by Blythe Pavlik
This morning I had a warm feeling flood through me when thinking about the current democratic presidential campaign. It felt a lot like hope. It was a significant feeling – politics was inciting good vibes! Quite suddenly it dawned on me that history (ourstory) was taking place. At this very moment we are transforming progressively as a country. At this very moment, steps that have never before been taken in the United States are being taken with gusto!
For many Democrats, Independents, and swing Republicans, current conversations generally revolve around which of the two Democratic candidates they will vote for and why. Laundry lists are being compiled in support of one candidate over the other. There is a certain level of divisiveness that comes as a result of the preliminary race for the White House. But, at least, that divide will pass.
While sitting at a stop light at SE Division and 26th, I was overcome with an enormous sense of amazement and hope. Neither of the two candidates up for the Democratic nomination are the historic white male. Wow! I was floored with this realization. Like so many people I have been so wrapped up in the election itself that I simply failed to see the significance of this moment in history. This realization is the positive side of race and sex. It is the element of progress. It is the chance for new, more hopeful direction with either candidate in the White House.
Of course, it is not to demean candidates who happen to be white males. It is merely to say that this is a politically significant moment in history for the sprint to the White House because the candidates are both considered minorities. Of course race and sex are being brought up as reasons to vote or not to vote for a candidate. I personally find this offensive and foolish. We must not play favorites because of our own biases. That would be playing the same game, in my opinion, that the dominant group has historically played as a means of oppressing “minorities” since the establishment of the United States. I feel that it is important to weigh out all elements and choose the candidate that exceeds over the other. Either way, history (ourstory) has already been made!
Who you vote for is your choice. What is significant in this moment is that you not only have a vote but that whomever you choose affords the United States the chance to change our entire social-political course, our world image, and reduce class divisions forever! This is a moment in time that can never be erased. We should all be ecstatic to watch a woman and an African American man stand side-by-side on the stage... one of whom will accept our nomination for the very real chance to be the next President of the United States.
I must say... this is a very exciting moment to be present for!
Photo courtesy of About.Com: US Liberal Politics
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