Elective Bliss; A Reminder

So things finally seemed to go the way that I wanted them to last Tuesday night (except for the Prop. 8 vote, that is). After eight years of ineptitude and political callousness, America finally seems to be heading down the right track to world diplomacy and re-establishing our global reputation. I'm truly happy about that. Barack Obama should definitely be able to take this country into a new direction, one that we should have been on a long time ago. I am very hopeful for his administration, and the chance to finally wipe the slate clean and start fresh, albeit with a heavy course load of work already lying in wait for the president-elect (economy, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, etc.). 

But we cannot let our jubilance blind us to the cause that we have been fighting for this whole time. Obama is not the end-all, be-all of our problems. I was reminded this Friday night as I partook in a political gathering of sorts: the Rise Against show at the San Jose State Event Center. Rise Against is a political punk band. This, of course, means they are liberal, and that can be an understatement. Their music videos have featured things you might expect in P.E.T.A. videos. But they have always had a great message: stand up for what you believe in. Singer Tim McIlrath, at one point during the show, addressed the crowd about the election. He said that we finally did something right. But he told us we can't let that feeling stop us from fighting and relax. He urged us to unite as a community and fight for just causes. 

It is this spirit that is truly American. Our origins come from fighting for freedom(s), and we can't forget that. I felt McIlrath's comments were very inspired and honest. I hope that you all continue to fight for what you believe in. I know I will.

If you want to check out Rise Against, here's a link to their Myspace. They are definitely one of the best punk bands ever. Give 'em a listen.