Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Figuring it out at kitchen tables.

I wasn’t going to post about the inauguration, because after all, what could I possibly add that hasn’t already been said?

Well, I can add my voice to the chorus. What an amazing day. My heart is glad for the change in direction and for the hope.

Today reminded me very much of Clinton’s inauguration. We had a snow day that January day, my senior year in high school. I was too young to vote. But I watched the festivities with rapt attention, feeling like a part of history, like I was a part of something very important, sitting at my parents’ kitchen table in Iowa.

And today? Today was like that, but amplified. Because it’s not “Yes he can.” It’s “Yes we can.”

We’re all part of the solution. Act. Volunteer. Make a difference.

I saw this video several months ago and have been haunted by it ever since. It’s difficult to watch, but it puts today’s events in a very important perspective. And, every day is a good day for Mavis Staples.



One of my very young friends refers to our new president as “Rock Bama.” I love that. Rock on, Rock Bama. Rock on.

9 comments:

  1. Speaking of "Rock", am I the only one that was shaking booty to that video?

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  2. Good feature! Kitchen Tables looks fantastic.

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  3. I wonder how those people feel today--I know there's a lot of pride, but do those white men (and women) who acted so horrendously towards their fellow men (and women) feel shame, an awakening, rage, what? That's what this video made me wonder.

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  4. I can't see the little video ( @ work)but...I do remember AL GORE shaking his rump at Clinton's inauguration *heehee!* Everybody danced...

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  5. Well, I can barely right through the tears welled up. You know the kind, the ones you try to hold in so they just well up and stay there so you can't see til you blink and then they run down your cheeks really fast. The video leaves me filled with emotion - shame, anger, resentment, even hatred honestly, but then awe and pride and that sense of good finally winning over evil realizing it will never be that way again!

    I find it curious that my word verification below is "aingst". Hmmm.

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  6. I'm sorry, I just couldn't watch the whole thing. It kills me to think how horribly people treat each other. Why?? I just don't understand it. I tried to explain to my son how important yesterday was and he was not impressed. He's never experienced racism. I hope he never has too.

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  7. Charlie can't say Barack either! He told me we now have "President Rock." He won't even attempt Obama and as you know he is an articulate four year old! :)

    I have a hard time watching that video too because I can't even relate. What were those people thinking?!?!?! Race wasn't even an issue when I grew up. My family never taught me to differenciate based on the color of a person's skin. To me it is like the Holocost. I can't even imagine that it actually happened! Although sadly I know it did....

    See you tonight Cha-Cha!

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