Who of us old hippies would have thought that our first black President would be in our lifetimes

[madokie]

I know, I know, I'm jumping the gun but...

[Jade Fox]

1. Not me!

[democrank]

2. It`s really something, isn`t it?

~PEACE~

[madokie]

5. Isn't it though

Man o man and it feels so damn good.

[mattvermont]

3. I have been thinking the same thing

and tears form. I cannot wait to take my children to the polls after school, with video in hand.

[patrice]

4. Old hippie checkin' in here: I've always been optimistic about us.

I can remember when the idea of an Obama candidacy was first floated here at the DU and I thought "Yeah, let's have this Race thing out!! On balance it will be good for the U.S." I don't remember thinking about whether he would win or not, because I hadn't heard his message.

[gateley]

6. It never even was mentioned as a possibility -- just the possibility of

a woman becoming President. The thought of a black guy achieiving that position never entered our minds, it was so far outside what was possible back then. I am so grateful we're alive to witness this, and help make it a reality!

[Bandit]

7. To be completely honest I would have thought it would have happened much earlier

I would have thought we would have had both a Woman and a Black by this time. I felt we changed the world but looking back it was only the moment..Nothing really changed and in fact because of some excesses we suffered a major backlash with the Reagan revolution and America suffered greatly..Maybe now??????

[lunatica]

14. Hey, things cycle back. We created this backlash and now we can make a comeback. n/t

[Horse with no Name]

27. I think it would have if we didn't have to live through a Reagan presidency

that set the pulse of moral decency back at least a century.

After that, I think it would have been longer IF Katrina wasn't allowed to happen.

[barbtries]

32. that's a good way to put it:

"set the pulse of moral decency back at least a century"

yep. yepyep

[Le Taz Hot]

46. Nothing really changed?????

Roe v. Wade
Single women can now get a loan without their husband's or father's signature.
Civil Rights Act
Voting Rights Act
Equal pay for equal work


Those are just off the top of my head. Nothing changed?????? Oy vey!

[wryter2000]

60. A couple of quibbles

We don't really have equal pay yet. I'm pretty sure the civil rights act predated the hippy movement. Not sure about the voting rights act, but that may have come sooner, too.

[Le Taz Hot]

79. It is against the LAW to discriminate

against gender (or any other criteria) for people doing the same job. THAT was a product of the women's movement which started in the late 19th century, was continued in the early 20th century and picked back up in the 1960's and 1970's. Civil Rights Act was enacted in 1964 and was as a direct result of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950's and 1960's. The hippies were VERY MUCH involved in the Civil Rights movement. Voting Rights was enacted also in 1964 and was a companion to the Civil Rights Act. You know, for someone who claims we never did anything, you sure as hell seem to be ignorant about RECENT history.

There was a time IN MY LIFETIME that women were denied credit, the right to divorce, denied housing without a husband, denied access to birth control pills, denied abortions and denied jobs and even the opportunity for jobs. That is in my lifetime. We spent YEARS as activists trying to achieve social changes that had been festering in this country for a couple hundred years. Hell, we're STILL HERE! We're voting for Obama. Voting and working against the hated Proposition 8. At some point, you may recognize our contribution . . . Or not, I don't really care. YOU don't matter because history will recognize our contribution. Hell, it already has.

Now, go read a history book and peace out little dude/dudette.

LTH

[wryter2000]

83. With all due respect

I'm not the one who needs to peace out. And I've read plenty of history books and personally remember the issues of credit. I do believe the summer of love was in 1967. Woodstock was in 1969.

I had to go to Japan in 1967 for an abortion, so I know a little about that, too.

[MindPilot]

8. It will take me a while to get my head around that

I'm still dealing with the idea that for the first time in my life, the president will be YOUNGER than me.

[barbtries]

33. lol

yeah, i'm there too, but i love it. he should have a long healthy two terms and still have time to do a lot of good before he's done.

[lunatica]

9. This 60 year old has renewed hope today

Because there's no way that Obama would possibly lose except for an out and out theft like the last two elections. The fact is, he will win because most Americans are NOT RACISTS! That's something to celebrate. Another myth bites the dust.

[xochi]

10. Until recently, I'd been thinking that it's the end of the world...

Now--Kali Yuga or no Kali Yuga--I am more hopeful.

[BeFree]

11. Not me, either

Gawd, we have come a long way. And six months ago I thought America would never elect a black man. I may America an apology.


Madokie.... good to see ya.

[Lebam in LA]

12. A dream come true

I never thought I would see this day. I find tears running down my face at the smallest things. I see a long day of tears, tears of joy and hope.

[barbtries]

38. i'm the same damn way!

been blubbering since yesterday :cry::cry::cry::cry:

[Lebam in LA]

82. I should have bought stock in tissues

Everytime I check out DU, something else starts the tears flowing again. I am probably going to spend the evening alone but if this keeps up I am going to have to find a place to be with others to share all these emotions.

[Greybnk48]

13. When I think about it my heart races.

In all honesty, I thought it would have happened long before now at one time in my life. Then along came the Reaganites and pushed us back at least a decade. But here it is!! I hope I live to see a woman in office.

[Papagoose]

15. I'm not old

But I didn't think I would ever see it. I am holding my breath for the rest of the day, but beaming with pride.

[Phentex]

Same here. We tried to explain to our kids what we witnessed

when we were in school and it wasn't THAT long ago! Racism is alive and well, but my kids don't see what we did at their age.

I have those moments where I can hardly believe it took so long for this. But mainly I'm excited!

[lunatica]

16. I literally feel my heart swell and my breath catching in my throat

When it dawns on me that what's happening is so momentous in our history. As much as I hated the last dozen years maybe it was worth it if it brought out the best in us.

The implications of what we're doing today are enormous!

[mrcheerful]

17. I had my hopes that MLK would have been, but we know how that ended.

Then I had hopes of Jesse Jackson, but that didn't pan out. Todays America is nothing like the america I grew up in, in one major way, the racists of the past have pretty much died off and we have had 3 generations where they haven't experinced the White only signs. They didn't experince the stigma of inter-racial dating nor the laws passed making it a crime for inter-racial dating and marriage.

White kids today are more accepting of the blacks, they dress alike, they hang out together, listen to the same music. In my youth if you tried any of that you were taken out behind the wood shed. Maybe America had to go through these last 30 years to get where we are today, on the eve of history. To be honest this is a land mark as great or greater then the election of a Catholic to the white house.

[asjr]

18. But MLK opened the door. Without

him there was no courage. I don't know if I could have foreseen this day or not. I just will revel in it.

[RaleighNCDUer]

19. In 1970, I expected it to happen.

By 85 I thought I would not live to see it. The conservative backlash of the 80s just blew me away - the guy who ran on 'optimism' destroyed all my optimism with his red-baiting, racial politics and war mongering.

I've been living in fairly consistent state of depression for the 25 years.

But I am beginning to think I might see it happen after all - if I am very careful for the next 3 months.

[Stinky The Clown]

20. I didn't. And I get slammed for saying it, but one of the reasons I am voting for Obama

is that very reason.

"So ... you'd also vote for Alan Keyes or Condi Rice for that same reason, you racist?"

My answer: "No. And stop being stupid. You know damned well what I mean."

[trof]

21. Not I.

But I didn't think we'd see a president from the south, either.

[Fumesucker]

23. LBJ and Jimmy Carter were both Southerners.. n/t

[trof]

88. Uh...Yes, I KNEW that.

Maybe you misread my post?
:shrug:

[opihimoimoi]

22. KnR Nearly 70.....not I.....never thought it would be so soon.

:toast:

[ramapo]

24. Our reward for the past 40 years

I never thought I'd live to see today. I'm 53 and expect to live on for many years but just didn't think what we're seeing take place was possible.

Today is certainly a day of reflection, remembering the many horrors of the past 40+ years. The assassinations, Nixon and his manipulation of the war for political gain, Agnew, "America love it or leave it", "My country right or wrong", "Kill the hippies", the '68 convention, "Nattering nabobs of negativism", the silent majority, McGovern, "Come Home America" and his crash and burn campaign. The destruction of Jimmy Carter by the Democratic Party, Reagan and his trickle-down failure which took 30+ years to play out. The Bushes, Clinton and his many mistakes, stolen elections, politics of division and hate. And so much more.

Perhaps today will mark an end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. As Barack says, it won't be easy but for the first time in a long time, I have hope.

[Mabus]

25. I have been waiting for this day since Shirley Chisholm ran

I guess that tells you how old I am and how long I've been watching politics.

:hippie:

[madokie]

40. I love getting old

Last evening I was saying to my wife that it feels good in knowing that 8 years ago I was spot on when it came to dick and w. I couldn't look at or listen to either of them until I found this place. I was so pissed. Today I am one happy dude.

[Mabus]

49. I know what you mean

On Dec. 12, 2000 my husband and I logged onto the RNC website to send a message to Bush. We told him that we thought he was nothing more than an arrogant slacker and he would never be our president. We said some other things, some of which I won't sully the pages of DU with, then we signed our real names, gave our address, our phone number and our e-mail addresses. Ever since that day I have been working even harder to get him out of office. We refused to live in fear and now, today, I'm beginning to remember how to breathe and be proud of my country again.

[Le Taz Hot]

47. Shirley Chisolm was 40 years ahead of her time.

I miss her, Ann Richards and Molly Ivins SO MUCH.

[Mabus]

51. Shirley, Ann, Molly and so many countless other women over the years

Have helped inspire younger women like me. I hope that I've helped inspire the generations that have come after me to stand up and speak out. Because of them I am a better person, an informed voter and I have never given up on the dream that is America.

[Sal Minella]

54. Shirley Chisholm stands tall among the public figures making an Obama possible.

I watched a film biography of Chisholm, and she was an amazing woman.
Made people sit up and listen and made no bones about it.

Since we couldn't have Barbara Jordan for president, with her limitless faith in the Constitution, I'm perfectly willing to take somebody who taught Constitutional Law for ten years. Obama will never say he was sworn in "to protect the American people" and he won't send his Veep "to run the Senate."

[JimboBillyBubbaBob]

86. And

Don't forget Bella Abzug.

[slackmaster]

26. I had always pictured that President as 100% black and descended from American slaves

We have to take what we can get.

[lonestarnot]

28. And 1/2 Irish can't hurt either!

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EADUQWKoVek

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

29. I don't even think about Obama's race.

His mother was white for whatever that's worth.

What I love about Obama is his inclusiveness. He plays to what we all have in common. A sharp contrast to the Republican's "We are for real Americans".

[barbtries]

30. i remember rooting for

Shirley Chisholm! lol

i have to say i didn't expect but am very happy to be witnessing it.

[graywarrior]

31. Not me. Not after the last 8 years.

But then, the 50's ushered in 60's and we changed the world back then so again, the time is now.

[formercia]

34. The Woodstock moment

Deja Vu. Today is a historic day.

Those rat bastards stole it from us. Now we take it back.

[Highway61]

35. I never really thought about it...

I am still in awe over all this. He is polished, smart, inspiring, a real leader and true role model. I lived through the 60's and can tell you they were turbulent times. However, we made our voices heard and here we are. I have never been so proud to vote as I did when I casted mine for Obama. Very proud indeed. History is being made folks and we all participated. :patriot:

[madokie]

67. And I would like to think we've been a part of making it happen too

Without us keyboard jockeys getting the message out we wouldn't be here now.

[RebelOne]

36. I remember as a teenager reading a book "The Man."

It was really meant to be science fiction. It was about the first black president. The president, vice-president, speaker of the house and other officials were killed in a plane crash and he was the next in line. Well, it's not science fiction any more.

[dkofos]

37. I expected it would happen in my lifetime. Just not this soon.

I am thrilled.

[Brazenly Liberal]

39. Not me. And I've never been so thrilled to be wrong!

I've been bursting into tears several times a day and that's not like me at all! But I feel overwhelmed by the evidence we as a people are better than I thought we were.

In the end for me, it had nothing to do with race and was all about race. I felt it was important to vote for the person who could do the best job, but if all other things would be equal, I would vote for Obama because he was black. But all other things never approached equal - he was the better candidate, period. Still, in a few minutes, the husband will be home and we'll go to vote and I will be thrilled to help make history.

[Captain Hilts]

41. We have black generals, admirals, head coaches in the NFL, Secs of State, Chair of the JCS...

and have you noticed that investment firms often use black male spokesmen?

Morgan Freeman has portrayed a president in the movies.

Women still have a long way to go. Women aren't even trusted to host a talk show or a game show.

[Peacetrain]

42. I voted for the best plan and person to lead us..And I also got to vote

someone from my faith body. To be honest with you, the fact he was a UCC really made me happy. I love my church. I am human after all. I can't help it, I identify with Barack and Michelle because we are UCC's. But in the end, it was about his ideas and policies.

He is the best person for the times.. bar none

[JohnnyRingo]

43. Never in a million and 55 years.

Obama transends that for most, he's just the most qualified person available to take over right now. What a great day in American history.

I do hope a positive Obama administration lays a number of stereotypes aside, and allows all but the most racially bigoted stubborn to work together for a better country.... Finally and forever.

For those who think the neo-right will rise again: fuck you.

Thank You Barack Obama.

(I actually stopped and thought about the fact that I lived to see this day last night before I went to bed, though)

[Le Taz Hot]

44. Way back when, I knew.

The last 30 years made me doubt that belief but I'm glad the idealism of my youth has come to pass. 'Course, this is just the beginning. . .

[Ganja Ninja]

45. As a child of the 60's I can tell you ...

that it didn't seem possible back then, but that was over 40 years ago.

[WheelWalker]

48. This jungle remnant of the hippie counterculture is a closet optimist...

After Apollo 11, and then with the resignation of Tricky Dick, it seemed like anything should be possible. But, as 1968 grew more distant in the rear view mirror, hope became illusory. No, I didn't think I'd live to see it (and I almost didn't). But then, I've come to an understanding about black swans. No one anticipated the internet, either. Old as I've grown, I am learning to expect the unforeseen.

[spanone]

50. a m a z i n g

[nichomachus]

52. You can thank the Internet and YouTube

When Obama wins, kiss you computer. If we were still stuck in the days when corporate propaganda was all we got, there would be no Barack Obama candidacy, much less a presidency.

It was our ability to connect with like-minded individuals all over the country that allowed us to realize how many of us there really are and to fight the lies.

Ten years ago, candidates could tailor their message to the local audience. They could play racist to the racists, religious whacko to the religious whackos, and then clean up their act for more mainstream audiences. But now, everything is on YouTube in 20 minutes and is seen all over the world hundreds of thousands of times. They can't hide.

How many people would have known about the Sarah Palin radio prank if we didn't have the Internet? Just a handful.

How would we have known -- all over the country -- that Obama was speaking to 100,000 people, while McCain was speaking to fewer than 10,000.

When the fascists claimed that Palin supporters weren't violent racists, we had it on YouTube. We had them on tape.

Yes, Obama was a great candidate with a great message. But, there are a lot of great people with great messages who just get stuffed by the corporate media. The Internet made all the difference.

[Hubert Flottz]

53. I didn't wear my ponytail to vote this AM I wore my old headband.

Felt good and the pubbies looked at me like I was from outer space!(kind of like they did in the 60s)

I though it would do them good to jarr their heads a little.

[pipi_k]

55. So many things I never thought I'd see

(in order of occurrence)


1. My NE Patriots winning three (3!!!) Superbowls

2. My state (Mass) having its first black governor

3. A man poised on the edge of History to become the first black POTUS



When I was a child and we read our History books, I would wonder how people felt who were old enough to have lived through some of what I was just learning


Now I know

:)

[1776Forever]

56. I would have, in the early 60's our High School Class President was a great young black man.

His name was Barry King (most be something about a guy named Barry, LOL) - It was in Delaware, Ohio at the Willis High School. So yes, I think we "hippies" were always ahead of the times - we believed it was the man and not the race that mattered. Here is to my old class at Willis High School! Blessings!

[uppityperson]

57. Obama's BLACK!?!?!? Crap, next thing you'll be telling me Mccain was a POW or something.

[TahitiNut]

69. Hell ... and I just thought that was a Hawaiian tan. (I get darker than that. Wanna compare?)

:dunce:

[wryter2000]

58. Not me

I was also getting scared that this country wouldn't come to its senses again before I died. I'm so glad both are happening in the same year.

[SweetStephanie]

59. he's the chosen one

Because he the chosen one... and will make history

[Irishonly]

61. I Didn't

Since Obama's speeches have always moved me to tears, I can't tell you which one specifically caused the watershed moment. My daughter and a few of her friends were here and I started blubbering and told them I never thought I would see it in my lifetime. They heard about the riots in my high school, my sorrow about the assassinations of the Kennedys and MLK. They heard about the hate toward interracial couples and this was the chance to redeem ourselves. Everyone knows how I feel about the hate being spewed from the Republicans and how prop 8 causes me to see red.

Today, we Americans, have the opportunity to not only make history but choose the best team to lead us out of this mess the repukes and pirates got un into.

[charlie]

62. Not remotely

It happened suddenly, didn't it?

Millions of pea brained chicken necks are going to wake up to a whole new world tomorrow.

[Mari333]

63. yes, i was speaking of this to my son the other day

and my grandson , who is 1, will have this in his own history.
maybe when he is old enough to vote, we will see a black, handicapped, female lesbian become president.
one thing i learned is that change takes time. people cling to their old ways out of fear. when i was young i wanted change to happen fast. now i know better.
so i am delighted to see obama, not only as a candidate, but also as president.

[Shardik]

64. I have always been hoping.

Still a hippie. :)

[vanlassie]

65. IT'S TRIPPIN' ME OUT, MAN!

[madokie]

68. I haven't heard that phrase in a while

I feel 20 years old all of a sudden

[vanlassie]

75. Fer sure....!

[LiberalPersona]

66. We certainly have come a long way since Lincoln's time n/t

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

70. Old hippie here and honestly, I could never understand why race should have been an issue to anyone.

Thank goodness we are finally evolving.

Peace and lots of flower power!

:hippie:

[proud2BlibKansan]

71. Never in a million years

This is so exciting. Makes me miss my dad. He would have so loved Barack Obama. :hi:

[Kip Humphrey]

72. I'm sooo glad to pass the reigns away from our schizophrenic generation! GOBAMA!

[Sequoia]

73. I hoped it would happen.

[cliffordu]

74. Not me.....I didn't think it would EVER happne in my lifetime.

[Ichingcarpenter]

77. I thought it was possible but not probable- But some may call me a dreamer

but I'm not the only one, I hope someday you will join us, and the world will live as one.

Never dreamed my dream would come true.

[SalviaBlue]

76. Never... Its FAR OUT MAN!!

[Jack Rabbit]

78. I had my doubts and thought it might come late in life

Later than 57, any way.

I also figured it would be s super candidate like Obama.

[BobTheSubgenius]

80. Even back then, I didn't believe I'd see it.

And look how idealistic we were.

[tilsammans]

81. Back in the 60s, I honestly . . .

. . . didn't think it would take this long. But once Raygun and came to power, that hope almost died.

I'm looking forward to the time when it will no longer be a novelty for African-Americans, women, etc., to be elected to the highest office in the land.

:patriot:

:kick:

[depakid]

84. Not an old hippie, but I thought Colin Powell would have won in 2000

if he had run.

Wouldn't have had to steal it, either.

[mentalsolstice]

85. I'm just 8 months older than Obama

I'll be excited to see someone my age as POTUS.

[msedano]

87. shirley chisholm

all it takes is a majority of voters to cast the same way. and it always begins with each voter voting one at a time.

but yeah, to this old hippie tolerator, looks as if tomorrow's dawn will shine brightly on a whole new paradigm of unitedstates democracy.

but just in case it goes awry, here's a story that helps explain what went wrong...

http://labloga.blogspot.com/2008/11/be-careful-what-you-wish-for-you-might.html

mvs