As a young person and first time voter, let me attempt to explain my feelings tonight

[Ava]

I'm 18. Much of my life has been during the disaster that was the Bush Administration. I've been politically "active" since I was 10 - during the 2000 election. I campaigned for Gore locally and read about the political process during that election. When I was 14 the 2004 election took place, and I was absolutely certain that Bush would be voted out. It didn't happen, and it was a kick to the stomach.

This time around I did as much as I could do for the Obama campaign. I'm a young person in Alabama, one of the most republican states in the country, and was limited in what I could do. I still campaigned locally, did a lot of online activism, created viral videos about the campaign, and encouraged my peers to register to vote and to vote for Obama. One election day I went into the booth for the first time and proudly voted for Obama. Then I went home and held my breath until the results came back. I was afraid of getting my hopes up, and it would be harder this time than it was in 2004. A few hours later the results game back, and my ability to have complete hope was restored. Election day really did mark the beginning of a new America, where the American promise isn't a false promise, and where people aren't afraid to have hope anymore.

Tomorrow I will watch the man who won my first vote take the oath of office, and I'll be watching complete hope for the future. I feel like I've taken my future back from the warmongers and hypocrites and I feel that change for the better is coming - starting tomorrow. I feel like I can be proud of my country. I feel hopeful. That one word really does sum up this campaign, tonight, and tomorrow - HOPE. Tomorrow morning I'll watch with pride as a man that I have hope in takes office. Finally, I have a President I can look up to.

[oldtime dfl_er]

1. I love you!

I mean...I'm a girl...so not in that way..but I DO love you!

[tabatha]

2. This election is for the most part about the youth

and the world they will be inheriting.

I am SO happy for everyone, but especially for youngsters like you.

[Kahuna]

7. I was thinking that tonight. This is their time. I'm so proud of them

I'm bursting with joy. They are so smart and so passionate.

[nxylas]

39. It's everybody's time

I don't want to take anything away from the youth, but Obama is everyone's president, young and old, black and white. He appeals across many different demographics, while the Republican party looks like it will continue to get older, whiter and more Christian (narrowly defined as right-wing Evangelicals and Fundamentalists).

[damonm]

52. You speak truth, but...

it was the energy and enthusiasm which the youngsters brought that boosted us all.

This was their moment to shine, and make a difference, and they came through with flying colors.

[Uzybone]

3. Great post

"Finally, we all have a President we can look up to"

[malaise]

4. Celebrate Ava

You earned this one.

[Gregorian]

5. Hope transcends age.

My first vote was for Jimmy Carter. But it felt like my first vote was for Nixon since I was so discouraged by how that race turned out. But my first real excitement was with the Clinton win.

The last few weeks I have noticed something phenomenal. Old people and their youthful excitement. Hope transcends age. I saw 90 year olds with a gleam and an excitement that I ordinarily associate with someone going to a dorm party. Totally cool.

And yet, this excitement is underlined by a bottled up resentment and repression of eight years. What a juxtaposition of emotions.

Congratulations! And thank you for being involved.

[Lifelong Protester]

27. I'm with you Gregorian

My first vote was for Jimmy Carter also. I am very energized by the youth movement in this country, but I do not want anyone to count the 'oldsters' (read: baby-boomers) out. I have read, I guess, one too many analysis of how the baby-boomers have practiced such toxic politics that we are to be discounted, as a group. I really don't think that is a fair analysis. So many of us have been on the front lines for YEARS so that there still would BE somthing to hope for. I marched for African American students to have their scholarships restored when they were the first to be cut due to budget problems at my college in the 70's. I marched for women's rights, even while we were warned that several credible threats had been received by the State Patrol. I marched with Native Americans during the rise of the AIM years. Hence my screen name here.

So I, an 'oldster' here, do not want to take away from anyone of the younger set. I just want them to know that we kept at the barricades for them until they could join us.

[Kahuna]

6. Bless your heart.

[proud patriot]

8. I'm so glad you are able to vote now

[Sebass1271]

9. Thank you so much for being involve in this process, and

thank you for trying to make a difference in your home state. I am sure that change will come to your state sooner rather than later. Our country needs young passionate people like you. Consider running at your district/local level. If you believe you can change people run for a local office. Remember Barack Obama has consistently said that Change comes from you. That one voice can change your district, State, Senate, Nation and the world.

Consider this please. You seem to be highly intelligent and articulate, much more than I am.

Bless your heart and your courage!.

[MadMaddie]

10. Ava if not for the young like yourself we might not been able to

pull the win.

Thanks for all of your hardwork!!

[Batgirl]

11. Thanks for all your efforts and years of committed opposition to the Bush regime nt

[Swamp Rat]

12. Ava!

[G_j]

13. thank you, it wouldn't have happened without you

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Power concedes nothing without demand. It never has and never wil"
A lie cannot live."
Frederick Douglas

[uppityperson]

14. Only twice before has the person I voted for won. It is very exciting to have this be the third time

Thank you for your work, thank everyone for their work, it has been a long hard time.

And congratulations on having your first Pres vote be for the one who won!

[Sebass1271]

17. Not too many Democrats win huh? Hillary reminded me of this

in her concession speech. She mentioned that in the last 40 years only three times has a Democratic president won. THREE TIMES!!.. Imagine what we could have accomplished if we would have won many other times.

[blm]

41. The GOP machine didn't buy control of most broadcast media in 80s and 90s so Dems could win WH.

Even when Dems won in 2000 and 2004, corporate media colluded with BushInc to assure they'd be in power.

[bigwillq]

15. Thank you, Ava!

Thank you for all you've done, and will continue to do.

[bleever]

16. What's that wonderful smell?

It's hope!

Let's call it the New World Odor!


Enjoy this Ava, write about it, and remember it for your children and grandchildren.

[Waiting For Everyman]

18. Hope is always worth it, huh?

You just never know when it'll pay off. Happy Inauguration Eve, Ava!!!

[Lisa0825]

19. Thanks for your hard work Ava!!!

Your videos inspired a lot of people to keep motivated. I hope someday I'll see YOU running for office!

[roguevalley]

20. And this is why America will get well again. Ava, hugs! I know how you feel.

[jimlup]

21. Congratulations and keep up the good fight!

With the help of all of us we have succeeded. We have our country back and young people like you to
inspire us to work hard to make it right!

[Stinky The Clown]

22. I wish you a long and happy life under Democratic presidents.

[Odin2005]

23. I first voted in 2004. I was a disappointed Deaniac then.

Obama took what Dean started and ran with it. He has created a new left-wing movement that transcends him and his own positions on the issues (something the Obama-bashers seem to forget), Obama said that himself, it's not about him, it's about us.

[tom_paine]

24. The future belongs to you. It sounds like you are making yours happen.

You are one of the true patriots upon whom the future of this country depends.

It's a lifelong fight. We just get to rest and party between rounds!

[lonestarnot]

25. K & R

[sofa king]

26. Dearest Ava,

Whatever else happens in your hopefully long and happy life, you'll be able to take this moment with you all that way. And, if you're lucky and we fix our healthcare, about this time next century you'll be able to tell other new adults about this, one of the proudest moments in our nation's history, a moment you helped to create.

Maybe you'll also be able to carry some baggage along the way. Like Pat Tillman and the sacrifices he made to serve our country, and how his murder was covered up and turned into a propaganda tool. Like Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, who had the balls to stare down a scumbag like Richard Nixon, but who let the Bush Administration slither so deep into his heart that he took his own life. Like the nameless, faceless, and homeless Americans held at gunpoint in the rising waters of New Orleans. Like the tens of thousands kidnapped, tortured and murdered by America from Morocco to the Philippines (yeah, you might not know about that one yet, but you will), and the further million killed by America when we visited the Four Horsemen upon Iraq for no good reason.

Like Dick Gregory, who just last night stood above the tomb of Robert E. Lee and told a crowd that we owe our nation's future to two people: to Bernard Lafayette, organizer of voting rights demonstrations in Selma, Alabama, who was beaten nearly to death (on the same night Medgar Evers was murdered) by Klansmen determined to prevent African Americans from voting; and to Prescott Bush, who funded the Nazis and built a power network which eventually produced a President who was so bad that Americans would line up to elect a black man.

And like me, who went to bed one night in November, 2000 as a happy young man with a job that I loved, and woke up today an uninsured middle-aged curmudgeon who can expect a raise when Congress finally resets the minimum wage.

Chances are you'll see so far into the future that the memories of the Bush Administration will pale in comparison to future Republicans (or whatever they'll be calling themselves tomorrow--they're almost due for a brand-name change). They'll do everything they can to pave the malevolent trail blazed by Bush and turn it into a highway, and you will spend the rest of your life fighting those people every step of the way, if you know what's good for you.

Never forget that the truth is the hardest thing to find on television, on the Internet, and in newspapers (and you'll have fun explaining what those were to the kids) and it will likely always be that way. Don't get tired of people lying to you, either, or you'll be tired all the time. This new guy may be our guy, but he'll still lie his ass off to you--and it's your job to figure out why he's lying to you.

I wish you didn't have to take over the reigns of an America that has been brought to the brink of total destruction in eight short years. I wish you didn't have to spend the rest of your life fixing the damage done. I hope you won't have to watch this gang of criminals die off slowly, wealthy and scot free. And, if I were a praying man, I'd pray for all of us--well, most of us, anyway.

And most of all, I thank you, for all that you have done and all that you shall achieve. May the stars shine upon you!

Love,

SK

[chill_wind]

28. Wow wow WOW!. A K&R for Ava and a kick right here for

a fantastic response. Just excellent!

[Naturyl]

32. Awesome post...

It's too bad this post can't have it's own K&R.

[OneBlueSky]

29. congratulations, Ava . . . you're one for one in your presidential choices! . . .

we all share your hope for the future and have faith and trust in our new president . . . sometimes history puts the right person in the right place at the right time, and I think that's what happened with the recent election . . .

we can only hope that our confidence in justified, and that our new president can forestall a major collapse long enough to do whatever is necessary to put the economy on a sound footing . . . and that the choices he makes are the right ones -- for the nation, and for the planet . . .

Barack Obama has the potential to be one of our greatest presidents . . . even at his worst, he will be a hundred times better than the creature he is replacing . . . and at his best, the sky is literally the limit . . .

[RushIsRot]

30. I spent election evening with you Ava. I was thrilled that our

candidate won. I expected him to do just that.

May we have eight years of COMPETENT leadership! It's about time!

Mudge

[Naturyl]

31. From a fellow Alabamian, thank you for your courage.

Finally, this country is ready to get back on the right track, despite the majority of voters in our state.

Yes we could and yes we did. Kudos and best wishes to you.

[fortyfeetunder]

33. Ava, you are too modest!

You have been a driving force in bringing the last eight years to the world's attention. Bask in the glory, young lady. You've done well!

[calimary]

34. Aw, congratulations, sweetie! Mighty proud of you!!!

My daughter, who's 19, cast her first vote, too. She was so proud. She was adamant about making sure her absentee ballot arrived here so I could drop it through the slot for her. She was really insistent. Apologized for being annoying and calling me so often about this. I said NO WORRIES!!!!! I was so glad to see this level of motivation and commitment in her. She said her whole college was that way. She said there was no way whatsoever that you could be around there every day and NOT vote. (And vote for Obama, of course.)



VERY proud of you! It's YOUR generation that helped lead the way. We couldn't have this day to savor and celebrate without the work, time, heart, soul, brains, guts, money, and commitment that you younger voters and first-time voters contributed. You were KEY to the victory that gave Obama the key to the White House!

[Missy Vixen]

35. Ava, the world will celebrate with you tomorrow

We're emerging from the darkest night into the sunshine after eight years. It feels pretty damn good, doesn't it?

I can hardly wait to see the crowds on the Mall, and watch Malia and Sasha Obama walking their parents home.

Julie

[Hissyspit]

36. Hi, Ava.

I'm in line at the Capitol for the swearing-in.

Cold, and legs hurt. I HOPE we get in soon. :-D

[NJmaverick]

37. YES WE CAN!

[Romulox]

38. I was young when Clinton was sworn in. You'll grow up a lot in the next few years

and you'll learn cynicism along the way, if you're paying attention.

[driver8]

40. Ava, you rock!

Thank you for all of your hard work -- I wish there were more people like you!

[Sirveri]

42. wow... I'm 28 now... ha. Time flies by.

I remember growing up during the 'dot com boom'. It must be like the differance between growing up during the roaring 20's and the great depression. I remember going out looking for work and finding it in less than a week, no college education and no real experience. I remember chimpy getting elected and the supreme court and all of that so much better than I remember desert storm.

[Mnemosyne]

43. Ava,

[Triana]

44. Ava you are remarkable and your own contribution was part of this historic time...

...you'll always remember this election. If you decide to run for President one day yourself - you'll have my vote. If you run for other public office and I am able to support you, I will.

[Greyhound]

45. You're off to a much better start than those of my age, I hope this is a portent

of things to come.

[graywarrior]

46. .

[Tsiyu]

47. You are an example to all of us Ava

We are blessed to have you a member of DU.

Thank you for sharing your feelings and congratulations for all your hard work.

Years ago, when Bellsouth wanted to tear down the Fox Theater in Atlanta, a bunch of us rowdy high schoolers got together with a bunch of culturally more refined ballet/theater grownups and somehow managed to save that grand building.

It was a lesson to me as a teen of what people could do when they put their minds to something. I was afraid those days were gone for our kids.

I am so glad you see the results of your efforts!

K&R

[Duppers]

48. Ava, you're an example to not only the young people of this nation

but to all of us.

My congratulations to your mom for raising one of the best, the finest of our citizens

[Usrename]

49. I sure wish I understood things so well at your age.

[Autonomy]

50. you're 18 already?

weren't you like 14 only last year??? damn time flies!

[damonm]

51. The biggest K&R I can give!

Ava, that was beautiful.

I'm 47, and this was the first campaign I ever got active in. You're not alone.

[AsahinaKimi]

53. Fantasic posting AVA

FOR THIS ..you get my special Kimi Cookie!!

[AsahinaKimi]

58. Ok someone ate the cookie..

Here is another..

[Lost-in-FL]

54. YES WE DID!!

Let's enjoy this moment at DU!!!

[BlueMomInSanDiego]

55. Thanks Ava & All Young Voters!

Yes we did!

[eppur_se_muova]

56. Congratulations, Ava! So glad your first vote wasn't stolen.

But watch out -- Alabama lost a good governor to Repug chicanery. Keep your hopes up, but keep your eyes and ears open too.

[stlsaxman]

57. THIS i will gladly K&R!!! Ava- you are incredible! Thanks for all your great works!

[kestrel91316]

59. We need a lot more young people like you, Ava. We oldsters

(you know, the ones who can remember where we were when Kennedy was shot) will need to have someone to pass the torch to someday.

[Moonwalk]

60. On behalf of the older generation....

Obama's generation, as a matter of fact, I'd like to apologize to you, Ava, for making you spend your teenage years watching George Bush destroy this country and it's constitution, both of which ought to have been held in sacred trust for you by such elected officials. I'm relieved that thanks to your efforts, we were able to finally restore both country and constitution into the hands of someone you can trust, and who most certainly has your future, and those of your some-day children in mind.

Please write again letting us know how the inauguration was for you. You deserved every minute of it. And deserve every good thing that comes out of it. Here's to you. Here's to the future.

[johan helge]

61. I like you, you're nice and wise! (nt)

[Booster]

62. Relish your very first vote that you cast with passion. There

will be very few times in your life when you will be passionate about a candidate. I turned 21 on the day John Kennedy was assasinated so was too young to vote for him. My very first passionate vote was also cast for Barack Obama. I was for a lot of other Democratic candidates, but not really passionate about them. I think you will do great things in your life as I have been following everything you've done - you're very special.

[Swagman]

63. you should feel proud-your vote (and efforts) made the difference

[sniffa]

64. Enjoy it

This is my 4th GE and my first time voting for the winner.

[MarianJack]

65. I'm very proud of you, Ava!

[MrBlueSky]

66. How I feel is somewhat similar

In December 2000, when the Supreme Court handed W the win, a wrench began in the pit of my belly.

It grew larger and tighter in 2001 after the Sept. 11th attacks... and even bigger and tighter after the Iraq war began and again after Hurricane Katrina, warrantless wiretapping, economic devastation, watching the deficit grow to huge proportions, etc. etc. etc.

The wrench in my stomach finally loosened a bit after the election last fall.

Today, I am happy to report that it is now very loose and shrinking.

Once Obama reverses all of the horrific things Bush did in office, I am confident that the wrench will finally go away.

May the Good LORD bless President Obama and us all.

[Kurovski]

67. K&R. I think this may be the first emotionally healthy president we've

had since Carter.

Thank you Ava, and especially to all the other young people who made this possible. It's only the beginning. remaining active is the only way to heal a damaged Democracy. (but I know you already knew that.)

[noiretextatique]

68. treasure this moment ava...you are lucky

i graduated from college just after ronald reagan was elected it's great that you will start your adult life with a competent and sane president.

[jwirr]

69. Ava, you are a woman to be proud of. With young people like you

to take care of this nation/world there will always be hope.

[Javaman]

70. Ava, you have been such a wonderful voice and inspiration here on DU low these past years.

thank you!! and what a wonderful first vote for you!!!

cheers!

[OhioBlue]

71. thank you Ava.

thank you for all you do. You are the future.