A new dawn

I woke up at 3 pm this morning and laid in bed debating whether to go and check the election outcome or try to sleep some more (that would have been about 8 pm MN time). No - I'll try to sleep until dawn at least. Peter tapped me awake at 7, and after I had his breakfast made, I turned on CNN.

The display at the bottom of the screen had % points on it. Something like 43% on top and 63% below. I'm used to seeing the Obama numbers on top, so I think I went into false cardiac arrest...until I focused and realized that it was McCain's numbers on top, with Obama below. Ooofda - Giant sigh of relief.

Peter then kicked me off the TV, in favor of cartoons, and I moved on over to the computer. First, I watched McCain concede the election. His is a dignified, hard working man, and a long-time servant to this Country. I think that the republican party could have benefited by giving him a bit more leeway/free choice in some areas. He also probably should have had the nomination in 2000 vs. Bush. But *it is what it is* now.

And I've already had happy calls with expat friends. We represent people from across the US (both red and blue states), with different religious preferences, and different racial backgrounds. But remarkably 99% (an unofficial tally from my brain) believed in Obama. Living outside of the US shows you first hand how US policies and lifestyles are perceived by other people. And these perceptions are important to consider since we are a global body of people; these countries are our neighbors.

I believe that I've made the right decision, and I'm happy that that decision was reinforced by so many others that think the same way. Obama is a strong new voice that people are listening to; and I think that listening is a key first step to change.

(About the Photo: The Danish flag is always displayed at holidays and parties - any kind of celebration. We have an American flag for just such occasions, and I chose to put ours in the window today to show that we are in celebration mode.)