*Originally Published November 4, 2008*
Today I took a half day from work (I work a second shift job) to be able to watch the election results. It may have been one of the wisest choices I have made in a long time.
Tonight Obama was elected our country’s next President. When it was announced, I actually got goosebumps. When he came out to speak, some tears welled in my eyes.
Back when Clinton was in office, I was happy to be an American. Growing up during the Regan and Bush Sr. years, it wasn’t always the best. And now with Bush Jr., well, we all know how that is going. I have been ashamed to call myself an American when Republicans have been in office.
But tonight something happened. After almost 31 years of life on this planet, I am for the first time ever PROUD to be an American. I now have more hope for myself as a person, especially as a gay man, and as well as a citizen of this nation. And it is not just hope for myself that I have, but hope for all Americans. Hope for all human beings, everywhere.
