The Proudest Day

Those who know me -- especially my friends and colleagues overseas -- know that I do not always speak highly of America. The direction this country has taken over past several years has left me disillusioned and deeply concerned about its future. The country seemed increasingly cold. The rhetoric seemed increasingly harsh. Minds were increasingly closed.

That all changed last night.

I am not so naive to believe that it'll be sunshine and rainbows for Obama. I know he doesn't have all the answers. I know there are going to be many cases where I don't agree with him. And I am also more aware than most (the "PhD" part of my username) that he will not be nearly as impactful as left-leaning partisans hope -- or as right-leaning partisans fear.

But for the first time in a long time last night hope beat fear. Generosity overcame suspicion. This country showed its very best qualities and, in doing so, also - finally - elevated a man representing an entire people who have existed on the fringes of our democracy for nearly our entire history.

Today I am VERY proud to be an American.