Thinking back to 2000 and watching the election unfold at the time and have it become a STOLEN moment in US history, I was really torn apart by my founding fathers and this obscene electoral system that could not deliver an elected president but instead a 'one time only' 'special circumstances' Supreme Court ruled decision of a 'winner'.
I thought I would get over it. Then four years later I was more aghast and appalled at the President but then he DID get elected. Now I see why all that 'had to happen'.
Without the horrid performance of George Bush and his failed policies for 8 years driving our country to the brink of total collapse helping lead people to making a more informed, 'different' choice this election cycle. This would not be Barack standing as the President Elect if any of the previous 8 years had a different outcome, I can guarantee this. Sometimes change has to be forced - and I mean a change in attitude on race in this case, not forcing presidents out of office here (although that would have been nice to see as well).
May God/The Universal Energy/Light/All that IS - protect our President Elect. May he live up to my hopes and dreams of what he will do for this great country. And in the least, the rest of the world has an improved sense of what America is - finally a real example of democracy when just 40 years ago we tore down someone who dreamed that one day there might be an African American President - promise land indeed. Thank you Dr. King for showing us that we could rise up and over come this last stanchion of abhorrent behavior left in this country.
I know it isn't a CURE ALL for our racial divide, but it certainly will help the healing process. I know President Obama won't be able to control the economy well, but he can affect it - for better or worse. May we land on the former side and not the later.
Many of my 'republican' friends and family are 'angry' and indeed there are already calls for impeachment. Fine - but know that the country just elected this man by a LANDSLIDE victory - the most for a Democrat since 1964. If you aren't up on your facts, you might not know that it takes at least 6% of the popular vote to be considered a 'landslide'. That means more people think you are wrong than think you are right. You can think this was a vote against George Bush but it was McCain who could not win the people over to his side.
Let's table this whole thing for 2 years - we can meet again and see how things are then. If Barack has not done his best at unifying the country - and stabilizing our economy and providing real growth for education and health care in America, I will join you in voting him out come 2012. Unless of course your answer is an Alaskan Governor, then you are on your own, and good luck with *that one*. (I say while jabbing my thumb over at Sarah P. sitting on a stool)
