vainglorious

The scars we bear are products of an intense history. Mistakes. The flaws we were born with and bred to perpetuate are ones we sometimes hold with pride. We fight within ourselves for answers and the perfect way. We grow and progress. We fall down and get back up again. We are not perfect. We are human, we are the United States. A union of elements that conflict and cannot find a way to reach consensus.

As I’ve inhabited this country and this body for 29 years, I see the growing pains. The ups and downs we go through as a people. The realizations we come to. The beauty we recognize in others. No evolving entity is without pitfalls, pratfalls and triumphs. Just make sure the highs last longer than the lows and we have ourselves a success.

The human elements of our country and my extended metaphor may be cheesy but today on a historic day after, I cannot help but feel the joy through the bruises of a hard won battle. Many times over the last 4 years, especially the last 2, I found myself dumbfounded. We’ve come so far. We have elected Obama, we have legalized gay marriage in a handful of states, women’s rights are trucking along. But no. Such progress, such growth must be stopped. The widespread cognitive dissonance was downright contagious. 

And certainly, we have flaws. There are issues. Many. No one expects perfection right away or ever. The steps we’ve taken in the progressive direction could mean we’re ready though. Ready to fight together and make our country truly great. 

The naysayers are not silenced, but we’ve gained confidence and I’m hopeful. All progress that is hard fought and ultimately hard won is definitely not easily kept and this is the most important lesson. One cannot sit on one’s laurels and expect all to be well. Forward?

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