Truly American and truly amazing

My host mom, Andrea, replied to an email I had sent to thank her for the birthday gift she sent and to tell her that I know she doesn’t agree with me politically but that I was extremely excited for America and the world because of Obama’s victory. Here’s what she had to say:

About Obama: I almost voted for him. He is a great speaker and I think he is good for America’s image in the world. Obama has the capability to unite the world. [...] But Obama scares me for the fact he has very little experience and he has no plans. He just sounds good dogging the last administration. [...] He has generated lots of excitement in this country and I think that is wonderful. I will support Obama and I hope he does great.

She obviously doesn’t agree with him and thus she doesn’t believe in him yet, she definitely doubts his capability to take on this gigantic job. But the fact that she as well as so many other Americans out there decide to swallow their disappointment and vow to give their new President-elect the benefit of the doubt, the willingness to be proven wrong, I admire that.

It takes a special person, a strong character and an open mind, to ignore that certain sense of defeat and look ahead instead. I applaud all of you out there who have decided to do so as well.