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Why I Am Proud To Be An American (Perhaps For The First Time)!
By Todd | November 5, 2008
At 35 years of age, yesterday was the very first time I casted a vote in a U.S. election. And at 35 years of age, I can tell you that today is the first time I have ever felt genuine feelings of pride, patriotism and love towards the country I have lived my whole life!
I guess I have always been cynical of America and what we ’stand for’, even though I have never really been able to describe my cynicism very well or fully understood where it comes from.
The best way I can explain it is as a mystifying, innate knowingness that something has always been just ‘off’ about the way our society is set up.
The undercurrents of greed and the attitude ‘I just need to worry about myself’ which permeates our lives, and that always results in more wars, more scarcity and more isolation is at the core of this ‘off’ness.
Internally I have always marveled at our collective addiction pulling us back to the same greed and desire for more money, more power, more control and more THINGS when we feel unsatisfied, miserable and depressed.
And it is an interesting dilemma to feel this way, especially since I personally come from a family and background that typically benefits from this cultural arrangement. Being a white male, from an upper middle-class family raised in the suburbs of New York City…my life has, at least from the external perspective, been blessed with security and abundance.
Yet the cynicism has always persisted….something just wrong, the right things just not being said, the real problems just not being addressed, the root causes of our unsustainable ways of being just not being examined. Until now.
A New Landscape
I don’t know much about politics, and I really am not sure what Barack Obama is going to do when he gets in office, but what I can tell you is that his words, his aura and his presence are enough to get someone like me, someone who as never voted before and thinks of politicians as the epitome of our greed-filled nation, into the booth and EXCITED about the possibility of a better tomorrow!
But even Obama himself admits that the overwhelming passion for his presidency has nothing to do with him. And he’s right. He is merely a manifestation of the collective desire for transcending cultural changes that has been denied the people of this planet for too long.
The reason why it is SO exciting to be alive right now is that finally, a critical mass of individuals has awakened to the fact that we need to change. This is truly a historic moment!
Can you imagine in a hundred years from now our great grandchildren looking back and saying:
“imagine, it was only a century ago that 1/3 of the world’s population lived on less then $1 a day, where millions of young children died of hunger each week when there was plenty of technology and abundance to feed all; it was only a hundred years ago that people lived by plundering Planet Earth for energy and risking the very delicate environment which sustained them, where millions of people warred with and killed each other; it was only a hundred years ago when people really saw themselves as separate and isolated from everyone and everything else. Imagine living that way”!
NOW, I am not saying that Obama is coming into office and these new realities will happen right away. No, these types of changes will take many years to happen….but we are on the right path, and the world is waking up.
We are in the process, and our consciousness is evolving, and the best thing we can all do is embrace it and add our energies to it! AND we each must do our part to make these changes happen…no one will do it for us. We need to act now!
A Gradual Awakening
I have many friends and colleagues who feel the complete opposite, and are petrified of change and see Obama as a socialist, a fascist and someone who wants to re-distribute all the wealth in the world. I have many friends who ask me: “how can you vote for Obama, and don’t you understand how dangerous some of his policies are”?
And its hard for me to answer them because delving into nitty gritty ‘policy’ discussions so easily shields us from the greater movement that is happening all around us. This is not to say that we don’t need good policy’s, solid government and leadership, because we absolutely do!
But the driving force behind the nitty gritty decisions needs to come from a loftier place, and with grander perspective. My experience is that either someone gets this, or they don’t…and the people who ask these questions, in my opinion, tend to have the primary motive: “What’s best for ME”!
But SO much more is at stake right now, even the continuance of human existence on this planet is in play. Obama, in many ways, represents the hope for an honest and authentic examination into the mess we have collectively gotten ourselves into and the possibility for real, sustainable solutions to emerge!
The time for negligence is over. We can no longer dismiss the root causes of our societal problems and we need to pull back the covers and examine who we are and what we can do.
But there is still a great divide among humanity, and you will note from one group use fearful words like socialist, terrorist, fascist to describe what’s happening…while on the other side the language is of hope, possibility and change.
The divide is so evident, but still so many don’t see it. Even in the closing statements from both candidates last night, it was SO interesting to hear boo’s when McCain mentioned Barack Obama’s name….and cheers when Obama talked about McCain.
Time For Individual Action!
It is time for each of us to ask ourselves: what do I choose? Do I choose to get bogged down in the old paradigm of terror, scarcity and stagnation….or am I open to peace, sustainability and social justice truly coming into being on this planet?
Can I see past the ground level issues, even if for a moment, and allow myself to connect with the greater shift in consciousness gently guiding us towards a better tomorrow? Can I trust that the leaders we elected are genuine in their stated objectives…and what can I do to support the new world emerging”?
Yes, this IS an exciting time to be alive! We are moving beyond examining the world from solely an intellectual perspective and re-connecting to our spiritual and emotional ties in the world, and to each other. YES I am VERY proud to be an American right now and to be a part of this global renaissance leading the way to a better future!
And lastly, I am VERY proud to be living and breathing at this moment in time…and am just in love with the world for what it is. I hope you are too:)
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Topics: Perspective, Environment/Sustainability |
It is certainly celebrated the other side of the Atlantic - A shift of Consciousness - The real America comes forward!
Posted by: Tejvan Pettinger on November 5th, 2008 at 7:13 pmHi Todd, I really enjoyed your post today. I wholeheartedly relate to the cynicism that has filled your yesteryears and the new found hope/excitement/giddyness that exudes all around last night’s victory for Obama.
Tejvan - Exactly! My dear friends living in Brussels said 2500 people gathered to watch the poles — LIVE! Cheers, tears of joy & Smiles abounded once the election was called.
Yes We Can..
Posted by: Courtney Thomas on November 5th, 2008 at 8:16 pmI must say, I was proud last night, too. Not just because Obama won but also because John McCain was so gracious and stopped the booing. Let’s hope Obama can do the job…it’s an enormous one.
I’m stumbling this post.
Posted by: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk on November 5th, 2008 at 10:24 pmI was in the ‘other’ camp until the night before the election. I realized that the best way to bring about change, is to believe that change is possible. I think the country believes change will happen, and that’s half the battle. Pride and flag waving going on over here.
Posted by: Debbie on November 5th, 2008 at 10:25 pmOops! My Stumble toolbar no longer works, and I don’t see your Stumble button.
Posted by: Jean Browman--Cheerful Monk on November 5th, 2008 at 10:29 pmTodd,
I agree - it’s an exciting time to be alive. I’m proud of you guys
Posted by: Peter | The Change Blog on November 6th, 2008 at 12:21 amVery thought provoking article which I think in large part reflects why so many of us outside the US have followed this election so closely and also are inspired by its outcome.
Posted by: Simon Hill on November 6th, 2008 at 4:01 amIf you have never been proud before,
Posted by: Greg on November 6th, 2008 at 10:27 amMove to China or Iran or North Korea!
Hey Todd -
First, you know me well enough to know that, as an active participant, I appreciate the shift in consciousness that is happening all around us.
Yours is a thought provoking perspective and reflects a debate that is continuing, not only within you, but within the hearts of many.
I am not sure I understand how one man’s election has caused you to suddenly become proud to be an American. But I m glad you are (now) proud of your heritage now. =0))
I am one of those who believe this decision to be a very dangerous one. I remain open to the grand possibilities that may develop, however, the information you refered to as nitty gritty contains vitally important detail that cannnot be overlooked. Detail that could indeed backfire in a big way on your vision of a higher level of conscious utopian bliss.
The assumption that Obama’s agenda for the future aligned with this vision is a dangerous one and is, in truth not really born out factually. Now before anyone gets out their toarchs to lynch me, please hear me out.
I know what he said throughout the campaign. I also know that his veiws shifted significantly from beginning to end. The Obama that defeated Clinton for the nomination was not speaking the same language that the Obama who accept the Presidency was.
But if you look past what said and read what he has written, you see stark contrasts that are either meaningless or profound depending on what he actually does. The truth is, we as a people really know very little about this man, other than what was promoted to us.
While I sincerely hope you are right, with the information I have (some of which is not generally available) and the observations I have made of him throughout the campaign, I do not see any evidence that his actual vision is aligned with ‘the shift’.
One thing seems certain. We will know within the first 100 days.
Enough on that…I offended anyone I am truly sorry. I have taken pains not to.
That said….
One of the areas you discuss in your article is near and dear to me and I am compelled to respond.
You seem to imply that those with wealth are all greedy and self serving. I think this is an unfair portrayal of millions of people who invest themselves and their wealth in the cause of service. My observations is that the are many more greedy, self-serving, “give me mine”, poor people than there are greedy self-serving wealthy people. Some may argue they are justified in that…I on the other hand started with nothing just like many of them have….so what is the difference?
Giving in abundance is one of the fundemental premise points of the shift. That is, giving more creates abundance….
I know this is true for me…the more I give the more i receive….the more money i give the more money I receive….the more help i give the more help i receive….the more love i give the more love i receive…
I am not alone in this. Every truly wealthy person I associate with has this attitide and gives generously of themselves and all they have regularly and continually.
(Todd, I might ask that you verify that you know this to be true about me if asked.)
But my observation is that this is not the pervasive attitude at work behind Obama’s election, nor his policies.
Indeed, according to the poll data, it is not the real reason Obama won at all.
Instead, when you evaluate the demographics of the vote, you see something very different.
You see the effectiveness of the primary economimc message of his campaign to be….we are going to take money away from those who have it (despite how much they give on their own accord) and we are going to redistribute to you other people who don’t have as much.
The popularity of a campaign promise to get money from the greedy rich sobs of the world is clearly the motivaton…..and is grounded in the very greed you say there is less of today than there was Monday.
I disagree. I think there is more of it today.
I have already seen evidence of it in my life.
Despite the fact that T give millions of dollars to various programs around the world, even when the US economy has collapsed around me. Despite the fact that I travel to 3rd world nations and participate on the ground doing all I can to help those in need, I am critisized for being wealthy….
I mean, according to your implication…If I am wealthy I must be a greedy sob.
If the shift is true…and I believe it is…then it is my belief that the changes we can expect under Obama’s leadership, if left unfettered will ultimately work against the shift we all want….
The attitude of entitlement will grow…the getters will want to get more….the beurocracy will expand…
People like me…generous givers who believe in the shift….will be forced to choose between giving in abundance to the causes we believe in and that feed the energy to shift and giving by mandate to a more massive government beurocrary than has ever existed in history and to the truly greedy masses who demand government sponsored entitlement programs…..
The net effect is, in order to remain committed to my purpose I will be forced to remove myself from the US economy….When the top 3% also choose to do this, out of necessity not choice, billions of dollars will stop flowing to these causes that feed the shift…..
These dollars replaced by a relative small number of millions literally extracted, forcably, out of entitlement, under the weight of ever expanding social programs….
This is transition not a new occurance in the world. It is only new to the US. It has failed elsewhere in history. I suspect it will fail here.
Todd et-al, I truly hope I am wrong. Lord knows I would rather not be right.
But if I am not wrong, then I, and millions like me, who remain committed a cause higher than financing the entitled redistribution I believe might be seeded by the Obama policies, will have no choice but to pull out.
That is not good for anyone, anywhere.
Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion.
As always.
Respectfully and with love,
Steve
Posted by: Steve Little on November 6th, 2008 at 1:30 pmThe voters have spoken, but I don’t believe this was a mandate for the Democrats. It was a mandate for Obama’s promises of cooperation and bipartisanship, of treating each other with respect and dignity. It was a vote for the hope of a Washington that functions for the good of the American people.
Can Obama lead America to that reality, as he has promised? Time will tell. But, as Obama has said, getting there requires all Americans. It’s not something he can do by himself. It’s a challenge to all of us to work together so our nation can see better days.
Respectfully Yours,
James Everitt
TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE!
Link BLUEPRINT FOR CHANGE: A MESSAGE FROM BARACK AND JOE Share
Posted by: James Everitt on November 9th, 2008 at 1:32 pmAttachments:
factsheet_energy_speech_080308.pdf, 152 KB
ObamaBlueprintForChange.pdf, 483 KB
“Obama, in many ways, represents the hope for an honest and authentic examination”–?
How can this be, since he has not been honest about himself in any way?
What do you know about HIM? He has kept everything about himself and his past a total secret, and when things have emerged–like his relationship with domestic terrorist Bill Ayers–Obama has lied about it.
“an honest and authentic examination”? I don’t think so. You’re just fooling yourself.
The real question is, What exactly is it that has made you so worshipful of this man you know so little about? THAT is the real issue.
Posted by: Timothy on November 12th, 2008 at 9:13 pmTodd,
It was a good day to be an American. Both candidates handled themselves with dignity and grace.
I think you might also like this article I wrote on Raised Path “A Call To Action”. Here’s the link
Posted by: Raised Path on November 13th, 2008 at 6:07 pmGreat post Todd!
What it basically comes down to is either you “get it” in regard to what is going on in the world or you don’t. The commenters who claim to “know little about Obama”, who bring up Bill Ayers, a non issue to most Americans since he was first brought up 6 months ago during the primaries, or who attack Todd falsely by claiming that he is attacking wealthy people obviously don’t “get it”. What’s interesting is that those same commenters don’t even bother to mention the glaring disaster that would have happened had Obama not won, in regard to the fact that we would have a 72 year old 4 time cancer patient as President, with a disgracefully unqualified Sara Palin waiting in the wings to ascend to the White House if he were to drop dead suddenly. So, this would have been the better option? Sugarcoat it any way you like, what it comes down to is you haters just don’t “get it” meaning what this Shift is all about. And you probably never will.
Peace!
Posted by: Pamela on November 14th, 2008 at 8:23 pmI have to tell you that I have never voted before either. But I voted to try and keep Obama out of office. I have done a lot of research and I just don’t like what Obama is about. It also scares me very much when there are terrorist countries out there that actually were hoping for an Obama win. Any one can have an opinion on why they would want Obama to win, my opinion is that they will see him as a tree hugger that won’t take action against them until it is to late. But now that he has won the election I will wait to cast judgement until he actually takes office and starts making decisions that matter. I personally thing our country will be worse than it has been as I don’t like the government intruding on my daily life and I think Obama will make government bigger. I can tell you that I hope I am wrong about him and I will tell people I was wrong if he does a good job. For now, I am going to buy a gun before January 20th before he tries to impose limits or bans on guns.
Posted by: Jay on November 15th, 2008 at 1:59 ami think lots of people who didn’t like bush’s acts will start to love america, i love obama myself:)
Posted by: farouk on November 25th, 2008 at 9:02 amFor the first time you ‘feel’ pride for your country? Wow. I am sorry to hear that.
You sound depressed Todd.
The ‘offness’ you mention is a definite symptom, and your sad tone of hopelessness portrays inner lack of some sort.
Negative relational description of society, personal attachment, and new found feelings from outward events is classic codependency. A very vulnerable and very prevalent condition.
” the root causes of our unsustainable ways of being just not being examined.”
Posted by: cindy on January 9th, 2009 at 12:45 amThanks for the comment Cindy, and I appreciate hearing your perspective.
Posted by: Todd on January 9th, 2009 at 12:26 pmThis is one of the best things about having s blog and being transparent about what you’re feeling…you see how other people view your thoughts. I can totally see what you’re saying…and again, thanks for taking the time to read through my article!
Todd
I just don’t get it ! Are there people out there in the USA who really believe that Obama will take the country out of the present crisis and pave the way for a new World Order where everyone will live happily ever after ? !
Even if life is still a struggle for survival.. I’m respected and befriended by all , including the upper classes. All this because I never gave in to despair. I’ve gone through phases that would have probably led anyone else into alcoholism, drugs or worse.
The fact is that I’m an inhabitant of a tiny island in the middle of nowhere 
Also i’m a Black by race, though not by colour 
Posted by: c2freeman on January 20th, 2009 at 12:14 pmAlso i’m witnessing much excitement upon Obama’s election through the media. In the past I have witnessed similar excitement in my own country and in the other big countries upon the election of a head of state. Remember the videos of Hitler’s and Mao’s ascension to power. Remember the jubiliation and hystery.
As humans, in times of distress we are very quick in choosing out a hero who will fight against the odds for us and thus restore our peace and security. And each time we are left with a bitter taste in the mouth. Because we had too much faith in our hero and none in ourselves. In my humble opinion that’s the secret - put the better share of faith in ourselves. Stand alone as far as we can.
I’ve stood alone for most of my life. I was very poor but now i’m not so poor
Please excuse this straying away. I just wanted to drive home the fact that instead of deityfying another mortal , try unalterable self-confidence and self-determination.
Also i’m seeing that people are mentally dumping George Bush as a spent and useless force. If not for anything else, at least honor him for the fact that he has prevented much chaos and lives lost in your country. These saved lives are a thousand-fold more than the lives lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For my part, I would rather have George Bush as president and the USA as the unique stabilizing-power of the world. It’s better than letting heresy take control of the world.
Sorry for my not-so-good English
You know what? I have always been a proud American.
Posted by: mark on March 5th, 2009 at 12:39 pmThe fact that I have what I have is because I live in this great country. I cannot relate to someone who says this about their own country. Why do you live here? Have you been anywhere else? I’ve been around and even European countries as good as they are, do not have the experience we have. I love Europe, my past generations were from Europe. My point is, so many men and women have died to make this country what it is! Just because Obama is president that now everything is ok in this country?
Give me a break! I voted for Obama but he is only one man with a dream like every president before him. This country is going to continue to have problems and so will President Obama. We as Americans need to stand up and support our government. Not everything a President does is going to be right. We just need stand up for what is right and still remain patriotic. Otherwise, if everyone felt like you, it could be a hell of lot worse!!
Good points Mark. We may not like policies, but we sure should love our country. We can always change policies or vote for new people if we don’t like them.
Posted by: Cell Phone blogger on July 8th, 2009 at 1:49 pmWow/1 I cant help but to wonder …do you all feel so “proud” and for the same reasons? I have to believe there is some degree of regret. or buyers remorse by now.. At least from any one who has a degree of inelligence and independent thought capability. I am sure an investigation under the R.I.C.O. act cant come to soon. should be targeted at congress, senators, up down and all around.. plenty of corruption and theivery and back door deals spawned since January 2008. All the same faces we see on TV so much signing so many deals selling out americans and our lifestyle at every opportunity. I can not believe no one see’s anything fishy or wrong
Posted by: jo jo walker on July 26th, 2009 at 10:18 am