I Will Become an American
Jan. 21st, 2009 08:51 am![[personal profile]](http://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
simonbillennessAfter watching the swearing-in of President Obama, I was in tears.
This is not about my admiration for Barack Obama even though I remain steadfast in my belief in his potential to become one of America's most inspiring and most accomplished Presidents.
This is about my admiration for the American people. This reflects my deep respect for a country that can rise above its historical failures and elect a President like Barack Obama.
I emigrated from Britain in 1985. During a trip to Britain in 1988, I came to a stark realization that I felt more at home in America. That is the key reason why I have chosen to live in America for over 20 year.
Yesterday, I felt so proud of the American people that I now want to become one of them.
There was a moment yesterday when I realized this. I noticed that I did not tear up during President Obama's inaugural speech even though I found it eloquent and moving.
I started crying during the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner."
The next time I tear up to that anthem, I want it to be at my swearing-in as an American citizen.
(This is also posted on my blog "Pot of George" at http://simonbillenness.blogspot.com/)
This is not about my admiration for Barack Obama even though I remain steadfast in my belief in his potential to become one of America's most inspiring and most accomplished Presidents.
This is about my admiration for the American people. This reflects my deep respect for a country that can rise above its historical failures and elect a President like Barack Obama.
I emigrated from Britain in 1985. During a trip to Britain in 1988, I came to a stark realization that I felt more at home in America. That is the key reason why I have chosen to live in America for over 20 year.
Yesterday, I felt so proud of the American people that I now want to become one of them.
There was a moment yesterday when I realized this. I noticed that I did not tear up during President Obama's inaugural speech even though I found it eloquent and moving.
I started crying during the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner."
The next time I tear up to that anthem, I want it to be at my swearing-in as an American citizen.
(This is also posted on my blog "Pot of George" at http://simonbillenness.blogspot.com/)
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Date: 2009-01-21 02:12 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-21 04:24 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-21 10:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-01-21 11:01 pm (UTC)Obama's election just finally tipped the scale for me. As I said, Americans showed me in electing Obama just how much more progressive they have become. I would be honored to be included as an American.