History

Barack Obama did it. His supporters did it. We all did it.

So happy.

I'm crying again, for the fourth time in the past 24 hours. Cried last night, with the anticipation of how today might be, and for what today would mean. Cried this morning, when driving Daughter to school and reminding her to never forget this day. Cried in the voting booth, when I saw an African-American name at the top of my ballot. And finally, I cried tonight, when the announcement came and I finally allowed myself to believe that this was really happening.

For the first time in a long time, I am incredibly proud to be an American. After the celebration passes, let the test begin.

I believe in this man.

I feel deep hope.

Hope springs eternal.

And may hope continue to grow.

Honest asshole.

Speaking of immigration, I was talking to a friend recently about American policies on work permits. Basically, my take is that anyone who wants to come here and try to work should be allowed to. Sign the papers, register with a picture, pay your taxes and come take your chance. Isn't that what America is supposed to be all about?

Friend: "Yeah, I agree. My main concern with illegal immigration is terrorism issues."

Lex: "That one is easy: if you have a turban on your head, you're getting the shit searched out of you."

Friend: Laughing. "Oh my God Lex, that's so un-P.C.!"

Lex: "I don't give a flying. I mean, sure, it sucks, but how many of the terrorists were Muslim?"

Friend: "Well, what about the extreme? Like kicking all Muslims out of your country? Isn't that what China did?"

Lex: Crap, is it? I should know this... "Yeah, that's a bit extreme, but giving up a bit of extra time at an airport or border isn't that much of a sacrifice, and searching all the Middle Eastern people just seems like good resource allocation. Randomly search everyone else and mandatorily search all terrorist look-a-likes. Sensible racial profiling. Like I said, they were all Muslim."

Friend: "What about the Australian terrorist?"

Lex: Never heard of the Australian terrorist. Feeling a bit dumb, but prepared to play it off. "Yeah, that guy and the American Taliban from Marin County. So, o.k., I'll evolve my thoughts here. You get mandatorily searched if you're 1) Muslim, 2)Australian, or 3) from Marin County. There's the answer."

Lex & Friend: Giggle.

I don't care if I sound racist, or insensitive, whatever. If you've got a burka, speak "fla-la-la-la-la", or carry a Koran, take one for the team and quit bitching. Black people had to deal for 200 years, and still do. No pity.

The What-If Game

Sadie posted an interesting bit about an ethical dilemna regarding immigration issues. I'm interested what other people think. So, if I have any readers, take a gander and leave your thoughts on the matter.