"I have a Dream...."

You know, today really got me thinking. Dammit, I love my country. The United States of America, despite the flaws we have, is the greatest nation on this planet. Let's be real. Our history isn't "clean" by any stretch of the imagination. We pretty much made Native Americans extinct by taking over their lands in the 19th century. We enslaved Africans and made them pick cotton in the hot ass sun during the 19th century. We imprisoned Japanese Americans during WWII because they were Japanese. We squirted water hoses and sent police dogs against Civil Rights activists, black & white during the 1960's. We attacked Iraq for good/not so good reasons. We have done some crazy shit during our history.

Why am I proud? Despite all the stupid crap we have done in our history, we are STILL a great nation. A nation that is willing to change. A nation that has tried to correct its wrong and have overcome decades of obstacles. We change. Damn, as I watch this Democratic Convention, I can't help but be proud of our nation.

45 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr gave his most famous "I have a Dream" speech. Who can ever forget that speech. That was during the height of the Civil Rights movement. Now, today, after 232 years of history, an African American has a chance to win the Highest Office in our land. Think about it. I mean, REALLY think about it. A black man President of the United States? I mean, REALLY think about it. This is some significant history we are watching. Who would have ever thought in our life time, we would see our nation get past this stupid color thing to even have an African American in this position to become the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. I am blown away by it. You can see the energy behind it. This energy is about change. Our country needs some change. Obama should NOT be elected because he is black, but because he is the best man for the job.

I am a registered Republican and I haven't made up my mind who I will vote for. I could very well vote for McCain if I think he is the best man for the job. But, I feel a little compelled to vote for Obama because he is really showing the enthusiasm we need to make change in this country. Our country is hungry for change.

Whether you plan to vote for Obama or not, think about it. We are witnessing history. Are we finally "overcoming" our history? Are we finally realizing that you can be anything you want to be in this country? Are we finally not looking at skin color, but at a person's character and abilities?

Damn, it feels good to be an American.

I barely follow politics, but just had to say this is a thread with some feeling, man. Kudos to you, hon.

Just finished watching Obama's speech and wow...... This is a man ready to lead the United States. Of course, I will hold my vote after I hear from both candidates.

But as an American, I am so proud to witness this moment. I just watched history. Cool.....

And as an African-American, I can't help but feel extremely proud of Barack Obama. Generations of African Americans were enslaved, discriminated against and victimized. Now, an African American has an opportunity to be President. Way too freakin cool....

I don't know. This election is going to be quite interesting. I can't help but think back to Martin Luther King's speech and think......

A dream is coming true.....

I remember seeing that speech on television back in 1963. It was awesome. Thanks for reminding us it's the anniversary.
😀

Well said my friend! You said it all better than I could.

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Well aren't you patriotic? Yes yes, America is great, America is the best, America is the most magnificent wondering greatest thing to ever exist ever. Not knocking you're love for your country, because that's all well and good, but if you wonder why so many countries perceive America as arrogant is because, well, America often is arrogant, constantly flaunting it's 'patriotism' and labeling anyone who points out that it isn't perfect as 'unpatriotic'. But kudos to you for admitting that.

Frankly, I consider those who DO point out and work to correct our weaknesses as a nation to be more patriotic than those who simply bitch about the nerve we have to not be perfect and do nothing to help change our faults.

Is this a great nation? Yes. Do we have our collective heads way the hell up our asses at times? Sure we do. But, the fact that we can and will change is what makes it all work in the end. There are things I absolutely hate about this country. But, I'd never condemn nor leave it. Why? Because of the very things that prime pointed out.

MLK pointed out some very real issues in his speech then reminded us that we have hope. Obama did much the same last night. I don't know if he'll win. If he does, I don't know if he'll be allowed to do the job he can and should be able to do. Like with Jimmy Carter, there are many who are threatened that he isn't part of the establishment and may not support good policies just based on that. But, if we can look to the future and work together for once, I think he can do a great job. He's a good example of how we can be victorious in our lives no matter what hand the past has dealt us. He's fulfilled that Dream that MLK spoke of...whether he's elected or not.

Personally, Obama is the first presidential candidate I've had any respect for in years. This is the first election process I've ever actually gotten excited about. Part of that is the history that he's making. But, it's more about who he is and what he has the potential to accomplish. I don't agree with every single detail of what he says. But, at least I can vote for the guy without feeling guilty or ashamed that "this is all I have to choose from".

We're still better than you, though. 😉

Uh Mr. Kabob, do you read clearly? Did you not read the opening paragraph of my thread? Did you not read all of the atrocities that the United States has done in its history? What this thread is about is to show despite all of our faults, we do make right. The rest of the world may think we are arrogant, but many others still flock to this country as well.

This thread is to remember what happened 45 years ago and how far we have overcome, not a "chest thumping, America is so great we never make mistakes" thread. Pay attention next time my friend.....