Q-Notes readers reflect on the results of Nov. 4
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All I have to say, is thank God Obama is in office! It’s about time that this country has someone in office that is going to unite the people instead of divide them by race, religion and sexual orientation. I am excited to see what lies ahead for “our” country in the next 4 years. It’s going to be a bumpy ride but a ride we will sure enjoy and thrive as human beings and as a country as a whole.
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It felt as though for the first time in a long time that Americans were united as one again. But the part that really hit home was when they showed a live shot of the crowd that was gathering in front of the White House. It was so surreal to see people, not the pundits or politicians, but Americans of every race, creed, color and beyond joining together in front of the White House, right there on Pennsylvania Ave. That was when we knew that change, real change, was finally here. In all of the years that we’ve gone to the voting booth, it just didn’t seem like we were making a difference even though our vote was being cast for this person or that person but this time we went as soon as the early voting started in North Carolina because we wanted to make our voices heard. And after last night we finally felt like we had a voice that had been heard loud and clear from every corner of America and the World.
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I am absolutely thrilled that Barack Obama will be our next president! This country has taken a huge leap forward. Sadly Prop 8 and similar measures passed in their respective states. Our time will come. It may take a while but we MUST continue working towards our equality.
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First off, THANK GOD IT’S OVER!!! I have NEVER been so overcome by voter fatigue than this election season. Almost TWO YEARS of never ending political attack ads, mudslinging, back biting and anger! It’s as if it were a gay bar drama instead of a search for the next leaders of our country and state. My heartiest congratulations to Barak Obama, Kay Hagan and Bev Perdue! Who would have imagined a few short years ago there would be a woman governor in North Carolina or an African American president!?!? I have all confidence that, once the shock, outrage, or what-have-you has settled into our consciousness, we will all unite behind the new leadership of our great state and country. And, a personal note to Liddy Dole, click your heels three times and you’ll soon be back in Kansas.
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I find that I am truly living in a defining moment of history, for America has it’s first African-American President. I find it shocking that not everyone in the world has come to realize modern intelligence, and still result in discrimination to human beings that should be treated equal with the rest of the country. All men (and women) are created equal, but do we really hold these truths to be self-evident? Discrimination is still a huge factor in America, and it starts young. Hate is prominent around the world, and is pumped into the innocent children through their parents. I am very proud that we have an African American President, but I am very concerned for California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Florida. Those four states have passed some sort of anti-gay discriminatory bill into their legislation. Most of my hope remains still on our new president, who mentioned in his acceptance speech the word “gay.” which is groundbreaking.
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I just KNEW Obama was going to win! I haven’t felt this sure since Clinton! (Both times). But with such a landslide! I was GOB-SMACKED! Happier than I ever imagined, and I was actually crying! I was thrilled also to see that Elizabeth Dole lost to Kay Hagan! Especially after that stupid religious trick she tried with that Un Godly (no pun intended) commercial! So over the line! But I was so sad to see that Prop 8 passed in California. And to hear that it was backed mainly by religious groups in the African American, and Hispanic communities! Seems to me that those folks should know discrimination when they see it! I hope the over 7 thousand married couples affected by this sad, and pathetic piece of legislation will take it to the United States Supreme Court this time! This could be a jumping off place for marriage equality for all of Americans! Maybe even for we Gay Folk in (regretfully) BRIGHT RED Republican South Carolina! Hey, after Tuesday, I can believe in almost EVERYTHING! Well everything except Big Foot. My hopes for and faith in this country are suddenly BOUNDLESS!
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I was — and I guess still am — concerned about President-elect Obama’s having traveled to the “Embrace the Change” anti-Gay meeting and about his promising to expand President Bush’s Faith-based Initiative. Over all, however, I think that our chances for the future are much, much brighter under President Obama than they have been under President Bush.
[Ed. Note — This opinion feature replaced Matt Comer’s regular “Editor’s Note” opinion column.]