows that. He also knows that he can use the truth as the best attack weapon against them, but to stoop to their level would be to piss on this shining moment in time and his (and our) legacy.
There's too much at stake here. Win or lose, we have made history and we will not diminish this movement, this moment or the inspiration to keep fighting. We've got our heart and soul back and this time no assassin's bullet or derisive words, or snickers or lies will steal it from us.
If the Republicans wish to continue to piss on this shining moment, that's up to them. They will be remembered in the company of Jim Crow seggregationists and anti-suffrage Chauvinists, or worse. It will define them for centuries to come, and John McCain ought to consider that when he thinks about the kind of legacy he wants to leave to posterity. And let there be no doubt that this election will far overshadow any POW camp he lived in, airplane he piloted, babies he saved from burning buildings or mavericky mavericking he has done.
It is up to them, and it is up to John McCain. I hope they choose wisely. History will not be kind to them, especially after the last eight years. Here's one small chance to redeem themselves. I wonder if they've thought about this? As Senator Obama said tonight, it is not that John McCain doesn't care - I believe he does. But does he and his Republican party "get it?" So far, they don't seem to. How truly sad.
As for me, and you and our party and our candidate, and the world that we dream of ... well, you know what they say about us starry-eyed dreamers ...
What they say about us - and will say about us. That, "my friend," is precisely why there's no place and no time in history I'd rather be than right here, right now. Senator Obama was right when he said "there's something stirring in America." It's been stirring in our hearts for weeks and months, now. I love politics, and I love my country and the possibilities for the future, and I often dreamed about a day like this. I wondered if we'd ever find our generation's "Bobby" - or if we'd ever have one again. It made me sad, but I never gave up on that dream. Maybe that's that certain "something" Senator Obama was talking about? This "something" that makes us hope and dream, it is something I wish every American could feel. It is wonderful, it is what being American is all about.
I for one, am proud to be a part of that "something." I know what our place in history will be, and when I'm an old man I'll tell my nieces and nephews about this night just the same way my mom tells me about those few short months in 1968 when she started dreaming, too. I wasn't born for three more years, but have always been proud of that shining moment in American history (and have always felt a bit of pain in my heart for the possibilities that were dashed).
So, here we are, Democrats. We've got a lot of work ahead of us, and this big night was the beginning of a journey we're on to change this country and fix a big mess that the Republicans have created. It won't be easy, but we've got this night to think about when it gets hard, and we feel like giving up. It's a night that will last forever.
For me, tonight was like Christmas on the Fourth of July, with sprinkles on top ... Silly? Well, you'll have to excuse me because I'm a dreamer - otherwise known as an "American."
Doesn't it feel good to dream again, and hope again?
God bless you Barack Obama. God bless the Democratic party that tonight found its heart and its soul again, and God bless America - this country that we love so much!