Congragulations Barack Obama

It's freaking amazing, and I never thought that it would really happen in our country, but we have elected our first Black President. Congragulations Barack Obama! I was glued to the television set, flipping channels trying to get as many reactions as possible. I didn't break down and cry, but I did mist up a bit... Cameras cut to show the Rev Jesse Jackson and Opera Winfrey in the crowd emotionally reacting to his speech, and it was the culmination of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech as well. We give a lot of talk in this country about equal opportunity, but rarely do we walk the walk, and, in the words of someone before me, for the first time in my life I am truly proud to be an American.

Not only have we elected a President for ourselves, but we have brought a symbol of hope to the rest of the world. So many of the leaders in areas of conflict are hoping that Barack Obama and his new administration will lead them to a peaceful resolution, and many whom we consider enemies wish for reconciliation. This is a rare moment that I hope will be taken advantage of, one that Vladimer Putin should be paying attention to instead of braying his current sword-rattling bluster.

John McCain gave one of his best speeches, he was very gracious and generous in defeat. He earned a lot of respect for this, and it was universally noted. The only sour note happened when McCain mentioned Obama's name and there was some booing from the crowd, and John let it happen. In contrast, during Obama's speech in Chicago when he mentioned McCain's name, there was cheering. It showed the contrast in the moods and mindsets of the two supporting crowds.

As for Sarah Palin, she had already been angling for her next strategic move. In Alaska, she had called on Senator Ted Stevens to step down. Even if he should win re-election, which won't be known for a few days yet, he should step down so Alaskans can hold a special election to determine who, oh who would be a proper candidate to replace him...

So, next time you are in Coronado, California, and there is this blustery old man at the bar telling preposterous stories, don't be belligerent and call him on his bs, rather sit down and listen to those old war tales. Buy him a drink and together, you two can shed a tear over a Republican Paradise Lost.