. . . a long day coming . . .

President-Elect Obama

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."



WoW

:o)



Last night, there was an impromptu march/rally on State Street in Madison. I was walking back from Williamson Street--where I watched the election results with some friends. Around 11:30 p.m. I rounded the capitol to see a crowd of 3,000-5,000 people making there way up State Street. The target was the Capitol steps and I joined the crowd in some chanting and friendly traffic blockage. Then, most of the crowd began to march to the other end of State Street, through Library Mall, and up Bascom Hill--a storied gathering place on campus at UW-Madison. Shortly after midnight, close to 2,000 people gathered around a statue of Abraham Lincoln seated outside Bascom Hall for some more chanting, a hopeful chorus of the Star Spangled Banner, and a spirited rendition of Varsity.

(the audio on this video is worth listening too . . . unfortunately, I couldn't pick out my own voice in the chorus)



It was a very cool experience to be a part of . . . and it is a reminder that change is within sight and the American people (not just hippie UW students :-P) are ready for something NEW!

I wish you well on this historic day. Enjoy it, but know the good fight has only begun--change will not be easy and each of us will need to continue to long for a brighter future.

"This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

"Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America."

Peace, Love, Wisconsin
~b

See this article by The Badger Herald for more on the impromptu march.