Everything is Different/Everything is the same

Wednesday, Nov 5:
The young man behind the counter at the tool store had a different complexion from mine. I wanted to say to him, "Isn't it wonderful!?" But I didn't. In a very businesslike and polite way, he served me, rang up my purchase and we were on our ways. Nothing is different. He still has to show up for work -- on time, etc. I still have to do the same. We have business to conduct and lives to live.

Yet from 11/5/08, everything is different. Nothing will ever be the same. People around the world are clamoring for Barack Obama to change this, change that. We are giddy with victory, and everything is different.

He will surely disappoint us. He is not the Messiah. He's said so repeatedly: this is not about HIM, it's about US. Not Yes HE can. It's YES WE CAN. And YES WE DID.

And he will surely disappoint THEM: neither is he the antichrist. Few of the dire predictions will come true -- except we will be more tolerant and inclusive to those unlike "us," and more respectful of our mother, the earth.

We are still racist, homophobic, spoiled rotten, wasteful of resources, self-indulgent, lazy. He cannot save us from ourselves. It's about US. Yes, we can. And yes, we'll have to.

When the eager student asked the wise master, "What did you do before you became enlightened?" he replied, "Chop wood, carry water." When the student then questioned, "What did you do after your enlightenment?" the master said, "Chop wood, carry water."

Everything is different now. Everything is the same.

Amen. Aho! Ashe, ashe!

Peace, Warren