Dear Source:
Michelle Obama took a lot of heat for stating, during the primary election that "for the first time in my life I am proud of my country." Although we all know what she meant, it was still good fodder during both campaigns. On November 4, 2008, I too was proud and proud for many reasons. Let me first beginning by saying how especially proud I was of the poll workers Judge Beryl Farrington Inspectors Lauris Questel and Julia Meyers Incoming Clerks Delia Barrot and Pat Thomas Out going clerks Alecia Barnes and Myrna George and Monitors Dera Palerno and Derine Petty who stay and worked through the most uncomfortable conditions at the Sibilly School which was extremely hot on Election Day. These individuals surely could have walked off the site due to lack of extremely unacceptable working conditions; but they chose not to, the remained until the polls closed. While I would like to think that the reason they stayed was for me as the Chairman of the Board of Elections for the STT/STJ District, or for the Board itself; it was not. These dedicated individuals stayed because they believed, and believe, in the power of the voice – through a vote and our democratic system for having that voice heard and for that, I am most proud. Second, I would like to publically recognize the hard work of all the poll workers in the fourteen poll sites, the always loyal election system workers, and our Supervisor, Mr. Abramson and the election system who did a remarkable job. Without the hard work of each of these individuals, the precious rights, that we all so often take for granted, would have been much harder to exercise on Election Day.
Finally, I would also like to express the overwhelming sense of proud that showered me on Election Day; and that was the outcome of the presidential election in the U.S. My belief in how individuals vote was shattered as I watched and listened for what has now become the most historic presidential campaign in U.S. history. I was one of the many unbelievers. I was convinced that America was not ready to elect a person of color. In the early months of the primary, I did not think a female would stand a chance. Then in the general election I did not think a person of color would win. They proved me wrong, and proved me wrong in a big way, and once again I could not be more proud. America's success goes far beyond a new day in America. This historic vote has encircled the world like a furious uncontrolled fire. Touching and consuming everything and everyone. After years and years of believing but not seeing, the world changed. Collectively, as seemingly the whole world watched and held their breath, the whole world simultaneously witnessed, that we had in fact changed. Finally, and in what seemed like a single moment the page of the past had truly been turned. America's monumental step was our monumental step. Millions observed that anything is possible, and for any one – even for me, and even for you.
As the only elected Republican in the Territory, and seemingly, among only a hand few elected or re-elected in the States, I am sure it was not easy for many to push the button for me; so I want to thank every voter that once again placed their confidence in me to serve a third term for the citizens of the Territory that I love so much. Being the only elected Republican from the STT/STJ District is normal for me, but to be the only elected Republican in the Territory speaks volume and I am most humbled.
I wish President-Elect Obama every success as he enters office at one of the worst periods in America's history. His journey will be difficult, but this time I will not be one of the unbelievers, I will join the millions of those with renewed hope. As America's success is our success, and I could hope for nothing less than better days and times for one of the great loves of my life, the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Lawrence Boschulte
St. Thomas
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