Proud to be American today

Not that I haven't been proud before! But to be honest, even after they called the race last night, I didn't really believe it. I still can't believe it, a little. And I'm so, so proud to have been part of such an incredible moment in American history.

There is so much we still need to do, though. President Obama — and that sounds so strange after being so sure it would be President McCain — was right in his speech last night. There is a lot of work needed to turn this country around, and he cannot do it alone. The Democrats cannot do it alone, either — there needs to be unity and cooperation between everyone in this country.

I truly think President Obama can get us there. And just like the election, I want to be involved.

But for all of my pride and elation over the presidential outcome, I am so disappointed in California right now. I cannot believe that we can call ourselves a democratic state if we refuse to give everyone equal rights. I have a lot of investment in marriage equality — if it weren't for cases like Loving v. Virginia, I would not be alive right now. And I cannot believe that my state, the state I have been so incredibly proud to be a resident of, would deny happiness to people.

It's not over yet. There are 18,000 marriages in this state that are now illegal, but the state constitution itself prohibits nullifying them. There's also the fact that, due to the Supreme Court decision, the amendment itself is illegal because homosexuality is a protected class like religion, race and disability.

I'm hopeful. I'm disappointed in California, but I am so hopeful that good will come out of this election. And I really want to be part of it.