For the first time in the last three years, I feel hope.

[Skidmore]

I saw my new President stand in the sun on the bow of a boat. He didn't sneak around and hide in limousine and dark places. I saw him last week stand among the people of a neighborhood and hold a conversation with its residents. I've watched him embrace and be embraced by his opponents. I've watched him fold his hands over his heart in recogition of the tribute being paid to him, a gesture his wife makes also. It is a gesture of heartfelt humility, signal that one is humbled in the presence of others. This man can and will lead, and more importantly, he will listen. Elijah Cummings today told Blitzer that he has experienced that active listening and seen results. I have confidence in the quality and the humanity of the people with whom he has surrounded himself.

Yes, I feel hope and pride for my family, my village, my state, my nation, and the world. A new day is coming...

[Paradise]

1. Oooh, that's beautiful, Skidmore. :) n/t

[GOPFighter]

2. It's been a long time coming

Nearly four years ago the dense black clouds began rolling in and covered the light. The seas heaved and the waves of depression began to break against my feet, my legs, my thighs, and soon it nearly enveloped me entirely. The war thundered in my brain, accompanied by the drum of popular opinion cheering for blood. "Revenge!" they screamed, "By God we are empowered by the almighty to kill innocents to avenge our dead!" The spectacle was mesmerizing, the affect on me, nauseating. The orgy of hate and revenge devoured everything in it's way.

Then came the light, small and weak, but it gave hope. A lone Democrat, screaming in the wind, said it wrong; wrong to kill those who had done us no wrong. His words resonated in my soul and gave me strength to hold on. Soon other voices joined in and the winds began to abate. The seas began to calm, but the black clouds remained, thick and depressing.

They remained until last night when the clouds parted and light, bright and glorious, poured through in the person of Barack Obama. It suddenly became clear that a new Democratic Party is gathering, emerging, unified and confident...and smart. The skies cleared last night and new hope began to stir in my soul. The America of my youth, kind, brave, and caring is taking shape once again, and the dragons of hate are about to turn tail. The best is yet to come.