My renewed faith in America

Last night was so overwhelming. I was a staunch Hillary supporter and questioned the viability of Barack's candidacy. But after grieving Hillary's loss, I made a point to follow Barack's campaign. The more I listened to his eloquent speeches, the more I watched his thoughtful and passionate responses, and the more I saw how he energized people - bringing diverse groups of Americans together - I became a believer in his ability to lead, to unite, and to bring about the change this country so desperately yearns for.

As someone who watched with awe and confusion the race riots at my hometown high school when I was in 2nd grade, I stand up and celebrate with all my fellow citizens who never believed in the promise of America because of the color of their skin. As a pediatric nurse, I am so grateful that black children will grow up with a role model who isn't necessarily a professional sports player. I have renewed faith in the ideals of this great country.... A faith that had been virtually shattered for the past 7+ years.

I know that some people don't like change. I know that there are many white Americans out there that will not be able to accept having a black (even half black) president. But all I can say is "Get over it!" Make room for new ideas, for a new way of thinking, for a break from the past. My generation - those of us who questioned those riots we witnessed as children; those of us who questioned the divisive, racist, anti-semetic, misogynist and homophobic references that were all too common as we were growing up; and those of us who dreamed that there really could be a better America are finally coming of age. Good bye to the past. It really wasn't all that rosey.

And good riddance to the Bush/Cheney years. Good riddance to the audacious greed, self-serving interest and closed-mindedness of of the likes of Tom Delay, Bill Frist and Rick Santorum. Good riddance to trickle down economics. (It doesn't work you idiots!) The Republicans, when they were in control of Congress, thought they were invincible. Were they willing to compromise? Hell no! Their lust for power, greed and the flagrant disregard for the 50% of Americans who don't identify as conservative have caused their downfall. Again, good riddance!