Yes We Can!

We, the people, of the United States of America have spoken; loudly, clearly, and in greater numbers than ever before. Not in 100 years has a larger percentage of the U.S. population turned out to make their voice heard, and while those voices may not have spoken in perfect unison, the theme was clear: The old ways are not working, and we need change.

Last night, we did not only witness it; we were an integral part of history. A nation that has in recent years come to be almost synonymous with arrogance, ignorance, and intolerance, due in large part to the attitudes of our current leader, George W. Bush, rose above the bigotry that sullies our history and elected Barack Obama, a black man, a man who less than 150 years ago wouldn't even be allowed to vote, to the exalted office of President of the United States.

And we did it convincingly. Obama took over half of the popular vote and an overwhelming majority of the Electoral College vote, and he reached the crucial 270 mark before 10 p.m. (C.S.T.) When he stood behind the podium to deliver his acceptance speech, he did so with confidence tempered with humility, and no longer the unlikely candidate, Obama looked presidential.

Now I know some of you reading this didn't vote for Obama. Many fear that we have made a mistake. But the fact remains that we still live in a democracy, and the majority has spoken. If you feel that it is necessary, you can play the role of doomsayer, andyou can mourn the loss of America. That is your right under the Constitution. But it seems premature to prophesy catastrophe when the man has yet to even take the oath of office. It seems far better to me for everyone to simply wait and see. You may be pleasantly surprised.

As I write this, I feel it necessary to state that I do not dislike John McCain. I have long maintained that he is among the best that Washington has to offer, and he has given more for this country than most of us can ever imagine. For that, he deserves our respect, our gratitude, and our admiration. He has served with honor both as a military man and as a Senator, and will continue to play a major role in our political landscape. While I do not feel that he was the right choice for the Presidency, I do sincerely hope that he may serve in a bi-partisan advisory capacity in the Obama administration.

Speaking of the Obama administration, the election is over, but the true challenge has yet to begin. The President-Elect has already begun to address the economy, but he faces great challenges in the near future. He will inherit a crippled economy, a torn populace, two wars, and a host of other problems, both foreseen and unforeseen. He will be under close scrutiny due to the color of his skin, whether anyone wants to admit it or not. He has many naysayers and many more supporters who believe in him completely. It is up to him to prove the dissenters wrong and the belivers right. He has enormous potential to be one of the most influential presidents of our time. I hope that he can live up to that potential. An while I personally believe that he is more than up to the task, only time will tell.

Either way, Barack Obama WILL be our next president. The election is over, the votes have been counted, and the people have spoken. It is now up to us as citizens of the greatest country in the world to drop the partisan bickering and unite behind a new leader. We should remain ever vigilant and always question our leaders, but we should stand together as a nation of patriots no matter who is in the White House. Democracy and freedom may set us apart, but it is our people who make us great.

Until next time,

Clay