Proud to be an American...and not from Alaska

What we have witnessed is truly a watershed event in American politics, and in the social evolution of this country.

As has often been said, we are now one step closer to being a more perfect union. Will this end poverty in our country? No. Crime? No. Will every child wake up tomorrow possessed of the skills and tools to excel in school? Probably not (unless they have my wife for a teacher). But I have to confess that I woke up today feeling...different. Possessed of a positive attitude that has seemed so elusive for so many years. For me and for my family - my parents especially, who have dedicated much of their life together championing the cause of civil rights - there are no words to describe the exhilaration and optimism that this election has engendered.

Barack Obama had to overcome monumental obstacles in order to become POTUS #44. That makes his election a resounding repudiation of the failed policies of George W. Bush as well as a rebuke of a McCain/Palin campaign that cared more about fear mongering and character assassination than the issues at hand.

Today I am less cynical. My faith in our democracy is somewhat restored. I am proud, again, to be an American. I'm also damn glad that I'm not from Alaska...where the highest elected official knows less about geography than my six-year-old son. For those who today are breathing a massive sigh of relief...I'll leave you with a reminder of what we possibly could have been in store for had Obama not succeeded. This is a sad commentary about who the Republicans think deserves to be a heartbeat away from the presidency.

It's time to put their trust in God

Too often, inspiration comes at the very end. With only 24 hours left to determine whether we diverge from our country's current course (Obama) or carry on in our democracy's death spiral (Mcpalin), I've been touched with "divine inspiration."

By now you are all familiar with republican ploys to suppress the vote...well, I've finally come up with one to work in the other direction. I would robocall, flyer and air the following campaign:

I think it is time for all evangelical christians to abandon the sinful and corrupt ballot box and put their faith in god! Instead of voting for McCain, you should pray for a mccain/palin victory! I challenge every evangelical to qualify and quantify the value of prayer by putting your faith in god over your faith in the american political process. If you choose to vote, then you can not call yourself a true christian any longer!

As I said, inspiration often comes too late and, in my case, is often very silly. I would love to give the Republicans a dose of their own medicine...but god has already punished them enough with a mcpalin presidential ticket that makes the last eight years look like an afternoon in eden.