“A great day for freedom” a sentiment uttered by my friend Brian, and shared by myself, upon the announcement of Barrack Obama as the 44th president of the United States of America. Being here to witness this defining moment in our history not only restores my faith in democracy but it also reaffirms that the dreams that we as Americans hold dear are still alive. I sincerely hope that those that did not support Obama will instead support the shared vision that this country can once again become great and that we can polish our tarnished reputation with the rest of the world. When the result of the election was first announced I was immediately reminded of story I had heard multiple times throughout the many history classes I have taken over the years. The story was from the first founding days of our nation:

The Constitution was eventually adopted by the delegation, and as Franklin sat watching each member sign their name on the nation’s new Constitution, he remarked to one of his colleagues that during the debates he often noticed the painting on the back of the Convention Presidents chair, where George Washington presided. It was the painting of half a sun. Franklin told his colleague that he had wondered if the sun was rising or setting, and now he was certain it was rising.

-Quoted from an article written by Margaret Byfield (because she was one of the first google hits)link

I also applaud John McCain for graciously yeilding the election to Obama and not putting the country through massive recounts and long court battles. I think McCain would have made a good president, far better than Bush. But I also think that he was not what this country needed right now, and that’s why we elected Obama.