"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."--President Obama's inaugural address.
So much has been written about yesterday's inauguration -- the emotion surrounding it, its historic nature -- and I don't have a great deal to add. I just wanted to mention that less than 42 years ago, in my lifetime, my own wedding would have been illegal in sixteen states. President Obama's achievement, which he would be the first to recognize as our common national achievement, is glorious.
The president has some daunting tasks ahead of him. Also, racism in this country is far from dead and it's time for us to address other injustices in our marriage laws. Still, I am happy to drink in this moment.
"From the dream to history," L'Unita.
PS: There's a great article in the Times about the diversity of Barack and Michelle Obama's family.
4 comments:
Happy to read this, happy to be in touch again. I'd say more but supper's ready. My best to you and yours.
I'm told that my father's mother (Mexican) and father (white) had to go to New Mexico to get married. Which is strange, because I thought Mexicans could marry Anglos, according to laws set down when Texas became a Republic. It was all very screwy, wasn't it?
It was a glorious event. And I love Obama's varied ethnic background. I think it's great to finally have someone in office who represents all of the numerous people in this country who are of mixed heritage.
If I have one criticism of much of the coverage yesterday and in the preceding days, it's that there wasn't enough discussion of what his presidency means to ALL other ethnic groups in our country, and for the mestizos like me. I suppose because it was around King's birthday, and because he is half black. But it's really a universal victory.
My sister and I said to each other yesterday that we actually felt hopeful and optimistic about the government for the first time ever.
People like you make me sick. Phony, self-righteous, creepy, somebody who has hijacked my religion, somebody who has hijacked all the history departments. I say. Fuck you.
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