OBAMA WINS!! Game Changer!!

I will keep my political opinions to myself. But whatever your feelings about Obama this is a monumental election and a complete game changer. Most of you have not lived during the days when this country was not open to the "other" and many were infused with fear and hatred toward black people and anyone else who didn't look like them.

This election, and McCain's concession speech, tells us a lot about this country and its unique place on this earth. We are, in fact, the "Shining City on the Hill" that is a beacon to people around the world, which will never be the same from this day forward.

Whether he becomes a good or bad President, this represents a hurdle that had to be jumped and a sea change in the way people inside and outside of this country will view the United States of America.

I may not agree with all of his positions and policies throughout his presidency, as decision maker you must make some tough choices. But I cannot say that this election doesn't bring a tear to my eye. And I am very, very, proud of our direction.

There is so much work to be done. Last night was a great victory. Now the real work begins and we all must do our part.

Do you believe?

(I've decided to share)

For the political buffs: It took 30 years, but the country finally chose intelligence over ignorance. the Republican party since 1980 has made a virtue of ignorance and demonized anyone who actually had a brain. Palin ended up being the perfect poster child for that view of the world.

The Republicans have left us a country in dire straits: follish wars that sap our energy and treasury and make us weaker; a disparity in wealth so great that it makes the overall economey weaker not stronger; an unbridled and unregulated economic system that allows the worst instincts of its participants to dominate; and a social environment that feeds on hate and in fact promotes hate.

Obama has been left with a mess. It will be difficult to turn this ship around. But he is intelligent, thoughtful, wise and compassionate. Unlike Bush, he will not try to rub the Republican's nose in it. Instead he will try and get their buy-in and consensus in order to move this country in a positive direction. No more "gut instinct" decisions that the country has to live with for years on years.

Obama took the high road in this election while McCain fatefully chose the gutter and he was rewarded for it. McCain was gracious last night in defeat, and let us all hope that is the temperment of the Republican party going forward.