Catching Up to the Rest of the World at Last

For the first time in history, the United States of America will have a black president.

It has always struck me as odd (since I began paying attention anyway) that we (Americans) pride ourselves on being the freest country in the world, yet we have never put a black man - or any woman - into the White House. Well, now we have. That milestone is now behind us. And whether Mr. Obama does well or poor will not matter, I think. I hope he does well. However, it cannot be denied that a good many Dr. Jekyll candidates become Mr. Hyde elected officials. Not all, and let us hope we saw the real Mr. Obama on the campaign trail. If so, it will be all right.

I read how many people in Europe and Asia are excited about this election, hoping Obama would win because it would mean the end of the Bush Administration. Well, that administration was coming to an end no matter who won this election. (I guess the French are already partying because of Bush's departure, not caring who wins.) But the election does not mark the end for Mr. Bush. So, for those who "hate" George Bush, I'm afraid you are still stuck with him for a couple months more. For those who "love" him, relish the months.

I'm still watching one final race in my state. The office of U.S. Senator is still undecided. Ten precincts have yet to complete vote tallies. There have been nearly 2.5 million votes cast and the top two candidates are separated by 1,118 votes. It is very representative of what has happened in America. We all love our country. We all want the best for it. Each of us believes the United States of America to be the best country in the world. (Just as people from other countries believe their country is the best in the world.) But we are divided, nearly fifty-fifty. That wouldn't be bad if we could only disagree with civility and find ways to work together. Well, we've rearranged our political playing field. Let us hope and pray for the success of these people - whether we voted for them or not. Supporting, not sniping, is the way to repair our damage and move forward.

A quick recheck shows no change in the senate race results. I don't envy the loser. This race was vicious, and I don't think the two top candidates like each other at all. One of them is going to have to give a nice concession speech - and then hurry to the bathroom to throw up. I wish we could get along.