tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post7884492188991004064..comments2024-03-23T12:05:23.537-05:00Comments on The Wild Reed: "Change Has Come to America"Michael J. Baylyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03087458490602152648noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-9891436427960147852008-11-07T11:45:00.000-06:002008-11-07T11:45:00.000-06:00Hi Mr Bayly,My name is Louise and I am a student f...Hi Mr Bayly,<BR/><BR/>My name is Louise and I am a student from Sydney who, to be honest, found your email after a random blog search. I know that doesn't sound promising, but I had this overwhelming urge to communicate with an American, to share my heartfelt congratulations for your nation and how proud I and millions of others throughout the world) are of the great achievement your nation has made in electing Obama president. I believe there is now so much hope for a brighter future, and I am overwhelmed with affection for your nation.<BR/><BR/>However, after reading your blog i see that you are from Australia too, although I only intended to email an American (I was going to phone random Americans to thank them but I didn't know how and anyway that would probably be inappropriate). And I appreciate that you are working for such a just cause (especially since I am from a Catholic background).<BR/><BR/>Basically, i just want to express my sincere gratitude to you, on behalf of your nation since I don't really know any Americans but I feel so proud of you all, so grateful, so wonderfully happy about the decision your country has made. I hope I managed to convey my sincere gratitude and have not alarmed you with this email from a complete stranger.<BR/><BR/>Love and best wishes,<BR/><BR/>LouiseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-91283954127954128582008-11-06T00:46:00.000-06:002008-11-06T00:46:00.000-06:00These are great Michael. I only wish Charlie and I...These are great Michael. I only wish Charlie and I had been there.<BR/> <BR/>I feel so good, so affirmed and so safe!<BR/> <BR/>I know "our guy" has tough times ahead, but if anyone can get us through them, it will be this cool, non-angry, charismatic, African American that a huge majority of Americans has picked to be its leader!<BR/> <BR/>Being from a swing state, we spent long hours at the Obama headquarters, working side by side with some of the most fresh-faced, dedicated, passionate campaign workers since the '60s.<BR/> <BR/>BTW, his true path to the White House all began just blocks away from us in Denver, in late August - and we were there! That's second only to being in Grant Park last night!<BR/> <BR/>With huge excitement, hope, and gratitude for the changing of the tide,<BR/><BR/>MariaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-64206104273666597592008-11-05T15:47:00.000-06:002008-11-05T15:47:00.000-06:00Thanks for the photos 'n all, Michael. What an exc...Thanks for the photos 'n all, Michael. <BR/><BR/>What an exciting time to be in the country. Did anyone really believe the old white guy had a chance?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-83199306365329751042008-11-05T15:39:00.000-06:002008-11-05T15:39:00.000-06:00True, but not even this disappointing (and, from m...True, but not even this disappointing (and, from my perspective, ultimately minor) setback for civil rights can dampen my spirits today.<BR/><BR/>Of course, deep down I know that the passing of Proposition 8 is, in the words of <A HREF="http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20081103_to_this_minister_prop_8_is_repugnant/" REL="nofollow">Rev. Madison Shockley</A>, “a devastatingly painful affirmation of our culture’s capacity to inflict intentional harm on millions of persons whose only crime is a desire to live and love honestly.”<BR/><BR/>Also, while I’m certainly not the greatest fan of Andrew Sullivan, I nevertheless appreciate and find hope in this recent comment of his: <BR/><BR/><EM>We must never let popular votes affect our own internal sense of our worth, our equality, our dignity as human beings. Our marriages are real; all that is at issue is whether a majority will recognize them in law. The next generation already does. We shall overcome.</EM><BR/><BR/>For some other insightful perspectives on this issue, click <A HREF="http://thanksgivinginallthings.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-i-have-learned-in-these-eight.html" REL="nofollow">here</A> and <A HREF="http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/11/05/5915" REL="nofollow">here</A>.<BR/><BR/>Peace,<BR/><BR/>MichaelMichael J. Baylyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03087458490602152648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27612445.post-81184073565504561122008-11-05T13:19:00.000-06:002008-11-05T13:19:00.000-06:00Certainly an historic moment.In other election new...Certainly an historic moment.<BR/><BR/>In other election news: <A HREF="http://protectmarriage.com/article/statement-on-proposition-8-passing-by-ron-prentice-chairman-of-protectmarriage-com-yes-on-8" REL="nofollow">in California, Prop 8 passed</A>.CDEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01442791960391683444noreply@blogger.com