I feel proud

For the first time in a long while I feel proud - not because America elected it's first black President - although that's a good thing. It's because he respects ability and smarts and education. And because he's appointing people who are like that. The agenda seems to be to do the right thing without a social agenda. In a funny way, the economic crisis gives us a chance to rise above the partisan issues and focus on the big - shared - issues. I know it's still early, but I believe Obama is rising to the challenge with his appointments - talented, experienced people who inspire confidence here and in the rest of the world.

I'm a Republican. Not a "Reagan" Republican but a "Rockefeller" Republican. I believe in personal responsibility and personal liberty. But I also believe in shared responsibility, as an American, to help out where it's needed. I was thrilled in the 70's when the traditional liberal, special interest Democrats were swept out of office. Unfortunately, my whole voting life I seemed to be voting AGAINST something - liberals, actors, philanderers, christian conservatives.

Barack Obama was the first time in a long while that I voted for someone who I believed shared my goals and aspirations. John McCain was a huge disappointment to me. I know Obama will do things I disagree with, sometimes strongly. It would be impossible not to in this volatile time. But I believe he is truly trying to do the best for all without exploiting patisan divisions. He may not succeed, but at least he's trying. And the crisis may just be serious enough to give everyone a stake in his success. We all know it's time to do something about the Middle East, healthcare funding, the growing wealth gap and education - we just don't know what to do. But it's time we did something. At least we can move forward and learn from our mistakes. The economy will eventually improve and the war will end. These issues will remain.


Again, I feel proud. Not because Barack Obama is black but because he speaks intelligently and chooses smart, capable people to surround himself with.