Let me start with a well-intentioned and honest congratulations to President-Elect Barack Obama. He fought a smart and hard campaign. Sure, he had the advantage of a 527 media willing to look the other way; but this was an historic election and nothing could or should stop the reflection that Dr. King's dream has been fulfilled.
But what's next?
The hard part comes next: Mr. Obama has to actually walk the walk now. And for the health and safety of the nation, we -- as Americans -- MUST put aside our differences, while not surrendering our principles, and pledge our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor for the nation we love so dear.
At some point, I'll get around to writing my analysis of what happened and what didn't happen yesterday...
What's next?
That is a great question. And I don't really have an answer to it. I have a few ideas though.
Let's assess the situation: Yesterday, we took a pretty good hit. We wound up on the floor. Now, we can choose to stay there and give up. Or, we can get back in the fight. We lost some significant ground, but all was not lost. This is still a center-right country and if you question that realize that California just passed a gay marriage ban.
The American people have spoken: They have elected Barack Obama to be the next President of the United States. They have also re-asserted center-right principles. Now it is up to us to hold all of our elected officials accountable. We should do so with the dignity and grace worthy of the American people.