Do You Hear the People Sing?

“Do you hear the people sing, singing a song of angry men?

It is the music of a people who will not be slaves again.

When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drums,

There is a life about to start when tomorrow comes!”

 

For a few weeks now, I have had the songs from Les Miz running through my head at all hours of the day and night. Some nights they keep me awake. I find myself singing silently as I struggle to sleep. Well, I can’t purge the music; nor do I want to. I spent Tuesday night in Grant Park, Chicago, with a quarter million others and I felt that we were a revolution of sorts. A peaceful revolution. A convergence of disparate souls with a common goal. Reaching, reaching, reaching for two years now…on the campaign trail…in our homes…at schools…at work…on the streets of our cities…we and the millions and millions of other Obama supporters around the globe who are finished with traditional American government. 

photo: Ken Solomon

And now, finally, thankfully, we can move on to reformation and renaissance. It was a balmy sixty-plus degrees that evening. Quite warm for a November night in the windy city. A sign? Perhaps. I believe so. Call me crazy, I don’t care!

 I've been on the Obama bandwagon for nearly two years. I volunteered as a precinct captain in L.A. after meeting the Senator at an event at a friend’s house. His election is the culmination of a lot of hard work…on phones, going door-to-door, raising money, co-hosting events, convincing Hillary supporters to come aboard, and mostly a lot of emotion…which all poured out on Tuesday night…five…four…three…two…one…CNN calls it for Obama! A mass of tears and cheering and hugs and flag-waving and furiously Blackberrying friends and family all over the globe…my sister, a CNN camerawoman, at Bagram AFB in Afghanistan, my friends back in L.A., my girlfriend in Paris…we were all swept up in the moment and when Barack took the stage and gave his first address as President-elect…the elation of the crowd was palpable and I know he saw it…he got it…he understood.

Comments

[Elizabeth T.]

For the first time in months, despite the economy, I feel light on my feet. I feel good about America and about being an American. People like you Margot made this happen. My sincere thanks.

[robyn durst]

I felt good too about Obama's win - but I must say his first public cabinet position is making me a bit uneasy. The first word that people describe the Emmanuel guy as is "brash." He's apparently like his brother, the uber agent Ari Emmanuel, the "inspiration" for the agent character Jeremy PIven plays on Entourage. It must run in the family - the hideous way they treat people. How can it be good to have that guy as chief of staff?

[Margot]

Thanks, Elizabeth! I feel like I am living a dream! And to Robyn, the reason Obama likes Rahm is because he is good at weeding throught the BS and getting at what is important enough to get to Obama's desk. htey know each other well and that is important. I don't think he is anything like Ari...do you know them?

[robyn durst]

No I do not know them personally - but I know several people who do know them (Ari and wife). I remember seeing them in a restaurant once - Ari was on the phone the entire time and his wife just sat all by herself eating her dinner. It was pathetic. I would have walked out - but then again - I would never have married the egotistical maniac. Anyways, back to the Congressman's appointment. I just know there are so many people waiting for the Obama admin. to screw up - and I just don't want to give them their bait with this first move. First moves are important - they set the one. I guess I'll just have to wait and see (and cross my fingers).

[francine martinez]

Here is my issue with the Obama win - what is the Jon Stewart show going to be like? Jon did a little imitation of Obama last night and it wasn't all that funny. Perhaps this Emanuel guy will provide some comic material????

[Margot]

It's doubtful that there will be much comic material at all...this administration will be straight-shooting. That's my guess, anyway. BUT I CAN tell you that Barack DOES have a sense of humor! Thanks to you all for your comments and reading my posts.