I felt cheated that people perceived America and Americans by the way George W. Bush and his administration conducted themselves in Washington and abroad. It is hard to convince people otherwise that not all of us are like (or even like) Bush given all they see and hear in the news, on television, and even in scholarly articles.

But, today, I couldn’t be prouder to be an American citizen. I will have a President who represents what I stand for. I am ready for change, as the past eight years of my life–my entire youth–have been tainted by the shadow of an inept leader and a conniving administration.

Obama’s presence and speeches often move me to tears. His words are so invigorating, selfless but responsible, uniting.

We may have different stories, but we hold common hopes; that we may not look the same and we may not have come from the same place, but we all want to move in the same direction — towards a better future. (18 March 2008)

His political vision of a united and progressive America moves me, and he speaks candidly about the problems we as a nation face. He understands the difficulty and magnitude of these challenges, and accepts that he may not be able to solve them all. His personal history also inspires me. That an African-American with a humble past but an extraordinary passion can really change the world cannot epitomize the American Dream any more perfectly.

Although I am oceans away from where I wish I was last night, I could still hear the shouts of elation, see the smiles of relief and euphoria, feel the warmth of tears of so many Americans. I’m so completely drenched with optimism and hope that things will, indeed, change.

Tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

We are, and always will be, the United States of America.

Even as a remote ordinary citizen far from the grueling reality of war and endless fear, I could easily be brought to tears/anger by the words and images from documentaries, news, speeches, books, this Iraq war timeline. And what I see is not even the half of it. Not even close.

When I can, I will do what I can to help. And I hope the rest of my generation does, too.