Ronald Reagan once famously quipped in his 1980 Presidential campaign that "It's morning again in America."
I'm proud to say that, 28 years later, America is truly seeing a morning, bright and shining in every last state this Nov. 5th.
Our adrenaline is still pumping, our mood is still upbeat and our convictions are stronger than ever. Our euphoria, while tempered by congressional and ballot defeats, persists because our months of volunteering, phonebanking, canvassing and donating have paid off.
We acknowledge our labor accomplished so far, yet recognize that the real work, that of governing, begins today.
In the midst of the excitement and victory last night, a more solemn moment of the campaign occurred last night as the anti-gay ballot measures trickled in. Autumn Shadeen of Pam's House Blend made this observation:
Perhaps I should feel hopeful that in this president we'll have the best chance for a fully inclusive ENDA, have the best chance for seeing a Matthew Sheppard Act, and the best chance for letting gay and lesbian servicemembers serve openly in our military.
Of course, such hopes are marred by the results of the state initiatives this past election day.
The LGBT related initiatives did poorly.
In Arizona, the same-sex marriage ban appears to be passing. With 99% of precincts reporting, the results were 56% to 44%. This initiative is currently projected to win; this is an initiative that needed 50% plus one vote pass -- the state itself was called for Obama.
In Arkansas, the ban on gay and lesbian couples adopting children appears to be passing. With 96% of precincts reporting, the results were 57% to 43%. As of this moment, this initiative has been called; this was an initiative that needed 50% plus one vote pass -- the state itself was called for McCain.
In Florida, the same-sex marriage ban appears to be passing. With 99% of precincts reporting, the results were 62% to 38%. As of this moment, this initiative has been called; this was a constitutional amendment that needed 60% of the votes to pass -- the state itself was called for Obama.
And in California, we had Proposition 8. As of this moment, with 89% of precincts reporting, the constitutional amendment to the California State Constitution limiting marriage to one man and one woman is ahead 51.8% to 48.2%. The constitutional amendment hasn't yet been called -- but the amendment needs just 50% plus one vote pass -- the state itself has been called for Obama.
My friend asked me on facebook this morning, "What are we going to do about Prop 8?"
Prop 8? We're going to fight, fight and fight until our love is legal everywhere. That's what we're going to do.
We're going to continue the struggle because a wise human once said, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.
I am motivated and energized by tonight. Conservatives are on the wrong side of history.
My fellow progressives, just remember:
They once fought us on women suffrage, yet yesterday we had the highest women voter turnout in 90 years.
They once fought us on religious freedoms, and now we have a diverse country of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Atheists, Agnostics and many more.
They once fought us on segregation, and now we have a black President.
They fight us now on marriage equality, but one day I will marry the man of my life.
They demean our relationships, but one day I will adopt my 1st child.
They call us immoral, but one day a Hindu priest will consecrate my committment to my future husband.
They will fight us, but we will always prevail.
It may still be dark, but morning in America is always a few moments away.