From an Un-REAL America: Today is a very big day in my life

[La Lioness Priyanka]

This morning I had to surrender my Indian Passport to the Indian Government. Its the first time I have applied for a visa to my country of birth, and for that I had to hand over my Indian Passport. It was a very strange and bitter sweet moment in my life. I panicked a little, as I feared a loss of identity. Then I realized something, I am an American.

I had accepted citizenship to the United STates in 2006. After Bush won the second time, I knew even if I lived in one of the bluest states I had to vote for the next election. America was increasingly becoming MY country, and no longer just the country I lived in.

It's a strange experience for an immigrant when they realize that the country they love, know and care for more is no longer their birth country. Yes, I still love India, but I know so much more of the nitty gritties of the political and cultural environment of the United States of America. I am so much more involved with the United States of America than I am with India. I am so much more invested in the United States of America than I am in India.

I have become an American. An American who will cast her first vote in a Presidential Election for Barack Obama.

People like Sarah Palin may not think I am a REAL American. I am not white. I wasn't born here. I don't live in a small town. I don't support fear-mongering greedy bigots.

But, I am an American and as an American, I am proud to vote for Barack Obama.

[sinkingfeeling]

1. Congrats to you on your American citizenship and vote!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

24. thankyou

sorry, i am slow in replying ... Du has been really slow for me

[Starbucks Anarchist]

2. Woo-hoo!

:toast: :hi: :patriot:

[PeaceNikki]

3. Yay!

You made me tear up again. I am an emotional MESS today!!

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. i have been in tears off and on today. i was tearing while writing this note

[Redstone]

4. Only ONE recommendation (mine, I'm proud to say)? Guys, help get this wonderful and

inspiring post into the "greatest" category where it belongs.

Redstone

[watrwefitinfor]

5. OMG, Lioness - you are SO American!

It is Palin and her ilk who are unAmerican.

Doncha ever forget it!

:hi:

Wat

[stillcool]

6. The most impressive thing of this election...

was when I went to an Obama rally, hanging out with thousands of strangers who were just like me. Americans. Laughing, talking, polite, considerate Americans. Who knew?

[Pithy]

7. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so glad to hear you voted and feel honored that you consider America your home now.

[stillcool]

19. The United States has always been my home..

They say that a country is defined by it's people. The people I was surrounded with at that rally, truly defined the country I would like us to be.

[suninvited]

9. I must be ultra sensitive today

I keep getting tears in my eyes !

(Rec'd)

[La Lioness Priyanka]

18. me too. i teared up while writing this

[suninvited]

21. Thank you for sharing this with us

I am sure this day is going to get more emotional as it goes along ! My excitement is overwhelming right now, I can hardly work.

[huskerlaw]

10. Congratulations, Pri...

you're a real American to everyone whose opinions count.

:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

17. thanks husker!

[Triana]

11. You ARE an American! Every bit as much as anyone here.

:hug:

[skygazer]

12. Recommended

Again, great post. Congratulations on your first Presidential vote - and what a vote! :woohoo:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

16. thanks love

[The Traveler]

13. Welcome home,Pri

America is your home now, Pri. Yer one of us. And we're damn proud and happy to have ya!

Trav

[La Lioness Priyanka]

15. thank you trav

[onlyadream]

14. Wow!

You ARE an American!

[Jack Rabbit]

20. K/R

!!

[Gormy Cuss]

22. Congratulations on your momentous day!

:toast:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

30. thank you

[achtung_circus]

23. K & R

and thanks to Facebook for letting me know about this thread.

You are more of an American than I will ever be.. but I'm watching history, even though I am not part of it.

[nadinbrzezinski]

25. As a fellow immigrant, congratulations

I know the bitter sweet feeling, and my first election was Gore... 2000

[La Lioness Priyanka]

26. that was a great one too. i would have been proud to vote for gore or kerry

[lightningandsnow]

27. That was an amazing post.

Congratulations.

:hug:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

28. thanks hon~

:hug:

[Laelth]

29. I, for one, am glad you're an American, and I'm glad you voted.

Don't feel lonely. Most of us here are immigrants.

The United States is a LIBERAL Country.

:dem:

-Laelth

[codjh9]

31. Hey, high-five to you! And thanks so much for voting Obama!