I'm a Patriotic Sap

today for the first time in recent memory, i am consciously proud to be an american. i got to the polls at 6:45 and the line was already out the door. instead of feeling annoyed by the indication that i was going to have to wait in line for a while (one hour to be exact), i welled with happiness at seeing the people lining up to make their voices heard.

and when barak obama arrived to cast his ballot (we have the same polling place even though he lives in the 11th precinct and i live in the 14th), i could feel the collective admiration felt by everyone in the room. people were excited about seeing obama, and about their chance to vote. when the cameras zoomed in on obama as the election judge checked for his name in the book, our new senator bent down to ask his adorable kids and said "what do you think of all this? isn't it exciting?" yes senator, it is exciting, for your children and for the american electorate.

and later, i read about the difference the e-generation is going to make in this election. it seems we're the e-generation, and the designation has something to do with email and electronics, but today as one journalist put it, e stands for empowered. and tears started rolling down my cheek. and for a brief moment, i forgot about the somewhat terrible situation that's caused so many of us to get to the polls. instead, i thought about how great it is that young people will make a difference, no matter what the outcome is.

so as the polls continue to close this evening, i have some election day resolutions with the hope of keeping this determination and dedication to our democratic process alive in me. first, i'll read obama's book. second, i'll stay up to date (as much as possible) with what's happening in congress.

i am proud to be an american, and today the duties associated with this pride are more visible than ever.