Second City No More

Well, Chicago can finally shed the Second City syndrome. Tonight, our humble city, Hog Butcher to the World, can rest it's Big Shoulders on Barack Obama, the 44th President Elect of the United States. I can't say much--I just shed a tear for the greatest election I have ever participated in in my short history here on earth. We WON!!!!!! I am, for the first time in a long time, proud to be an American. Watching the people in Grant Park tonight, watching our new President address the crowd of close to a million folks who came out to see this victory, I am overwhelmed with a feeling of being a part of a country I can once again be excited about living in. As my dad said, "It took Illinois to do it."

I love that our next President can speak without stammering, looking at a piece of paper, or making up words. I am so proud that we have a smart, honest man elected in a true democratic process. I am so relieved that our country is still able to summon up the great ideals that made us great in the first place. With grit, optimism, and hope, we can be the nation we think we are. I said to my parents through my tears, "This is the first President I ever believed in. This is what I've been waiting for my whole life to see up on that podium. This guy is honest--he's not a bullshitter. He's not your typical politician. He's real. He's smart." And, as those who know me already know, I think he's pretty handsome...but I am more than happy to leave him to Michelle, our new First Lady. She's no dummy, either. Together, with those kids, they represent the greatest beacon of hope to shine in the last eight years from Washington.

I love that the newscasters broke the news by saying, "There will be young children in the White House again for the first time since JFK." Sort of makes my heart sing to think of the kiddos running through those hallowed halls of history. I think of the damage our young Diego could do in that place...let's hope the Obama children have a little less of the farm-freedom that gives our chicken boy his pluck! Barack did mention they earned a puppy that will be accompanying them to the White House...I suppose if the kids don't trash Casablanca, the dog probably will. I guess there's hope for some hell-raising after all.

I am truly moved and amazed--each time I see an American flag waving in the wind, I honestly feel that it's finally flapping for me, at last.

Oh, I am so happy. I wish I could be among the revelers down in the city tonight. "Chicago fished from it's depths a text: Independent as a hog on ice." ---Carl Sandburg

Second City? You sure done good tonight.

Oprah? Well, she's from Chi-town, too. And this was the only picture I could steal from the internet without crashing my computer.