What Now?

Barack Obama will be the 44th President of the United States.

Let me get calling this an historic moment out of the way. It is. That's why you saw journalists, politicians, and activists cry last night. So many people thought elected a black man President was impossible, a few years ago Chris Rock made movie mocking the idea. I have been hearing that this means when we say anybody can be president, we're telling the truth. I have nothing against that statement but, I do not think it gives credit to Barack Obama for how hard he has worked to get to this point. Hate his policies and associations all you want, he has earned everything. Nothing was given to him. So, I would like to say that anybody can be president, if you work your butt off for it.

This election was remarkable in many ways. It saw real participation from citizens. We watched countless primary debates, voted in record numbers in the primary season, donated in record numbers to campaigns, stood in line for hours, and voted in record numbers in the general election. We endured Bill Ayers, Jeremiah Wright, the Keating Five, troopergate, socialism, sexism, racism, ageism, and any other -ism you can imagine.

But, we participated. This is what Michelle Obama was talking about when she said that she was proud of her country for the first time in her adult life. She was proud people were active in democracy.

So, what now?

Think of democracy as a verb. we all need to act. If you're thrilled with the election results, help Obama and the rest achieve their goals. Donate money to causes you support, write your member of Congress, stay involved in the issues, educate yourself. If you're angry at the election results, don't give up. Donate money to causes you support, write your member of Congress, stay involved in the issues, educate yourself, and let people know why you disagree.

Nothing changed last night. The people who were elected officials yesterday, are still elected officials for a short period of time. When Barack Obama is sworn in as President, the only thing that will have changed is who is President. Gradually, he and Congress will change policy. Then, the country will gradually change. Nothing will be immediate and nobody knows what the results will be.

As this country moves forward it is up to us, not just Barack Obama, to improve the country. That is what elections are all about. This isn't sports. You can't talk trash to the other side, the other side is on your team.

Bottom Line? " We have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America." --President Elect Barack Obama