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iSpeak: New President Elect Barack Obama
My initial feelings were of elation and relief all rolled up into one. Our country’s future was in real danger of losing its way in terms of democracy and freedom--from the Supreme Court being stacked against a woman’s right to choice and workers’ rights to rolling back habeas corpus. I see the great appreciation for the weekend warriors that travelled to the battleground states. There is one area in the state of New York that occasionally is overlooked. I think it too can be looked at as a "battleground region" that 1199ers were also successful in “Baracking” the vote. That is The North Country of New York which consists of Plattsburgh, Malone, Watertown, Canton, Potsdam and other smaller villages close to the Canadian border and even closer to 30 below zero during the winter season! Our North Country electorate is just about split right down the middle on registered Republicans and Democrats and winning for Democrats up here is a tough road and we still did win for Barack by approximately gaining 56 percent of the vote for Barack. So as we recognize the great brothers and sisters downstate in their efforts, let’s keep in mind the fight also waged in the North Country for those same working family gains against very difficult odds as well, 1199SEIU resides in the North Country as well and we all are the better for it! A tip of the hat to my bros and sisters of the Northernmost reaches of New York State for a job well done! Barack the vote!!!
Patrick Sullivan
Computer Technician
CVPH Medical Center
Plattsburgh, NY
| A great decision! Republicans were not doing too much.
Olga Jaquez
Nutritionist
Boriken Clinic
NYC
| I have been on Cloud Nine since returning from New Hampshire on Election Day to the 1199SEIU Boston office to see the first results come in. I entered the conference room with the big screen on to cheers from all of the volunteers who had been out all day in various areas of New Hampshire turning that old Red state unto a beautiful Blue State. When I returned to work, I was still unable to take the smile from my face, as my co-workers came to me and are still coming to me two weeks later, thanking me for taking the time out of my life to work on getting us a president that they did not have time to work in getting elected themselves.
I have to thank my parents who passed away 10 and 8 years ago, as I truly believe they would be elated in what has occurred for the first time in history. It was my parents who started me door knocking at an early age, starting with Eugene McCarty, on to George McGovern, and the many more since that time. I am truly happy that not only have I lived to see this day, but also my son will be a part of the new generation to perhaps have a new kind of future to look forward to as a generation X’r.
Denise Clark
Purchaser
Lynn Community Health Center
Lynn, MA
| I felt a sense of euphoria. It was such a good feeling that I cannot really explain it. During the election, I supported the campaign by donations. I sent emails out to everyone. I was never ever involved in any other election before now.
Bernett Reid
Laboratory tech
Kings County Hospital
Brooklyn, NY
| I felt very happy to know that Barack Obama is going to be the 44th president of the USA. This is going into the history books. I thank God that I lived to see this. He happens to be the next JFK. May the good Lord bless and guide him and his wife and his two daughters these next four years in the White House.
Maria Martinez
Home attendant
Sunnyside
Corona, NY
| I think it can be the greatest thing that has happened to this country.
Joseph Sims
Home health worker
Niagara Falls, NY
| If we adults continue to do and have the attitudes we did as youths, we would be labeled as immature. America has matured. I have watched and continue to watch various news reports and the rest of the world applauds America’s choice for Commander in Chief. When we say we are leaders and a very strong people, we have now put forth our message as one people for all of the world to witness. Americans choosing an African American was tough for the dominant population, but along with many other proud, wise Americans we came together as on nation, under God, indivisible, and did what in my belief was the very best thing to do.
My pride in my fellow countrymen is so overwhelming. We are the greatest country in the world and our citizens can once again take great pride in standing together and doing what’s right and just for our country. Other nations can take note at how a country can overcome what we need to for the greater good of all mankind. This election makes it clear to all that we are not just about rhetoric but we our quite sincere in our desire for all mankind.
Josetta Chatmon
RN
Niagara Falls MMC
Niagara Falls, NY
| My coworker called me and I switched my television on. I cried for joy. I am still crying for the unity that Barack has brought out among all nationalities and races. He has broken the racial barrier and, as a nation, God has bought us all through. And if it were not for other races, e.g. whites, we alone would not have made it. Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we (as a nation) are free at last. Not of our will, but by the will of God. To God be the Glory.
Verona Joseph
Columbia Presbyterian Hospital
NYC
| I think that President Obama has raised hopes for all of us. His election is an historic milestone for our country and for each and every one of us. That said, his ability to stay focused on what labor and working people need will be directly determined by how much pressure we put on him and the Democrats. Anyone who believes that passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, national healthcare, an end to the War in Iraq or rapid movement to save our planet through "green" initiatives will occur simply because Obama is president will be sorely disappointed. He absolutely needs the grassroots movement that elected him to grow in intensity and focus for these things to have any hope of being a reality.
Coert Bonthius
Assistant director
1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund
Syracuse, NY
| I cry with joy and sadness. My joy was for our country that we reached our victory and that we are able to move forward, for all our friends and family that are in need of health ins, and in need of jobs. My sadness came when Obama lost his grandma. That brought many tears to my heart and soul, because she was not able to be here to see her grandson become our next president. Her sprits were with all of us. My deepest regrets to the family of our President-elect Obama. Thank you again for allowing me to be part of this history. Looking forward to be a part of employee freedom of choice. God bless us all.
Adelaida Montalvo
Lutheran Medical Center
Brooklyn
| I was so emotional, knowing that I went to Pennsylvania with everyone else. Hooray! Hooray! LOL! Very very happy! And thanking God for the change. I hope that healthcare, education, immigration and jobs will be better in the near future.
Bethynia Black
CNA
Laconia Nursing Home
The Bronx
| I thought this would never happen in my lifetime. Although his hands will be partially tied because of inheriting so many problems, I do believe the word wil be a better place with President Obama. I do believe he is sincere in his endeavors.
Peter Ellis
CT/X-ray tech
Mary Immaculate Hospital
Jamaica, NY
| I was in Columbus, Ohio as an 1199 “blue team” member. When I first heard of Obama winning the election, I thought of my ancestors who paved the way for me and I cried with pride and said thank you for all your sacrifices. Because let’s not forget that, without them, this would not be possible.
Garfield Cossey
CNA
Port Jefferson Health Care Facility
Port Jefferson, NY
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