I proudly voted for Barak Obama today, and was happy to see him achieve victory in the Presidential race this evening.
I am rather disappointed that, in my experiences, many Obama supporters can't actually back up their reasoning for supporting Obama. As an example, today on Dave Ramsey's radio show, he had people calling in stating who they voted for, and why. The first Obama supporter that I heard call stated the typical "hope and change" angle, and when Ramsey asked him "So what is it about Obama's stance on the issues that leads you to believe in this hope and change", the caller simply stuttered and hung up. As an Obama supporter / voter, I was rather embarrassed. I have also seen many things like this, from people taking the "hope and change" angle, to voting for him because he was black.
As far as the issues go, I believe in his philosophy on the economic situation. I don't believe in punishing big business, but the lower and middle class can't be left behind. Big business won't create jobs unless there is a demand there, and you can create that demand by putting money into the pockets of hard working Americans (I.E. letting them keep their hard earned paychecks), money that they can then spend, putting it back into the economy, and the new business will force these companies to create jobs, or not be able to keep up with the demands.
On Iraq, we have eliminated Saddam and we have a government in place for Iraq. Now they must stand on their own feet, and become their own nation. We cannot hold their hand every step of the way, they have to learn to exist on their own. We need to bring our troops home to safety. And America needs to focus it's resources on it's own problems at home, not someone else's problems abroad.
Abortion and gay marriage, I do not believe that religion should play any role in politics. I believe that religion can be a very important thing, but must be kept as a personal issue. Your religion is between yourself and God, a personal issue, and a family issue, not a public and political issue. Not everyone shares the same religious ideals, therefore political policy should not be influenced by one single religion (I.E. Christianity).
As far as I am concerned, from my own personal learnings, the Richard Ayers issue is all but debunked. Sure, he knew the guy, but his relationship with him has been far exaggerated by the media.
But Malice, your original post is absolutely correct. The president has been decided, and now it is time for America to come together, Democrat and Republican, black and white, Christian and athiest, come together and fix the issues this country is facing. I believe that the problems this country is struggling through are too much to be fixed in one term. More importantly than trying to do too much at once, I believe it's paramount that President Obama - when he gets into office that is - work towards setting the foundation for future presidents, whether they be democrat or republican.
I haven't been a big fan of McCain through this campaign, but his concession speech was actually very good. I may fundamentally disagree with many of his views, but this man has served his country more than a majority of Americans. I believe he is a good man, who truly has the nation's best intentions at heart. I think Obama could benefit much from working WITH Senator McCain once he takes office. The 2 candidates ran a very brutal campaign in terms of attacks upon each other. I hope that for the good of the nation, the 2 men can put that aside, and work together on solutions that help America, not Democrats, and not Republicans, but you, me, the entire Superhero Hype, and Americans everywhere.
America is opening the book on a new chapter in history, in more ways than one. This is a time for us to start over, to fix our errors, and become the nation that we truly can be. The social implications are also obvious. In the course of a lifetime, our country has gone from Jim Crow laws, legalized segregation, lynchings, church bombings, and fire hosings, to a black man as our President. Historically, this truly is a great day.
The color of his skin doesn't automatically make him more qualified, or mean that he will be a good President. But the significance here cannot be denied.
I have high hopes for the future of this country, and not just because of our President. We as Americans are in a tough time right now. But look at our history. When Americans are backed into a corner, we come together, stronger than ever. The Declaration of Independence, and the founding of our country as we fought for our freedom from England; The falling apart of the Union, a civil war, and finally, reuniting as one; The Great Depression; Pearl Harbor and World War II; Civil Rights; 9/11 - in a time of crisis, in a time of desperation, the American spirit comes to the front, and we come together stronger than before. We WILL overcome these obstacles, I have no doubt about that, and I never once have. Both Obama or McCain both are men of conviction that could, and would, set us back on the right path. Now we have our man, it is now time for America to get back on track.