It wasn’t until a few days after the election that I figured out why I was so bloody exhausted. As a feminist activist from the Prairies of Canada, I have come to realize that I have been working for this change – this opportunity, as you phrase it – since before Bush invaded Iraq.

It’s feeling a little awkward, actually, taking my place as one who has contributed to making the change in the US because it was, in fact, the people of the US who actually did it. But I know that my work as a peace activist and writer here in Canada had to have helped build global dissent towards the Bushites and build support – energetic or otherwise – for the millions of US citizens in their work of replacing the Bushites!

Congrats, world!

I recently had a debate with a couple of people the other day saying the same thing….”It aint like he’s Jesus or something, relax’….and OMG the spark of absolute anger invoked was beyond words….HA….I’m glad to see someone else on the same page as me. I’m behind you one hundred percent on this one…..it truly is about “us”!

Respect!

“It’s not on him, it’s on us.”

that is exciting and hopeful.

peace

Too many commenters on the Obama phenomenon speak like spectators rather than participants. I’m personally overjoyed and elated about the election but shy away from either overstating or understating its meaning. There’s plenty of room between hanging the hopes of the world on him and arms-crossed toe-tapping frowning cynicism waiting for a trainwreck; and worse yet, both of these are passive postures.

In my view, what happens in the years ahead depends not so much on Obama — I already know where he stands, it’s on record — but on popular organization and mobilization, building on what has happened, connecting grassroots community to executive power. That’s where I’ll be focusing my energy and attention, not on the singular figure of Obama. It’s not on him, it’s on us.

Peace.

i love this statement for it’s trueness. I agree, that this new administration is a chance for it to finally be about us, we the people. it is up to us to capitalize on this opportunity, demonstrated in the election process, and explained so well in your post.

i also think mr bastard , that you hit it squarely on the head, by defining this time in our history as post-bush, (not post racial). i know i have the feel of walking out of the dungeons with the others, unchained, looking rough and abused, squinting in the natural light my eyes are not use to, wondering where the f’ i am and what the f’ am i to do now, feelings mixed with joy of release due to our initiative, and trepidation that it is only a dream or maybe a bad joke.

the thought that the world is not looking at us with the disdain that we have come to deserve is refreshing. it is up to us, to keep president elect obama on the track of right action for right results, so we can keep this feeling of accomplishment, as a people united.