by wanttomakeadifference

Created on: November 06, 2008   Last Updated: May 02, 2012

In some regards, Nov.5th was a difficult day for me. For most of my life I have considered myself a moderate Democrat, but roughly four years ago I noticed a change within myself. Perhaps it stemmed from becoming a father, learning from mistakes of the past, or a growing maturity in what I truly believe about myself and my country.

I voted for Senator John McCain, a true hero in our country, and a man that I honestly believe would have made a great President. However, many people disagreed with my views for a variety of reasons. That is one of the things I love most about our country, the fact we can agree to disagree.

When I arrived at my office, the day after the election several people wanted to discuss the election. Throughout the day, my office was filled with excited Democrats and distraught Republicans. I must admit I felt a strong level of sadness yesterday as well. The truth is I don't agree with Barack Obama on a ton of issues and I am deeply concerned that the liberal side of the Democratic party does not seem to share the same moral views that I do. That bothers me and I suspect will continue to bother me.

This morning when I woke up, I find myself in a different state of mind. As I listened to conservative talk show hosts already begin their assault on President-Elect Obama and the staff he is assembling, a momentary burst of anger overtook me. Strangely the anger was not for the Democrats and Obama, but toward the attitudes of people who view government like I do.

Barack Obama is an intelligent man who ran an incredible race. In a year, in which President Bush has an approval rating of 28 percent, the fact is Senator McCain did about as well as any Republican was going to do. While I am not thrilled with some of the decisions his campaign staff made, I am still proud to have voted for him and I hope we haven't seen the last of Governor Palin. I like her and feel the media treated her poorly. Give Mrs.Palin a few more years to sharpen her skills and I honestly believe she will be a force to reckon with.

As Americans, we need to step back and take a look at ourselves not just as a country but as individuals. Real change must come from within one's own self, not from Barack Obama or John McCain. For those of us who did not vote for Obama, we need to examine why we chose McCain or one of the third party candidates. For anyone who voted for Obama, you need to ask yourself the same questions. Sadly, I suspect many people in this country voted for Obama for the color of his skin and even more sadly, many voted against Obama for the color of his skin. If that is your only reason for voting for or against someone, here's hoping that a change of heart will find you.

I don't know what kind of job Barack Obama is going to do and you don't either. While I have my doubts, I plan to give him a chance and hope he can squash my skepticism. As Americans, we need to unite as a country and wish Senator Obama well regardless of how any of us voted. Only time will tell if he was the right choice for our country or not. For today, we need to pray for President Bush and his remaining two months in office and give the new administration the same consideration we would expect if we were beginning a new job.

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