Election Hangover

By Timothy Nevels

Let me first say congratulations to our new president.

President-Elect Obama has proven we can honestly tell our children that they can be president one day too. It is with great pride that blacks folks everywhere can walk a little taller. I know as a writer it is my job to stay neutral on these types of matters, but I could not resist saying something about this historic event. We were dancing in the streets like everyone else in my hometown. It was a sight to be seen.  Although my particular political background does not coincide with the Democratic Party, this historic event was much bigger than any party or affiliation.

It is my hope with this change that Democrats do not make the same mistakes that Carter did. Overwhelming government programs on the backs of the American people. Republicans a smaller government and Democrats want more government sponsored programs. A balance has to be met.

Currently, Congressional ratings are lower than President Bush’s. Both parties have to make some serious changes on how they do business. It is going to take President-Elect Obama’s ability to cross party lines to bring about peace in Congress. The “it’s them not us” mentality will not fly in 2009. As citizens, we must start holding politicians to their word. When they fail, we must then boot them out of office. We need to pay more attention to what’s going on in Washington. It can’t just be the talking heads on the cable news shows.

Seeing how the youth got involved in this election should also give us all some sense of pride. It is still my belief that most young folks did not vote on any issue in particular, but they voted on the ideal of change. Can we use this opportunity in history to groom young Democrats and Republicans to run for office? I hope so. So many talented people don’t want to serve their country in that capacity because they believe they can change Washington. Well that was proven wrong on November 4th. Bold steps can be taken in today’s America. We have been rolling the same rock for so long. Up the same hill and now the chance to show the world that America is truly a place where anyone can rise to power from humble beginnings. This is a proud moment in time. Every American should take time to reflect on how this is going to change our image abroad. Not that I really care what Europe or any other country feels about America. I do want others to see us as the beacon of freedom. It was somewhat hypocritical of America to say this is the Home of the Free when all our presidents looked alike. This election has and will help change that image.