Making History

Last night, the United States made history. For the first time, in the United States of America an African American man is president. And although racism in this country is far from over, we have made great strides and this is surely a significant event in this great Nation. One of my favorite parts of watching the election last night was the extremely gracious and inspiring speech given by McCain. He truly does love this country and wanted to lead it to great things, but in his speech he conceded it was not the direction the citizens choose. Here are some of my favorite excerpts:
In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.
I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too. Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it, and offer him my sincere sympathy that his beloved grandmother did not live to see this day. Though our faith assures us she is at rest in the presence of her creator and so very proud of the good man she helped raise. I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.
Very inspiring words by a great man.

And more inspiring words by the president elect from his acceptance speech.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. Senator McCain fought long and hard in this campaign. And he's fought even longer and harder for the country that he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine. We are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader.

( I am grateful to)Sasha and Malia...

... I love you both more than you can imagine. And you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us...

And I know you didn't do this just to win an election. And I know you didn't do it for me.

You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime -- two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century.

There's new energy to harness, new jobs to be created, new schools to build, and threats to meet, alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there.

I promise you, we as a people will get there.

here will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as president. And we know the government can't solve every problem.

But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And, above all, I will ask you to join in the work of remaking this nation, the only way it's been done in America for 221 years -- block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

This victory alone is not the change we seek. It is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were.

It can't happen without you, without a new spirit of service, a new spirit of sacrifice.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism, of responsibility, where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves but each other.

Let us remember that, if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers.

In this country, we rise or fall as one nation, as one people. Let's resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long.

Let's remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House, a party founded on the values of self-reliance and individual liberty and national unity.

Those are values that we all share. And while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress.

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.

And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote tonight, but I hear your voices. I need your help. And I will be your president, too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces, to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of the world, our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand.

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

One of the fasinating aspects of this campaign was the attention it was given around the world. We live in a global economy as we can see clearer more than ever with the domino effect of our credit crisis. Some polls indicated that countries such as Australia, China, Africa and the ones in Europe watched our presidental election as close if not closer to the one's in their own country. That is because as a super-power we, The United States of America have much control over their lives whether they like it or not. Here is a news article about reactions around the world.

I for one am ecstatic and cannot wait to see what will come of this change. But we must remember, that our nation is currently in an economic crisis, and change will not come easy. Whether you supported Obama or McCain no longer matters. What matters is that we come together as a nation, as a community of citizens and work together to better our communities, our country and our world. In the words of John McCain, "I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited."

The slurpylection results are in!

Karen sent us this link and I thought it was pretty funny so I thought I would share. If you follow the slurpy results Obama is in the lead. Here is the link to read more. How accurate do you think the slurpy results will be to the real election if at all? Cast your vote in the comment box! We will review after the election.

Don't forget to vote November 4th!

Throughout history, many have sacrificed and fought for the right to vote. A right that many people in our world, still are not able to enjoy. As Americans, we often take this right for granted. Many cannot remember a time that voting was not handed to us on a silver-platter rather than something fought for and achieved through blood and perseverance . President Lincoln in his Gettysburg address called democracy “government of the people, by the people and for the people.” We have the freedom to elect the men and women we choose to represent us. We have one of the greatest rights of a free people, the right to vote. So why is it that so many in this great nation choose not to vote? In 2004 barely more than 60% of the American population came out to vote. When so few of our population votes, the minority of a population can determine a nation's future.

Texas has two weeks of early voting, and in order to avoid long lines, Kyle and I voted last week. It is easy to feel that our vote does not count, it is one vote in millions. But your vote does count. Not only does it affirm our right as a free people to elect our leaders and take part in democracy, it sends out a message about the issues that you think are important. The election of 1960, one which has many similarities to the one today, was the closest race in our country's history. After all was said and done, the votes tallied, Kennedy earned 49.7% of the popular vote to Nixon's 49.5%. There was only a difference of 100,000 more votes for Kennedy than Nixon out of over 68 million votes cast.

Although I am passionate about the man for which I wish to lead the country, and for whom I voted (and some of you may or may not agree with my opinion) this post is not about who you should vote for. Instead this post is about exercising your right to vote. It is something we as Americans and as a nation should all value deeply. Vote because you care about your community. Vote because you care about your world and what it will look like 50 years from now. Vote for your children or the children you one day might have. Vote because you have a voice. Vote because you believe in free government. Vote because it is the right thing to do.

Here are some fun facts about voting!

History of Voting
Ancient Greece- They had one of the earliest forms of voting dating back to 508 B.C. except that their vote was for or against exiling a politician rather than voting to elect a politician to public office.
This info came from: (http://www.flaglerelections.com/kids/history.htm)
In America
1776 When this country announced its independence from Britain, voting rights were based on property ownership. This typically meant that those voting were white males over the age of 21 of Protestant religion.

1787 In the newly drafted Constitution, states were given the power to set voting mandates and most were still favorable to white males who owned property.

1830 Many states had dropped religion and property ownership as requirements for voting and with such a large percentage of the population at the polls, political parties were beginning to develop.

1868 The 14th Amendment recognizes African Americans as citizens, giving them the right to vote. However, state officials continue attempts to deny this right.

1870 African Americans were given the right to vote in the 15th Amendment. It prohibited any state or local government from denying that right.

1890 Wyoming becomes the first state to recognize women's right to vote and provide for it in a state constitution.

1913 Voting power is expanded with 17th Amendment, calling for the popular election of US. senators.

1920 The 19th Amendment was added to the Constitution, giving women across the nation the right to vote. Sufferin' Till Sufferage

1940 Congress recognizes Native Americans as citizens. However, it wasn't until 1947 that all states granted them the right to vote.

1964 The 24th Amendment declares that no person should be denied the right to vote because they cannot pay a "poll tax."

1965 An amendment to the Voting Rights Act bans the use of literacy tests, poll taxes and other obstacles designed to keep people from voting.

1971 The voting age is lowered to 18. (this was changed because the soldiers dying in Vietnam were not eligible to vote for or against the leaders sending them to war)