Eugene Robinson: Morning in America

[azmouse]

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/2008/11/06/20081106WP-robinson1106.html

...something changed on Tuesday when Americans -- white, black, Latino, Asian -- entrusted a black man with the power and responsibility of the presidency. I always meant it when I said the Pledge of Allegiance in school. I always meant it when I sang the national anthem at ball games and shot off fireworks on the Fourth of July. But now there's more meaning in my expressions of patriotism, because there's more meaning in the stirring ideals that the pledge and the anthem and the fireworks represent.

It's not that I would have felt less love of country if voters had chosen John McCain. And this reaction I'm trying to describe isn't really about Obama's policies. I'll disagree with some of his decisions, I'll consider some of his public statements mere double talk and I'll criticize his questionable appointments. My job will be to hold him accountable, just like any president, and I intend to do my job.

For me, the emotion of this moment has less to do with Obama than with the nation. Now I know how some people must have felt when they heard Ronald Reagan say "it's morning again in America." The new sunshine feels warm on my face.

[Overseas]

1. K&R -- Lovely. Great to have Eugene's impressions. //nt

[Skittles]

2. for the record, I shuddered when I heard Reagan say, 'It's morning again in America"

I knew what was coming and it will boggle my mind to the end of my day how SO many Americans fell for it

[MANative]

3. Can I just say that I have a HUGE crush on Gene? He just

makes me want to hug him. I love the way he writes, the way he speaks, his gentle manner - you name it, I love it! Gene is my journalistic commentary hero. :loveya: I'm smitten.