Sometimes we need to get outside of ourselves to see who we really are.
Messages poured in from all over the world celebrating the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States. Can you remember his election night speech in Chicago, and the thrill of that moment for people everywhere around the globe?
Here's a sampling of emails from many countries, sent to The Caucus section of The New York Times right after President Obama's election. Their original syntax and spelling make them even more wonderful to read.
(For more than 25 pages of other heartfelt, congratulatory messages, link here. )
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The unthinkable happened. I’m very happy to admit that americans have beaten the opinions of the people that thought the States would never overcome their prejudices. Peace and God bless you people.
Ines
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Warmest, sincerest congratulations to Barack Obama for his stunning victory! I have great confidence that you, as President, will bring positive change to the US. Your inspiration message, delivered steadfastly with the utmost grace throughout your campaign, restores hope not only to Americans but to global citizens everywhere.
My deepest gratitude to Americans for having the courage and vision to vote for change. Thank you from a relieved and elated Canadian! P.S. I also send my condolences to Barack, Michelle, and their children for the devastating loss of their beloved Toots.
Marilyn
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I am happy and thankful to all americans. This very special day will enter in the world history as a great example of identity revolution and democratic progress.
Dimova, Mariya, Switzerland
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Congratulations for voting Obama, a world leader with unique charisma. I believe him to be one of the very few (if not the only one) to be trusted - and that is worldwide (which is saying a lot about politicians)
Therefore I wish him strength, courage and wisdom for making the right choices both in picking his team and in leading the country away from the cliff.
All best.
André Heeger
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Wonderful
kevin woods Ireland
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Believe it or not tonight we all were Obama’s.
Tarig Al Khuwaitir Riyadh KSA
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I am a Belgian living in France and today I am proud of America and its people. The message of this election is that we must believe in democracy, that people of any color can unite and stand up and give hope to all over the world!
Thanks to America!
jojoju
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8 long years it was hard to be a friend of the USA. Now we trust in American values and the integrity of a man who convinced not only the majority of the voters but also people all around the world. If he will work so hard and efficient as he did in campaigning he will be a great president and a leader of the world.
Franz Knieps, Berlin, Germany
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Wonderful day. Big coverage here in OZ. Much celebration happening. You have a man to inspire, get behind him and make a difference.
M. Hughston
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Congratulations to Mr. Obama. Americans have spoken and they have spoken for change. I hope and pray that he will bring that change and bring peace to the rest of the world and work towards strengthening America that was evnvisioned by the founding fathers. My expectations from him as a Pakistani is for him to bridge the gap between the people of two nations and help us get peace and justice and above all just and honest leaders who can ensure good governance (I am convinced without a shadow of doubt that our leaders are elected with the blessing of America’s president) and if for once they can squeeze our leaders to implement good policies for the people it would be the greatest contribution to the pakistani people. We do not need American weapons instead we need institutions like America. God bless the entire world.
Rashid from Pakistan
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I am a south korean writer. I have followed this election trail till now. I shed tears at the news. This is a revolution to change the world we know.
Young-mi Choi
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how wonderful! congratulations barack obama and the citizen of the united states.We all had goose bumbs while watching the voting lines yesterday and barack obamas speech of today.Berlin is celebrating! and the world around us.
silvia kadolsky
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I am an India working in Saudi Arabia. I have been closely following this election rooting for Obama all the way. It is indeed a great momentous occasion for the entire world.
This ushers in a new era - like a breath of fresh air. There is optimism in the air. There is faith in humankind.
is big NO to disruptive , divisional and hate-mongering politics.This is a big YES to civility, intelligence, intellectual thinking, inclusiveness,
We-are-all-one worldview.This moment in USA’s history really makes us feel a little jealous of the strength of the political process in USA which sadly is unimaginable in any part of the world today.
Kudos to all Americans. You have really and truly redeemed yourselves. We really feel like next door neighbours who would like to welcome a new resident in our neighbourhood - with a basket of fruits and goodies !!
saleem
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When we feel worried about what it means to be an American, we can remember the moment in 2008 when the world let us know.
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Comments
I still find it fascinating that Obama, Bush and Palin are all descended from the same couple in 1700s Massachusetts.
Lea, this is really good. Thank you.
That speech in Grant Park and the historical resonance it held for me was also the moment I thought of when I read the open call. This was the place the Democratic Party and finally the country splintered into pieces in 1968 -- in so many ways, a harbinger of terrible, alienated days to come. And here was this black guy no one had ever heard of two years before, the new president of the country I'd been alienated from for so long, making me feel like this was finally my country.
I remember Jesse Jackson's tears. Barack Obama's quiet acceptance of a mantle I found it hard to believe anyone would actually want to wear. A former wild-eyed radical, I've since become a wild-eyed moderate, not because "the system worked," but because one thoughtful, decent and intelligent man was able to make it work.
And Jeremiah, what a magnificent comment! I wish you wrote more posts.
Now you opened it all up, unpacked it, for OF COURSE that night was totally amazing. I had a huge party in South Beach, and there were folks also from all over the world and each time a state went for Obama I had to remember the state's letters so someone Danish could put the names up, FL was the most amazing, but we got so many.
And remember how the Obama's were practically making out in all those dances and god you nailed the moment so well. But as someone said, even though he's a fine fine man, the Presidency bears so little relation to the candidacy and not with that utterly emotional magical wonderful earned night. Thanks LL you got me where I live. R
Rated for sentiment.
rated