Differing Opinions- The election

So obviously, Injun Jim and I took different sides for this election. He voted for McCain and I for Obama, and we argued via IM, telephone, text, and in person over the pros and cons of each of these candidates. Both of us were, like the rest of our country (FOR ONCE, apathetic bozos), heated and passionate about the changes America so desperately needs and who is more capable to bring about positive or negative changes. Jim was soothed by McCain's experience and wisdom, I was impressed by Obama's fresh new voice and focused outlook and what he would do differently. Last night at roughly ten pm all the anxiety and anticipation ended both with a television announcement and a gun text from Jim that read,

"Fuck fuck fuck shit shit shit!"

In other words, Barack won.

It no longer matters, all the arguments and the in fighting and the heat that this country underwent over the last two years. Like it or not, we have a new leader who faces challenges that I doubt many Presidents in the last fifty yeas have faced. A crashing economy, an insurmountable war, an environment that is crumbling, threats of nuclear destruction, and a world of damage that has been building for the last eight years that can't be erased, instead it has to be fixed or changed or both. Now matter my thoughts on either candidate, both of them had guts to face up to what the end of this presidency was going to leave them. It's more than a platter full or a table cull of crap, it's an entire White House full of problems. I don't envy either of them.

I was reaffirmed in my belief in Barack Obama when he came out to give his acceptance speech and wasn't jubilant. He was humble, he had a look of both pride and resignation. He already knows the burden that is being placed on his shoulders. His speech was beautiful, really both candidates speeches last night were beautiful. I was impressed by their commitment to each other and to doing whatever it takes to restore our country. So many people have questioned whether this young lad can take the reins of this country and I ask of them, remember President Kennedy? Imagine if he hadn't been assassinated, where this country might be today. He was new and controversial and at the time, it was exactly what this country needed.

We need new. We need fresh. For so long this country has been controlled by those who have kept power in their back pockets for half a century. It's not getting us anywhere. While I respect that McCain has experience, perhaps that experience is better used as a voice of advisorship, not leadership. I believe that people play different roles and that there are things they are better suited to, and I believe that McCain is great as a leader right where he is now, in Congress. I believe that Obama was just one of those shining stars destined for greatness, destined to be controversial, to raise peoples hackles and get them involved. What better way to get people finally fired up about our flagging nation than to have someone that, forty years prior, would have never been considered a viable option for leadership?

I was impressed by both candidates humility and graciousness and focus last night. Both of them pledged commitment to reform and to restoration and those are the things we so desperately need right now. I just about cried when Barack gave his acceptance speech and also when McCain gave his concession speech- the grace both of these people possessed was a tribute to their characters. I am a person who is focused on integration and tolerance and pulling your own weight in your society. I think that both of these men will inspire people to all of those things.

Congratulations to our new 44th President who has forever shattered the "good ole boys" club of the White House. Congratulations to McCain for a race well run and gracefully lost. It gives me goosebumps to think that in this year, 40 years after the amazing Martin Luther King died, an African-American was elected and all of our hope placed in his hands. What a wonderful accomplishment for our nation and for his community.

Oh, and one side note, I for one, am glad to no longer have to listen to anymore berating of either candidate or their co-candidate choices. Go back to Alaska, Sara P., and rest at ease that undoubtedly you won't be crossing my mind again for a very long time. McCain, go have some beer, on the house courtesy of your wife. Obama, don't buy a puppy mill puppy for your girls. And Biden, please don't consider hair replacement surgery, I have a feeling it may launch your 'do into the same stratosphere as the Donald.

Peace out yo-

Chatterbox Sara