C-c-c-c-c-combo Breaker!

It's a beautiful day everyone!

Yesterday I had the delightful pleasure of voting in my first Presidential election, and had the even more wonderful experience of following the election coverage later that night. I will probably never forget sitting there, watching the MSNBC broadcast with Seamus when McCain conceded the election and when Obama gave his speech.

It was a beautiful moment. I've been scared about what would happen to this country that I love if we elected an older, sicker, senile version of Bush and his joke of a running mate. Not scared in a sensationalist way, but truly frightened and worried about my homeland's future. I know I complain, but I really do love America, and I am happy to say I am proud to be a citizen. I joked with Seamus that if we decide to travel, we'll be able to admit we're Americans without being pelted with rancid fruit.

On a sad note, Proposition 8 passed in California. I find it disgusting that people would find it moral to revoke the right to marry from two loving adults based on nothing but fear and hatred. This takes a lot of the wind out of my sail, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Obama is receptive to the needs of the queer community and maybe we will soon see a movement like the NAWSA of the early 20th century, and instead of going state by state, we will see a push for federal legislation allowing marriage for everyone. Or, as one of my coworkers pointed out, it may be possible to remove "marriage" and only have civil unions because of anti discrimination laws that exist in California. Or, we might just have to keep trying. Every movement in this nation has had its ups and downs, victories and defeats, but I firmly believe that society becomes more inclusive with time and less bigoted. I mean, hey, we have a black president now, that's change isn't it?! It wasn't too long ago that being gay was illegal. It wasn't too long ago that women didn't have property rights. Things change, however, and we can take hope in that as we continue the struggle for human rights.

On a positive note, there were a few ballot initiatives regarding the use of marijuana. Michigan now allows for medicinal usage of cannabis, which is a great leap forward towards decriminalization. Massachusetts has decriminalized the posession of marijuana in small amounts.

An additional good thing, McCain gave a gracious speech in his concession of the election. One thing that my history professor has always impressed upon us is that in America we have an amazing tradition which has allowed for our current political stability. That is the tradition of being a good loser. When a new regime is elected, the old regime, and the opposing candidates, step aside and let democracy continue. It seems so commonplace for us as it happens at least every 8 years that somebody peacefully steps down and allows someone new to take the reins. However, we must continue our gratitude for this every time, as many other countries are not so lucky to have leaders from every side so willing to sacrifice their own power for the good of the people. So, while I have some less-than-favorable feelings for McCain as a politician, I must respect him, and yes, even President Bush for graciously accepting the election results, and presumably their cooperation with the new Obama administration.

Ah, "Obama administration", that feels sooooooo good to say.