American 20-Somethings Curb Generational Apathy - Barack the Vote

Yesterday I was proud to be an American.

I've always been proud to be an American. But yesterday, my pride didn't stem from who won and who lost, no, I was proud to be a part of the grocery store lines, the Starbucks crowd, the work place lunchrooms, all participating in discussion, opinion, and even passionate debate about our countries future. I've not been around long enough to remember if there was ever an election that created so much excitement, so much activism or patriotism, fostered so much of a desire to make our voices heard, as I've seen in this Presidential Election 2008. I am old enough, however, to remember the political apathy of my generation. The 20 somethings who, without time, means, even permanent addresses seemed the most passionate, the most out-spoken, but when it came to the polls, the most under represented. However, yesterday, everywhere I went I noticed red "I Voted" stickers on the people's chests of my generation. While sipping my warming beverage at Starbucks I heard a middle aged gentleman ask the 20-something with an Apple computer "what's happening? Where's the results? What do you think?" I listened to strangers in a grocery store line discuss their ideals, their candidate preferences, and literally find commonality in being Americans exercising their political rights. I heard young teenagers and even 10 and 11 year olds, pipe in on their parents conversations, and let them know who they would vote for if they could. I was truly proud to be an American yesterday. To share the experience with the entire country - and entire country that actually seems to care about something.

'Obama-mania' spreads with 'historic change'

That said, BARACK OBAMA won the Presidential Election. That's right - you heard it here first. Naw, you didn't, but I thought it was of SOME historical significance to at least MENTION it here. Regardless of how you feel abut Obama (that's right I say re-gard-less), last night was an historic event, the first African-American to be elected President of the United States. Something that will be taught in history classes, analyzed and critisized forever.

This man has his work cut out for him, and I for one am anxious to see if he keeps his promises, if he does in fact promote the hope and change he has so eloquently sold to the desperate and eager American public. Will Barack Obama become the leader we need in such economic times? What will he do with two wars raging now in Iraq and Afghanistan? Where do you even START a job like this? Many say it's a huge "clean-up" project. Though he received a winning 51% of the popular vote, there's a whopping 47% he still has to prove HE is the best man for the job. Charisma can get you elected, but it can't solve economic crisis. We'll see if there's some guts behind that grin, and some real initiative behind those idealistic principles.

Lets see what you got, Barack. It better be good. It better be REAL good.

See Barack's Acceptance Speech here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jll5baCAaQU