A Voter's Epiphany. LTTE

[cyndensco]

My sister called and read a LTTE that appeared in her local newspaper, Times Herald-Record, Hudson Valley Area, NY. It is a beautiful sentiment and I pray others like Mr. Bischof follow suit. The times might be a-changing!

It was five days since the election and I was still bummed that my candidate didn't get in, and apprehensive about my country's future under Obama's hand. Perhaps having a father who was a B-29 tail gunner in World War II had something to do with my desire to see John McCain at the helm of a country at war. I don't know.

Anyway, I carried my 50-year-old, apprehensive self to New Paltz today with my wife and daughter. The college town is a wonderful place to relax, and I looked around at all the young people there and figured it was likely an Obama stronghold, too.

As we sat in a neat eatery with our burgers, the old Bruce Hornsby song "The Way It Is" came over the sound system. Bruce's timeless lyrics filled the room — "Hey little boy you can't go where the others go/Cause you don't look like they do/Hey old man how can you stand to think that way?"

My eyes misted over and I stopped eating.

"That's just the way it is ..."

I pondered the era that inspired that line, and thought "Is it?" I realized I wasn't the only one crying, as I finally shed the same tears Oprah, Jesse Jackson and Bruce himself likely shed on Election Night. At that moment, we were all standing side by side, hand in hand, misty-eyed in the Winds of Change.

I went back to my burger and wondered, maybe John and my father did their jobs. Maybe now it's time for Barack to make us proud of him and the country we so dearly love, where everyone can "go where the others go" and see beyond.

Maybe that's at last the way it is.

Mark Bischof
Goshen

http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081114/OPINION/811140342/-1/OPINION03

[always_saturday]

1. That is a great connection. I've always loved that song.

[cyndensco]

3. It really was a great song.

I never really listened to the lyrics until today and recognize now how truly moving a song it is.

[Miss Chybil]

2. Great letter. nt

[TNMOM]

4. Now, THAT is a great letter. I hope there are others like the writer.