The Orion Online

Issue date: 11/12/08 Section: Opinion

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Click here to read Ryan Rigsbee's counterpoint
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During Election Night, my fear of President-elect Barack Obama not winning was replaced with mixed emotions: the great surprise of a black man finally becoming president and the relief that a more capable leader had been finally elected to run the country.

Obama represents what America truly is: a country in which a person can flourish and become anything he or she wants to be.

On Election Day, I truly became glad to be an American.

I originally became interested in politics during the 2000 election, which happened to be one of the most controversial elections in American history. Since that time, I have been unhappy and pessimistic toward the government. It didn't help that I could never take our president seriously when his speeches were like watching a hyena attempt standup comedy.

Not only did I not support most of our government's decisions, but the flag we salute and songs we sing to honor our country had lost their resonance. I wouldn't even salute the United States flag, because it was representing so many things I disagreed with at the time.

Some may argue that if I hear the national anthem before a sporting event and I don't place my hand over heart, I must be unpatriotic. This is not true. I am simply showing my dissatisfaction with the actions of my country. In fact, by not placing my hand over my heart during the anthem, I think I am being more patriotic because I am not afraid to question the leaders of my country.

Looking back on Election Day, as I sat with my friends, we all kept a close eye on the results as they were presented. While listening to the political analysis and waiting as states changed to red or blue, it was slowly becoming apparent that it was only a matter of time before Obama would give his acceptance speech.

During Obama's campaign, one thing he always preached was that our country needed change. And on that Tuesday night, he showed change was coming with his speech that brought thousands of people to tears. His presence on that night came with more passion, intensity and integrity than I had ever seen in anyone.

To claim Obama does not have enough experience to lead our country is just wrong. He wants to have young children in school learn what inappropriate touching is, his economic plan is much more thought out and most importantly, his new plans will create more citizen involvement, which will make people more active and less cynical.

On top of Obama's political plans, he has the intangibles that separate him from all other presidents. He has the ability to listen to the people and display a high level of integrity. President George W. Bush did not fit either of these criteria. He refused to listen to the United Nations when going into Iraq to investigate for chemical weapons, and he could not have acted more poorly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Today, when I hear "The Star-Spangled Banner" or watch the American flag blow in the wind, I have a new undeniable feeling about America. Our new president-elect, with everything that he stands for, makes our flag a symbol I am proud to salute.

Chris Thompson can be reached at
cthompson@theorion.com

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