The votes are in.

With record breaking numbers of people forming lines around buildings across America, it's no doubt that America had something to say and they said it loud and clear. "We want change" It was a tight and interesting campaign that had everyone on the edge of their seats for months watching and listening very carefully to what these candidates, both Barack Obama and John McCain, saw as their vision for the future of America. Both candidates amazingly showed such similarity and such difference all at once. As far as similarity, they were both well qualified and driven individuals with families, a plan for the future and a true love for their nation. As far as differences; their way of getting there. Really, no one can see into the future and know what the best way is to tackle the problems we are facing as a nation today. All we have are our gutt instincts and our sense of humanity which we so easily tend to lose touch of sometimes. In a book I'm reading, there is a very interesting quote that I try to keep in mind whenever I am disgusted with the actions or thoughts of someone else. That quote is this, "If you were that person, you would feel and act exactly the same as they do." Isn't this true? If you really were that person, having been in the same position, with the same upbringing, if you were actually that person, of course you would feel the same way and act the same way. You ARE that person. With that thought in mind, as much as people may disagree with the past 8 years of our country's history and the leadership we were under, as the outside person, of course we can see that things could have been done differently. However, good and bad is all relative. Everything is relative to something else or else how would we know good or bad? You cannot know good unless you know what bad is. That said, without having experienced the sorrow of the past 8 years, we may not have known that change was needed and that we need to do something to initiate it. Every president is appointed into office because of their great promises to their country's people. The question is not who makes the best promises, the question is who will make those promises become a reality. I truly hope, from the bottom of my heart, that over the next 4 years and beyond, our wonderful country reclaims its dignity and thrives in prosperity as a result of the humanity, compassion, understanding and leadership it shows. The generations of "I don't agree with you so I'm not going to talk to you" and the "You are wrong so let's fight" are hopefully over. We, as a human race, are in much need of some evolution in that regard and I think we are getting there. Respect is the key in any relationship and it's no different when dealing with big countries. As an individual, of course we disagree on things. If we didn't, we would all be the same person and there would never be an angle or a purpose for thinking! The point is that despite our differences, whether it be as individuals or as countries, we need to start with respect and proceed from there. I believe that this election has gained the repect of many countries around the world in that America does want to reclaim their dignity and respect for people other than themselves. It is an extraordinary day too to see a half African-American man elected as the president of a nation that just a century and a half ago, enslaved such people. It is an honor to be alive at this time and witness our country moving past our history and moving forward to better ourselves as a union; as one with a single purpose. Recognizing that simple yet profound reality (we are One) is really the cornerstone to any and all success. Together, we can accomplish anything imaginable. There are no limits unless we put them there. Congratulations to Barack and to all who worked tirelessly to get him where he is. I hope that this is the begining of something wonderful. Time will tell!