the post-election wrap up

Well, I said something about this in my last post about the blog award, but just felt like it wasn't enough. No words, truthfully, would be enough to really do justice to how it feels to have won this election.

Does that sound weird? Are you thinking "does she really think SHE won it?" Well, as a matter of fact, I do. But not just me. All of us, all Americans. I am fully aware that several million people disagree with me right now, and might never be convinced, but that's ok because the freedom to dissent is part of what the Founders wanted and part of what makes America great.

Nevertheless, I'm convinced and I know in my heart that our country was the true winner on Tuesday. With Barack Obama as our next President, I feel hopeful about the country's future again. We can regain our standing and respect in the world, and begin to bring the troops home from Iraq, finally. We can show respect and consideration for the rights of all, not just a few. I will be able to watch video of our President in public appearances without cringing in embarrassment; thank God for someone who can complete a coherent sentence and will speak respectfully, intelligently, and without the ever-present smirk and condescension.

Diversity will not be a bad word, or just a catchword, but a reality! And yet, having said that.....I believe that my family and I have infinitely more in common with the Obamas than with the Bushes, despite the differences in skin color. Maybe we can actually not just embrace diversity, but some kind of "post-diversity", because the more we learn about so-called "diverse" people, the more we often find that we are alike, not different.

So, let's send Mrs. Palin back where she came from, and hope she won't be heard from again anytime soon. She needs some time to find a publication or two she wants to read, after all. As for John McCain...I just shake my head at the thought of what could have been. I admired you, even thought I could support you as a candidate, once upon a time in 2000. But you sold your soul, sacrificed your own standards of acceptable campaign behavior, all for the chance to be President. And where did it get you? Nowhere except back to the Senate. Don't you feel dirty now, after the tactics you used and allowed your people to use? What a shame....you used to stand for something, and now you stand for nothing but yourself.

But let's end on a high note, shall we? The moment, at 11 pm EST on Tuesday night, when the networks called it and proclaimed that Barack Obama would in fact be the next President.....I get chills thinking of it. It was like a comforting wave washing over me as I heard the words, and I just sat mesmerized in front of the TV, drinking it all in. After the seemingly endless nightmare of the last 8 years, it's still hard to believe it's about to end. Congratulations, Mr. President-elect. A music teacher and her family from South Carolina are immensely proud of you, and are beaming inside with a bright blue light in the crowded sea of red around us. Thank you for all you have done, and for what you will do, and may God protect you, your family, and our country.