Change - Yes, We Can?

Obama did it! He convinced the majority of voting Americans that he will bring change to our national government,  there will be a new standard of caring for what is actually best for "the rest of us." Those of us who  have no lobbyists, no "connections," heck, most of us have never been to Washington, DC and will never know exactly what goes on behind closed doors in our nation's capitol (we just know it seems to benefit the few, not the many), voted for the man who proclaimed he holds the vision for progress, for change.  No matter what you think, no matter what conspiracy theory you adhere to, the majority of Americans continue to believe "we can change" politics and government to be more "of the people, by the people and for the people." [fr. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address] A concept we lost in American politics long ago.

Well, Americans used their power to say we want change, with over 119 million Americans voting, now we'll see if our vote counts.  Regardless of whether you are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, whatever!, and however you voted, you are now looking at this election and you know Obama has already brought a major change to American politics. He ran a campaign not based on race, and no matter if you voted for him (or against him) based on race, race was never in the foundation of his campaign. The fact that he was nominated, and now has won the election, basing his entire campaign on the issues, and the promise to bring change to our government, completely withholding any racial content or attitude, is the first sign of a changed America.  He didn't run based on being the first black nominated, the first black president, nor was the advancement of civil rights, or any other racial issue introduced into his campaign. He ran as an American politician, addressing the issues and challenges facing our nation and our citizens.  That change in the "politics of race," my friends, is the first change he has brought forth. 

President-Elect Obama is charismatic, educated & well-spoken. Hopefully, he holds the personal conviction and the strength to carry through the vision of change he has promised.  The voters of America have done their part, he's been given a great opportunity, let's see what happens next.  So, whether he has convinced you of his ability to lead in a responsible, forward-thinking manner or not, whether you voted for him or not, it's up to all of us to come together, have hope, yet be sure to hold him accountable for his promise of Change.  

I've said it before, Change is Always Interesting  - and Challenging.  The next move belongs to President-Elect Obama and the (now) Democrat-controlled Congress. PL&F, y'all.