We did it

Americans got out to the polls in record numbers and ushered in an era of change by electing Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. In LA county, more than 82% of the people there took a stand for what they believed in and voted. That is absolutely amazing and I hope to hear that the nation as a whole shattered the previous record of 66% turnout that was set back in 1908.

While I watched the results pour in live, I was absolutely amazed that the winner was announced seconds after the clock struck 8pm. After speaking with my mother by phone about the victory she brought up an interesting idea: the networks were probably holding on to projections from other eastern states until California’s polls closed. I think that’s a pretty fair assumption. Networks were likely not projecting a winner in states that they knew had already gone to Obama while they waited for California’s polls to close. Once they closed, they could then give California to Obama and seal his win with a commanding 300+ electoral votes.

The voice of America spoke loudly tonight. We wanted change and we got it. Our government has failed us for the past 8 years and everyone has had enough. By electing a first-term senator to the highest office over an experienced war veteran, we demonstrated the will and need for change. It’s time for a new type of government and I can absolutely see a young, fresh politician with a message of change can bring this to us when we need it so desperately. The government will now be working for the people instead of their own agendas, corporations, or organizations where they have their hands deep inside of the pockets.

History was made as the first African-American was elected as our President and I believe that this is a huge step for America. Not only did we realize the hope, dedication, and potential of a new politician but we also broke old racial barriers by electing someone whose race was not even able to vote less than 150 years ago. We showed the nation and world that America has caught up with everyone else. Race is no longer an issue in America and we have changed for the better in just one night.

From a grassroots campaign started in Iowa and around the nation, one of the least likely candidates grew to be an inspiration to our country and to the notion of change. To think that such a major political movement was started outside of Washington and in the homes of Americans is truly amazing. From the beginning, we were able to pick, influence, and directly support our candidate and now President. Obama said that this victory is for us, and nobody has ever been as right as he is. This victory truly is for all Americans, not for Obama. We win because we picked who we wanted to lead us into an era of change and greatness, not the lesser of two evils as has been done in the past. We took our country back.

Change is not something that will come easily or quickly. It may take years to change the failed policies that we’ve been practicing for the past 8 years. It may take years for our economy to turn around as we fix the mess that has been building for the past 8 years. We need to practice patience now and put our full trust and support into this new person we elected to lead us. Change will come.

As cheesy as it may sound, I am truly so happy and excited for our country right now. I’m very proud that we were able to break down racial barriers and elect someone without major previous political experience but with the will, dedication, and ability to learn to be the leader that we want him to be. Experience hasn’t given us anything majorly good during these past 8 years and I think that someone untainted by Washington politics is best suited to guide us through this new era of government, leadership, and America itself.

While enjoying the early win, I sipped champagne with my wife and thought about how our country is going to change for the better. The word: finally came to mind and was comforting. Finally we’ll be able to regain our greatness and respect in the world. Finally we’ll have a government that listens to what the people want and acts on it. Finally we have a President to be proud of and a reason to again be proud to be an American.