Change Has Come to America!

Sen. Barack Obama is the President Elect and will become the 44th President of the United States of American on January 20, 2009. At around 8:30pm, with the polls showing around a 2 to 1 lead in favor of Sen. Obama, Sen. John McCain gave his concession speech in Arizona. At 11:50 am, the electoral college stats are Obama-349 and McCain-163 for electoral votes and Obama 52% and McCain 46% for popular votes. Either candidate needed 270 electoral votes for the win.

It has been said that this election was a passing of the torch to a younger post-Vietnam generation. It will put an end to old party politics and forge a new course. I believe this notion was evident in the two differing approaches to running a campaign. The emphasis in the Obama camp on computer technology (use of social networking sites, Twitter, and constant emails with donation calls to action) and the appointment of outside technology experts to help facilitate this part of the campaign, speaks to the new approach Obama is expected to take as President.

Abroad his win means more diplomacy. Caucasian people are the world's minority. Americans consider ourselves a "melting pot" but this will be the first time to show the world that we are not only representative but relatable. Internationals will see that the American people rejected the government that created so many problems and be aware that we are trying to steer our ship back to shore safely. Obama will make people abroad more confident that our ideals are unifying and reflective of a world perspective. They will know that we are breaking away from the America plagued by racism, sexism, and oppression and venturing toward a brighter future.

President Elect Obama is an example of the American dream. His story could not unfold like this in any country other than America. Born to an 18-year-old mother and raised in a one parent home and by his grandparents, he did not have an ideal start in life. By God's grace he was given educational opportunities and loads of love and found a home in the ivy league. Despite life's setbacks, despite his skin color, he did it. Obama was/is the dream candidate-the I Have a Dream Candidate even. He ran at the right time, as the right person, on the right platform, and with right attitude.

By winning, Obama transferred hope to millions of Americans tonight by creating a new opportunity for those of a different race, gender, sexual orientation to overcome the obstacles set in their path and achieve amazing things. There is no limit to what any American can achieve.

The importance of this win equals a huge stride toward healing old wounds and healing the racial divide in our nation. Let me be clear though, this win does not indicate that racism is dead or non-existent. Racism still occurs. We must do our part to help bridge the gap and come together as Americans.

Perspective: Only 44 years ago, the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. It was a time when black citizens were barred from schools, beaten, harassed and imprisoned for exercising their American rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. As someone said, in 40 years we have we have made large strides. For the first time ever, we will have a black president standing on the steps of the White House, steps that slaves built, and be representative of all Americans.

Today was also historic due to a record breaking voter turnout. 82% of Americans who were registered to vote actually voted today, which is the largest percentage of voter participation since the election of 1908. Major kudos for those that voted today. Please continue to participate actively in the future.

It was the first presidential election since Jimmy Carter won in the 1976 that a Democrat won over 50% of the popular vote.

It was the first presidential election since 1964 that a Democrat won Virginia.

The House and Senate are leaning Democratic. (D-248, R-168 in House. D-56, R-40 in the Senate. )

My reaction...

The moment I heard McCain's speech I was reminded that he is a strong American patriot and has done a huge service to his country. I was humbled by his kind and generous words for his opponent and was pleased to see him ask the country to forge a bond to do whatever necessary to make the changes we need happen. He is a great man. I am sorry for his disappointment but thankful that he did the right thing and bowed out with grace and tact.

About 10 minutes later, I saw Obama's speech. What I noticed first was Rev. Jesse Jackson crying because he finally witnessed the change he had sought his whole career. I saw a sea of 240,000 supporters hyped up, hugging each other, crying, laughing and waving American flags. The crowd was a diverse group, every color imaginable, all ages, all different backgrounds, education levels, and types. The crowd represented the people across America who united in faith and hope to see their desires become a reality. Tonight their hopes were answered. It was magnificent. I enjoyed Obama's speech and the tone it took. He was down-to-business and called upon Americans to resist the urge to get complacent again by becoming more active and engaged in creating the change that we as Americans want and need.

Obama gave us a higher standard to adhere to--a higher purpose. The stress of his speech was on the people he met and their life stories as an allegory for the masses with the theme of "Yes I Can!" Throughout his campaign and again tonight, he tied his message back to the people. Not taking a boisterous tone or displaying fireworks "which were inappropriate given the situations we face" was a smart move. Instead the stage was set to get cracking on the important issues. In fact, one commentator said that no incoming President since FDR had to deal with so many crucial issues at the start of their term.

For the first time in eight years, I am proud to be an American. I am full of faith, hope, and optimism that we can return to the American ideals and values that make our country the best on earth. We can alter our course in history and make the right choices that will set us up for future success in energy policy, the economy, and militarily. As a people, we have the power to change and get involved in a brigher future.

Call to Action--President Obama's got a lot of work to do with the help of Congress and us. We need to remain involved and active in our communities and states to ensure that we hold up our end of the bargain to make this idea of change a reality.