November 4, 2008: A New Era in American History and Politics

At the moment I stared at the TV screen and saw the projections and checked three news sites (CNN, MSNBC, FoxNews) it hit me: American History was made.

At around 8:01PM Pacific Time. When polls just closed on the West Coast the announcement was made: Barack Obama was the President-elect. My heart skipped a beat, my mind spun in circles, my soul was lifted to the heavens.

This was my first Presidential election for which I could vote in. It was an election I was heavily invested in. It was an election I took to heart. It was an election for change. It was an election for hope.

In all it was all because of him: Barack Obama.

My Dad has sarcastically stated, "I hope you like Socialism" in reference to Obama's policies. Maybe I am. Maybe I'm not. What I do know is I am for his message: Of hope and change. Being the naive idealistic youth I am, I believe I can make a difference in society, in the nation and the world. With that in mind I cannot say that John McCain would have inspired me, let alone give me opportunities and pathways to do so.

Race did not play a role in this election and I am glad for that fact. But race did matter to the hearts of millions of American out there. Though I am not African-American myself I am a minority. I am a Gay Asian-American. When Barack Obama's election it made me realize something: Anything is possible.

Anything is possible regardless of your race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or what have you. This is the mantra of many people but many Americans could not believe this. For our whole history our country has been run by Rich White Male Americans. But with this outcome of this election all that has changed. No longer will I be afraid to dream to reach the stars, to make a difference, to have hopes.

To President Barack Obama I give this message to you:
Thank you for you messages of hope and change in times of despair and uncertainty. Thank you for you calmness and amiable behavior in this bitter and very heated Presidential election. Thank you for believing in the youth of America and telling us we can be the change. Thank you for restoring our faith in the political process and in the American dream and life. Thank you for our children and our children's children for they will grow up and know anything is possible, the stars are attainable.


With that I also give a warning:
Unit our country and do not divide it. As diverse as we are, we are all Americans. We share the same dream and hopes of better days not just for us but our families, neighbors and friends.

Show us bipartisanship not partisanship. We need a country that can cross party lines and pass laws that benefits all Americans. We need change not bureaucracy.

Build bridges not bombs. Heal the rift between our nations and the international community. As a naturalized citizenship of this great nation I still have strong roots of my country of origin while being proud to be part of this great country of ours. Let us show the world how truly caring, loving and giving we are. People are people regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation or national origins. Let us show respect to others for they will show us respect in turn.

Again, thank you Mr. Obama for you are the gleam in the eye of millions of Americans. Lead us forward to the future.

Fictitious American Dream

I have grown up with a vision, a goal, a dream. You could call it the typical American Dream. Growing up I never heard of gender labels on marriage or having a family, well from my knowledge. Because of this notion I grow up thinking I would marry a guy: faithful, smart, funny and most importantly loving.

Truth: Reality is not, and so far society as well, is not on my side. As of right now in the supposedly Great Nation that is the United States only the State of Massachusetts allows gay marriage with other offering civil unions, though not the same nor gives the full legal benefits.

I should wake up now. Try to face reality instead of dreaming this American Dream.