HOPE

November 4, 2008 became another historical day for us who live in USA. Everyone was united: Citizens who can vote, immigrants who can't vote, including myself and a friend of mine who designed this beautiful poster for Artists for Obama project. (To have a talented person like him around me is another reason I love living in NYC.)

It was beautiful and sensational that we won. But I was more emotional about the experience, something we never experience in Japan. The US government/politics is corrupted in some ways for sure. But when did we have Prime Minister that people find hope in? Or a candidate who raises $150 millions in a month—average contribution of under $86 per person?

We proved that change can happen and McCain lost. But I have to say McCain's speech after the defeat was very respectable. Speech is another thing Japanese politicians are bad at. The 5 candidates, including Asoh, had a group interview before the election. They all sounded confused, scared or uninspiring. Obama's speeches remind us of JFK—they say it's due to the fact one of his speech writers Adam Frankel worked under Theodore C. Sorensen, a famous speechwriter and advisor for JFK. All his 3 speechwriters are under 30 years old. Lots of his volunteers were also young people. His entire campaign was indeed an evidence of our hope for the future. And Obama gave hope for old people too. Like the story about 106 years old black lady and the story about Charles who won a lotto to meet Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW-6DpC-mj8).

It's going to be tough for Obama for sure. He over-promised many things and he raised expectations among us. Now it's our duty to continue supporting him and keep believing in him.