Wake Up and Face the Dawn
Yes We Can? Yes we did, Buster!
With Love and Peace to all of you on this beautiful and glorious night!
IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT??
"Do you remember? Remember? The fifth of November?"
John Lennon
I'm speechless....Please, give me a few hours to take all of this in....I can't even think straight at the moment....Too much celebratory drink. You know how it is....
***********
1:00 PM EST
I woke up a few hours ago from the first night of sound, restful sleep I've had in a very, very long time, thinking that it had all been merely a dream. And so it had....
`
A DREAM COME TRUE, BABY!!!
`
A wonderful thing happened last night. The world, for the first time in nearly a decade, is feeling good about the United States. After eight years of the arrogance of the Bush Mob, America was in dire need of an international face lift. John McCain would never have been able to provide one. Barack Obama, it appears, has.
`
Here's where I turn on the old cliche` machine: This is the dawn of a new day. The election of Barack Hussein Obama last night as the 44th president was a tranforming moment in the history of this country; a country that literally was built upon the lacerated back of the Negro Slave. We'll never be the same again. Never.
`
I haven't felt hopeful about this country in almost thirty-two years. January 20, 1977 to be exact. That was the day that Jimmy Carter was inaugurated. The hopefulness I was feeling on that fine day lasted an entire afternoon and into the early evening. This time 'round, I'm counting on it lasting much longer. Last night, America was changed in a real and fundamental way. The sin of slavery has, for almost a century-and-a-half, been an open and infected wound on this nation's historical psyche. The election of Barack Obama as our very first African American president might very well be the beginning of our healing.
`
Not since Franklin D. Roosevelt entered office on March 4, 1933, has a president inherited a bigger mess than that which will be bequeathed to President Obama. No president since FDR has faced a bigger challenge. He will be forced to make many hard decisions in the next four years that a great many people - within his party and without - will oppose strenuously. We will not always agree with the direction that this new chief executive will take this country. But at least we will be able to rest assured that the decisions he makes will be the result of intellectual honesty and not petty partisan gain, unlike the administration which mercifully is now within weeks of ending. Will his be a successful term of office? It's impossible to tell at this early stage. But of this you may be absolutely certain: Barack Obama is so much more competent than Bush, his failures will seem like successes by comparison. In two and a half months, responsible grown ups will be once again in charge of our government. Don't let the door hit you on the way out, George. The times, they are a'changin'.
`
I feel like the Beatles at the end of the movie "Yellow Submarine". The good citizens of Pepperland have been liberated from the Blue Meanies! Really, it's all too much for me too take!
`
Every generation or so, the American people will do something that defies historical expectations. Last evening was a shining example of one of those moments. For the first time in my life (I turned fifty on August 16) I will point toward the Executive Mansion on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and I'll be able to say with pride, "That's where my president lives". I suspect that there are millions of us who feel that way. I don't know about you, but I've never been more proud of my country.
`
Forgive me, folks, if this posting has been somewhat inarticulate and disjointed. I am, quite literally, beside myself with joy. I have been rendered speechless. As Big Russ would say, "Is this a great country or what?"
`
Wake up and face the dawn.
`
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
tomdegan@fronmtiernet.net
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In just seventy-six days, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America. Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
`
PLEASE NOTE:
The photograph just under the one of President-Elect Obama is of Mr. Tom's right index finger, helping to change the course of history. Don'cha just love it?
posted by Tom Degan @ 12:52 AM
39 comments
39 Comments:
We have voted for HOPE! Now we must work to make that hope become possible.
My Dad believed in affirmative action and, in Scandinavian Minnesota, the small town of Luverne, Minnesota (Population approximately 4,500 circa 1971), he hired a black man to work as an INDEPENDENT Sales Rep and distributor.
Dad died at age 57, much too young. When I shed tears tonight of joy and happiness, I thought how much affirmative action had meant to him and how he believed it would give hope and change the culture of America.
The tears came when I thought of Dad and how he would have LOVED to be here to celebrate with me.
There ya go Dad-o, Hope is alive!
Josie
Indeed it is, Josie! Indeed it is!
Love,
Tom
We really did, Tom.
All day today the cars kept coming to our staging area in my garage. "What can I do?" the people said.
We did it. Door by door. Dollar by dollar.
In the face of one man there are many people. God Bless America. Our country has once again become a beacon of hope, a ray of light, a blessed song. We will work with him to make it so.
YES WE CAN!!!
So happy for you! And so happy for us all!
No revolution required Tom.
Congrats to America, I'm an Aussie and I was glued to the TV here today.
I cried, just so happy this has not been another stolen election.
I was talking about Obama many months ago before he got the Dems nomination and many people laughed at me.
Happy Aussie.
God has truly blessed America and this time we deserve it.
Jim Lynch
Tom, I received a congratulatory e-mail from a German friend of mine with the German government. I thought I'd share them with you and your loyal readers. His words:
"Congratulations!! You have a new President. If he can do it, than he should do it now. There a lot of challenges waiting. I hope the world can go back to business now. I have attended a breakfast meeting this morning at the American Embassy. It was quite emotional for some people.
Best wishes and have a great time!"
As you know, I was a fervent critic of both major political parties during this campaign, and I privately told you, Tom, that I would vote for Barack Obama in my swing-state of Virginia. I held to my promise yesterday. But now, the real work begins.
I replied to my German friend a few moments ago. I want you, and your readers, to know that I meant every word. Here's what I said, and here's what I feel today:
"Thank you, Frank, for your genuine and heartfelt thoughts. As you know, the emotion ran high in this country last night. It was an election of extreme importance. The American people have spoken, and a new era will soon begin. I can honestly say that I am proud to be an American today. I have never felt so much pride and hope, in my country, as I do at this time.
There is no doubt, much work and resolve is needed in the coming months and years. It will not be easy. The current administration, with its reckless abandonment of American ideals, regulatory constraints, and basic human rights, has left this nation's economy and standing in the world community in dire straits. But, have no doubt, with our newly elected president at the helm we will work toward righting all the wrongs from years past. That is my promise to you.
President-elect Obama is a good man, and depending upon the style of governance he chooses, he has the intelligence, the character, and the style that will restore dignity and honesty to our executive branch. I have voted in every presidential election, except for one, since 1972. This was the most important, and critical, that I've participated in. This election may have been just as pivotal as Franklin Roosevelt's election in 1932, and John F. Kennedy's election in 1960. Possibly more. The coming months will reveal much, I'm sure. Our newly elected president will start naming key cabinet positions within the next week, so he's not going to waste time. The current financial crisis in the world requires his immediate and full attention. He understands this.
Thank you, again, for your congratulatory e-mail. I hope President-elect Obama, and our new government, will allow the rest of the world in general, and the German people in particular, to once again respect our country and look upon it as a beacon of hope, justice, liberty, and true freedom.
Warmest and most sincere regards ..."
Congratulations, Tom, to you and all who made this day possible. Enjoy the day, and bask in the warm light of hope and change for the better. You, and your loyal following, have been amazing.
For the first time in 8 years I am proud to be an American!!!
I feel I have a future
At 76 I had no hope of ever seeing us rid ourselves of this corrupt theiving bunch in the White House and the hallowed halls of Congress.
Not only that OBAMA WILL GET TO NAME 2, MABYBE 3 SUPREME COURT JUSTICES!!!!
Once again we will have kids and a dog in the White House.
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!!
Whew!!! What a relief. Ohio went blue this time. Not only can I be proud of my country, I can be proud of my state. My county, however, still needs work....
--Lindsay
I think we are all speechless !! I have never been more proud of America. Tom your blog helped make this happen.....I'm proud of you also !! Still a lot of work to do but we are now headed in the right direction. Congratulations America we got it right this time !!!!!
WE GOT RID OF McSKUNKED!!!!
Flat-earth Kansas went overwhelmingly for the skunk and lost a good US Representaive in Democrat Nancy Boyda.
As HST's old campaign song said Happy Days Are Here again.
Tom, thank you for helping us through these difficult times.
We proved the smears and robocalls can be over come.
Besides the Gettysburg address, I'm singing "let there be peace on earth" Love the person who remarked that President Elect Obama is a global leader with his roots on this continent, the African Continent and his education in Indonesia.
The whole word is feeling the oppression and tyranny of the Bush administration fall from their shoulders this morning. ebdoug
Hooray for our side! And thanks Tom for your Rants, which were part of the process that helped lead us up to this awesome result.
President Obama. It's real. Pinch me...
I'm stunned, as if I've been hit with the happy stick.
Thanks Tom for being there with wit and intelligence to help us through a difficult two year campaign. Now, let's get to work helping the change happen.
The decision to choose Obama as the next president will lay the foundation for more economic crisis and further remove capitalism from the United States of America. Further regulation of any kind will only create more government, more inefficiencies, and more problems. Moral hazard created by regulation is cause for our current economic problems. Unfortunately, Obama may not bring the "change" we need.
Last night I cried as I watched a diverse crowd-a true representation of our country-cheer for our new president. The last two elections, I cried too, but those were tears of despair. Thanks, Obama, for giving ALL of us hope again!
Chris,
Almost seventy-six years ago, when Franklin D. Roosevelt entered the White House on March 4, 1933, He inherited an economic mess which was the result of undeciplined, unregulated speculation and recklessness. Between 1890 and 1929, every decade had experienced some form of financial meltdown and depression. FDR and his New Deal "Brain Trust", as they were known, came to power with the idea that that should never happen again. They regulated the financial market.
For slightly over half a century, their plan worked beautifully. Then in 1981, the poeople - for reasons I'm still trying to figure out - sent a failed "B" movie actor named Ronald Reagan to the White House. Reagan then began to systematically dismantle all the regulations put into place by the New Deal. Within six years, in October of 1987, we had the first stock market crash in nearly sixty years. We've had several since then.
All due respect, my friend, I can't believe that it's been a mere coincindence.
All the best to you and your great family,
Tom Degan
Well, Christopher, you have a right to your opinion and fortunately we live in a country where you're free to express it. That does not necessarily mean that Mr.Degan need publish them, which just goes to show you what kind of a guy he is, and I thank you, Tom, from the bottom of my heart for your wonderful work. There should be some kind of award for people like you,
who enlighten we the people with the truth.
How can we thank you? Tom Degan rocks!
Bambic
Tom, I've been reading your blog for quite a while (having found it through my constant reading of Alternet) and although I share your enthusiasm I have a few questions.
1) What do you think Bush and Cheney will try to pull with their remaining time in office
and..
2) What sorts of changes do you think Obama will go through with?
I voted for Obama, however I'm not confident that he will see to the interests of true liberals: helping to stop climate change and ending the illegal wars in iraq and afghanistan. I guess time will tell.
Keep up the good work, by the way.
Sincerly,
Josh Justice
Bambic,
Thank you for the kind words. Actually, Cristopher and I come fromthe same small town of Goshen, NY. He's a fine man and as smart as they come - a whole heck of a lot smarter than I (that is, of course, with the exception of the topic of affairs of state. Wink! Wink!)
His extended family, the Colgans, are some of the most decent, sweetest people on the planet earth. They're all good and dedicated Republicans. I'm working on them, though. I'm working on them!
judochopjosh,
In answer to your two questions:
1. The Bush Mob will too busy in the next two monts destroying evidence to focus on anything else.
2. The changes between this administration and the next will be too numerous to even list here. Of this you may be absolutely certain: Even if he's a failure, he'll be so much better than Bush, it'll seem like an overwhelming success.
All the best to everybody!
Tom Degan
I stopped at Tom's to watch the election result (I have no TV connection - best thing I ever did - I highly recommend it). He was happier than all of you - put together!
John....
By the way, I must tell you: I had the stroodle this morning.
I have a confession to make:
I've never ate stroodle before.
There goes my diet.
There goes my pants size.
Thanks, John. Thanks a whole lot.
I've got a good mind to ring yours and Ramona's doorbell and run!
Sometimes, John, I have to question your love of country.
Sometimes, John, your patriotism is suspect.
Honestly, JOHN HARRAGIN, what kind of American are you?
Love and Peace,
your pal, Tom Degan the SUBVERSIVE
Without a doubt, Tom, I felt the demenour/energenic output from John McCain throughout his concession speech was that of deep relief. I truly believe he realized, in his heart, the continuation of his party’s way would have been a disaster for all of us. Yes, I may be assigning him more than he deserves however my reaction to his yielding was an odd modicum of respect; first time in the 22 months I felt anything other than “icky” at his occurrence. Then a conclusion set in…this is more than the loser’s polite stumble through graceful congratulations.
I’m betting he’ll take a small rest then reemerge by applying himself as a gift of cooperation to the new Obama cause as a bi-partisan leader in the Senate. His health and his age will be trumped by his need to redeem his tarnished purple heart. Furthermore, I believe there will be a whole lot of contrarian collapse from oddly surprising quarters. And the hold-out’s will marginalize themselves quicker than a guy with a cold sore.
Maybe wishful thinking…???
…and the global village, like a maid-in-waiting, has her arms wide open to receive the new prince and his country.
I normally applaud what you write. I'll take exception to your remarks about your local neighbor, Christopher.
I can't speak to his niceness but I can to his argument.
I reject greed-is-good. The only way to control it is to keep greed in check and you do that by regulation. Period. Full stop.
Republicans, with Democratic complicity, removed those regulations and look what it got us. I've lost over half my investment in mutual funds. And you think there's niceness in that?
Give me a break. Nice people can be wrong-headed. Christopher's argument is wrong-headed.
jano
Tom,
Fuck the diet! Fuck the pants size! Eat the strudel! Go with the flow!
All God's people will be stricken by the horrific malady which I call "furniture disorder", as that it makes your chest fall into your drawers! Ain't shit you can do about it!
Nothing confuses me more, than the sad joggers, pounding their ankles, and knees into bone dust because they want the body they had in High School!
My neighbor and his wife have a one-wheeled bicycle that goes nowhere! IT'S ELECTRIC!!! IT PLUGS INTO THE FUCKING WALL! Of course the obligatory "sidewalk to nowhere" was also procured which likewise plugs into the wall!
Of course, when I, in my ignorance suggest that a REAL bicycle might be procured which, through it's use, will save fuel, and provide joy and exercise in the great outdoors, where fresh air and pleasant scenery are to be enjoyed, I'm informed that I "don't understand"
These people are like your friend Christopher, proud Republicans, and probably the best neighbors you could ever want to have. I, likewise am working on them, but it's not easy!
Obama is what this country needs! I KNOW this man will lead this country out of the darkness of The Bush Administration!
Even George Bush crawled out from under whatever he's been hiding under, and for the first time ever, spoke the truth, from the heart, with none of the usual hemming and hawing. Even Bush sees that things are going to get better, and Obama is going to get us there!
Now for the next question: Are The Republicans going to work with him, or against him? Will they do what must be done, or will they fight him tooth and nail? The answers to these questions will decide what the future of The Republican Party will be. It would be a shame to watch them make the same mistakes of The Whigs who they replaced!
Those who fail to learn from the mistakes of the past ARE indeed doomed to repeat them. I pray that this country is strong enough to stand it, because the end will be ugly!
I'll send you that link of me on YouTube as soon as find it!
>>...what kind of American are you?
One who imagines.
>>Love and Peace,
Now that is subversive!
As our economy continues to slide into oblivion, there might not be much to save by the time January 20th arrives. I hope President Obama has some tricks he can pull out of his inaugural top hat, because things continue to go to hell in a handbasket.
Beyond having a change in government in seventy-odd days, or so, does anyone have any good economic news to share? Anybody?
Hi, Tom. I am very happy for you. Yes, we did it! I voted for Herr Obama, too. He is what today's U.S.A is about: a lot like Tiger Woods.
He will be scrutinized harder than any president, but he knows that and he is not afraid of constructive criticism. Ivy League schools teaches one about that.
There is hope for us in this wretched land. It almost resembles western Russia after WWII sans destroyed cities.
Anyway, The Rant is the best column! Keep it up.
Tom
I stumbled onto your blog several years ago and have been sharing our common viewpoints with other union progressives. It has been good to have your support through the dark ages.
I am proud to have as my president someone who has come from the middle class struggle and risen to their potential.
When I voted , I filled out the paper ballot and wanted to do more.
Tear down boards, pound nails, pour concrete, design an electrical circuit, write a software program... its time to start rebuilding and I felt it when I voted.
Peace
daly
The RANT:
FINALLY, Let Freedom Ring! The Bush Bullies have only a few more weeks to pilfer our US Treasury, lets see what ole Georgie has up his sleeve, one final cleanout before leaving office. I wonder if the Bush Cabal will take the light switches and sinks from the Whitehouse too.
I feel good.
Greg
Yeah, Greg, I feel good too. I'll be praying for Obama's success like I prayed for Bush's failure. That may sound like a horrible thing to say but, given the direction he wanted to take this country, I had no other choice.
Privatized Social Security? Please.
All the best,
Tom Degan
Our new president with AFRICAN blood mixed in! Also a FIRST GENERATION American! It will take a little getting used to for some and then everyone will forget about all that and just decide if they like Obama or not based on what he does or doesn´t do. That is how it should be of course.
Now that we have elected Barack Obama as president we need to join together and get single payer universal health care enacted into law, raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour and to end the Iraq war.
Please answer a poll on universal health care at http://poll.democratz.org and get as many people to answer this poll.
Cindy and I would like to take a moment to thank you for your loyal and steadfast support during the course of this campaign. Governor Palin, her husband Todd, our families, friends and campaign staff extend our deep appreciation for your tireless dedication, support and friendship.
It is the end of a long journey and your support through the ups and downs has meant more to us than you may ever know.
Although we were disappointed with the results, we must move beyond this campaign and work together to get our country moving again.
It is our sincere hope that you will join us in putting our country first and continue to work to keep our nation safe, free and prosperous.
We urge you to join us in not just congratulating Senator Obama, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together as a nation. Whatever our differences may be, we are all fellow Americans.
We are truly blessed to live in this great country and call ourselves Americans, and we will forever be her loyal servants.
Today, let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.
With warm gratitude,
Cindy and John McCain
Why Tom, you liberal puke! I think the Koolaid has gone to your head. No, really, I am sure. I think you're suffering from an acute case of Bushitis. This usually manifests itself in a strong desire to vote for an extremely liberal and inexperienced presidetial candidate for whom you probably would not otherwise vote. The condition is generally aggrevated by not having an alternative candidate who appears vastly different from the source of the condition. But don't worry. It will be a year or two and the condition will go away once you realize you've been sold down the river; so to speak. Sorry, I forgot this election was about race. Seriously, I do hope it works out. He certainly is a charismatic guy. Joel
Hello, Joel!
Long time no hear, pardner! How're you and the former Miss Weinberger doing? It's nice to know you're reading my stuff
All the best,
Tom Degan
Tom,
Your finger not only pulled the historic voting machine lever it hit many keyboard keys producing historic rants that helped change the course of history.
PLEASE DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS
God Bless and love,
Dr. Rick Lippin
Southampton,Pa
Thank you for the kind words, Dr. Rick!
I guess there are a lot of us (yourself included) who could stand up and take a bow.
These really are great times to be an American and I am so happy to be alive to see it. For the first time in a very long time, I'm feeling good about this country.
All the best,
Tom Degan
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