WHAT I KNOW TODAY

I really don't want or intend for this blog to be my political arena, I've said that in my random rant post.

Today I will write about how amazing it is to be a part of this history. I am overwhelmed at how full of emotion I am at Obama's victory. I didn't vote for Obama, I didn't vote for McCain, I proudly voted for Ralph Nader for the 3rd time. Yet, I remember being in high school and having a day off school for MLK day or Human Right's day, and sitting in the commons at Timpview high school with a group of friends and peers having our own small Human Rights symposium. I had no idea at that time how far our nation could and would come. I d not know what will happen in the next 4 years. I know I am proud to say I voted in the election that MY country elected the first African American President. I didn't foresee myself being so consumed with pride and emotion, perhaps this is tugging at my heart and feels so personal because of the long bureaucratic mess my father endured to obtain the right to vote.

Here is a piece my mother sent today to our local newspaper, as I read this, the tears are flowing. This is what I know, I helped fight for my dad's right to vote. He is one of the greatest American's I know, he is my hero. He has been judged by the color of his skin and not the content of his character many times in his life. Somehow, Obama's victory feels like another triumph for my father, who like many at one time even in my generation couldn't vote a short time ago, and yesterday voted.

"In 2001 my husband finally became a US citizen. Not such a unique state in itself, but because my husband, Ramon C Sanft, had served as a Marine in the war in Viet Nam, received the Purple Heart and been promised countless times, his service would result in automatic citizenship for him, and it took 30 years.
He came to the United States at the age of 12 from Tonga. He decided at age 20 to serve this country, which he had come to love, by fighting in the Viet Nam War. He was told on several occasions that his service would reward him with citizenship, enabling him to remain permanently in this country. While in Viet Nam he was wounded by a communist mine explosion. Throughout the years the wounds have taken a toll on his body causing him pain and suffering. Because of ridiculous bureaucratic fumbling it took over 30 years to receive his citizenship. Many people are to thank for this finally happening. But through it all he never wavered in his love of his country. He voted proudly on November 4th, being 5th in line to cast his vote. In this world where so many try to fight for freedom and we are so proud that our husband, father, grandfather and son, was one of them." Sue Sanft

Also, I have really enjoyed sharing how the election process works to my very curious and somewhat confused Risi. I explained in 8 year old language (well maybe 12 year old the girl is wise beyond her years) how the constitution brilliantly established 3 branches of federal government. As I explained things, she would ask more questions, it was such a sweet and wonderful exchange. I tried to be cautious not to taint her with my views. I encouraged her to go to school and listen today, and speak up if she has questions and to not follow a crowd with a popular belief that we may be seeing an 'Obamanation.' She was given a chance to vote on Monday and voted for McCain. I asked her why and she told me some classmates told her the Prophet, President Monson, said mormons were suppose to choose McCain. I set her straight, not telling her McCain was the wrong choice, rather letting her know that the prophet did not say any such thing. And, I am grateful for her school, Noah Webster Academy is an amazing school. Each morning the whole school starts the day with a morning meeting. They meet together in their gym and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and they sing our national anthem. I know my Risi is smart and often deep in thought, sensitive and I know she will grow into a brilliant, beautiful young woman. She is fabulous. I love you Ris.

I know today is a monumental day in our countries history.