A Few Post-Election Thoughts...

I am quite proud of Bush's call for progressing forward toward a "more perfect union" and I can really support that.

The world's view of Obama's victory is a fabulous thing to behold and be part of. The display of the feisty American spirit was proof that we are still a country of dreams. I never believed that we weren't, but sometimes it was harder to see the good in the dust of the bad.

Better late than never, I am so glad to have finally found a very articulate expression of why Palin was (sadly) a pawn, rather than a real step forward for women. This is a lot of what I've been feeling all along, and said much better than I could quite put together myself.

And lastly, I want to never forget that history was made last night. I want to remember that I was at work wearing navy blue scrubs, a white long-sleeved shift, and a red headband. That I was sitting at the big table in the breakroom with Lisa H, Ryan, Lisa F, Rita, Joyce, Monique, and Lionelli watching the acceptance speech Obama made. And that I got to be part of history.

Rock & Roll

Congrats to Obama, our new president!

Now I sincerely hope that we can all come together and embrace the changes for good. For our country and for each other...even McCain has vowed to support our new president, and I hope all of McCain's supporters will not choose now to stop listening to him. I admired McCain's graceful concession speech, and I was thrilled by Obama's acceptance speech. Beautiful words for a new beginning.

Election Day

J and I have talked about this before, but I was thinking more today that it seems very odd that Election Day is not a holiday. It is unfair to those who are not able to get off work to vote. Granted, there is the option of early voting, but it also takes place on weekdays during normal voting hours. For example, dayshift nurses work 7a-7p, which leaves zero time before or after work to go to their polling places. I vote Election Day as a paid holiday...or maybe only paid if you show proof of voting? Or perhaps early voting could be open the weekend before Election Day? Either way, it seems extremely odd that Tuesday was chosen as the big day. Nonetheless, there is nothing we can do about it this year. And today is Tuesday, the big day, so get out and vote! :-)

P.S. Check out these awesome perks of voting - kudos to the companies supporting voters!

Home Stretch

Election day is merely hours away now, and both campaigns are in the final stretch. However they choose to use their last hours, I am choosing to use mine positively and support the man I feel is by far best suited for the job, for the country, and for the future. Obama has handled this entire ordeal with grace and professionalism, intelligence and thoughtfulness. I strive to interact with other humans in that light as well, no matter how many ways we disagree. This feat is not always easy, especially when even family & friends can be outspoken in cruel forms. But, it is a goal on my list, and a good one to have.

Obama had this to say in a recent article "Look — we've tried it John McCain's way. We've tried it George Bush's way. Deep down, Senator McCain knows that, which is why his campaign said that 'if we keep talking about the economy, we're going to lose,'" Obama said. "That's why he's spending these last weeks calling me every name in the book. Because that's how you play the game in Washington." And apparently that's how a lot of McCain supporters play the game as well - but name calling gets us nowhere. So today, make an effort to say all the good things you can about the one you like - but be respectful when someone praises the one you don't like. The world works a lot better that way...and everyone knows the song, so sing R-E-S-P-E-C-T...and practice it!