The first Wednesday in November

I was struck last night by the level of excitement shown by young folks all over San Francisco, including the 17 people who came to our house to share in watching the election results come in. While I voted for Obama, for some reason I didn't share in the same level of excitement exhibited by the majority of people I was hanging out with. I certainly understand the tears and overjoyment of black people, especially those who were around when there was legal discrimination. However, I just didn't feel like I was anywhere close to the emotional level of excitement of those around me who were crying or uncontrollably screaming with joy. The scene reminded me of a sports team winning a national championship, with people saying things like, "we did it!" My response is to think, "what exactly did you do?" Obama is president, and I think he's going to do amazing things, but it's a little self righteous of people who didn't put much effort into the campaign besides wearing a trendy pin to say that they individually have accomplished something. I just hope for the next four years that people remain excited, and try to act in a way where they can look back and legitimately say "I did something." Lots of people are saying this is the most anticipated presidency since JFK, and he hit it right on the head in describing how people need to act when he said, "ask not what your country can do for you, but rather what you can do for your country."