2008
I Have a Dream, too
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I am overjoyed with the results of Tuesday’s election. It amazes me that finally, an African American has done what no other could do: become President of the United States. It proves that anyone really can become President if he/she sets his/her mind to it. It proves that we, as a nation, are moving away from our horrible past of slavery, segregation, and racism. I am honored to have been a part of this phenomenal election; to have been able to vote and choose our next President. It is a freedom that most of us take for granted. It is a freedom that many don’t even use. This election year more young people (18-29) voted than ever before. More new voters registered and casted their ballots. My youngest sister was one of those people.
I had the privilege to work with the Democratic Party of Georgia for two months prior to the election. It was amazing to be able to speak with so many Georgia Democrats and to hear their stories. It made my heart swell to speak with people from my small hometown and to hear them cheer “Go Obama!” and “Go Martin!” when they saw “Democratic Party” on their caller ID. And I was constantly amazed to see thousands of dollars raised per hourby both the street canvassers and the phone bankers. It was a constant whirlwind of emotion and the final result brought tears to my eyes. We elected the first African American to be our next President. The Democratic Party gained 5 Senate seats. Counties in Georgia that were red a mere four years ago are now blue. McCain won Georgia, but the race was close. And Saxby Chambliss did not win the votes he needed to retain his Senate seat. We’ll go into a run-off in December to decide between him and Jim Martin. We still have our work cut out for us in that department.
Even though I am overflowing with pride, my heart aches still. Voters in California, one of the most progressive states in our nation, voted for Proposition 8. All of the same-sex marriages that were performed this summer and fall are now null and void. Florida and Arizona voted to amend their Constitutions to define marriage as being between one man and one woman. And in Arkansas gay couples are barred from adopting children (so are all unmarried couples). Two days after the fact, I am still astounded. We’ve taken two giant steps against racism and one enormous step back by writing discrimination into state Constitutions.
As I write this, I know I will be criticized for making this argument. The fight for gay rights is the civil rights movement of our time. We are not facing all of the roadblocks that African Americans faced in the 60’s; yet we are still fighting that same fight. Instead of education, the fight for equality is in marriage and adoption. It is true, we must first take baby steps before we can take bigger steps; but I am constantly reminded that separate is NOT equal. We are being denied our basic human rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I cannot believe that still, in 2008, discrimination and prejudice prevail. As I reflect on the events of the past two days, I am reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
I, too, have a dream. I dream that one day I will be able to marry my partner and that it will be recognized in whatever state we decide to travel to. I have a dream that children will no longer be forced to remain in foster care because having two moms or two dads is not good enough. Yes, I have a dream today.
With the election of Barack Obama, MLK’s dream has been realized. When will mine come true?
