Kenmore Undressed

Reflections of a Blogger and Realtor on Election Week

We elected a new President on Tuesday. It sounds so simple, yet, it’s the single most important right we have in America. This week brought about a huge shift in our awareness as a nation and as a people. Unless you’re a dead stone, it’s impossible to ignore the renewed sense of connection with our culture and politics. For the first time in many years a sense of hope pushed aside the angst and uncertainty that has permeated our society in the midst of war, financial collapse and indifference. And yet, you and I both know that we face huge challenges in the coming years.

My industry, which is at the heart of the financial crisis, has suffered greatly this last year. Many of my colleagues have left the real estate business. Several have had to file for bankruptcy. There’s been a lot of hurt. Property values have eroded and many families are living with a sense of anxiety that they could loose their homes. This is the dark side of our current events. My most sincere hope is that the new leadership of this great country has the courage and resilience to bring us together to accomplish extraordinary things.

And one final thought: During my recent trip to Italy, my cousins were very curious about our election in the US. “Who are you going to vote for?” “Do you think a black man can win the election?” They seemed more interested in our election than many Americans I know.  Then one night, after a particularly delicious meal, we had a little debate over the candidates. Some felt that John McCain was a good man but that he represented the current administration (they are not fond of Mr. Bush). Others hoped that Barak Obama would win. Then one of my relatives said  if Barak Obama became President, it would mean so much to Italians. It would mean that the American dream is true. It would mean that all the struggles over race were worth it. It would mean that American was truly unique. Frankly, I wondered why they would care so much. I mean, how many Americans really follow Italian or Eurpoean politics? Here’s the point: WHAT WE DO HERE, IN AMERICA, IS IMPORTANT. IT MATTERS. We are looked-upon as a great nation. Our trajectory affects the world. Our example inspires and, sometimes, angers the rest of the world. This week made me reflect deeply about who we are and I have to say that I’m proud that we rejected the cynicism, avarice and narcissism that has gripped our leaders for so long now. America is about renewal, it’s about re-invention and, most of all, it’s about creating a better future. Let’s be the change we hope for. Let’s live it. Let’s make it happen. YES WE CAN!

Founding Fathers Pic by INeedCoffee    Lighthouse pic by RebelBlueAngle  Barak pic by blvsboy