While always a proud American, I have not often been proud of actions that have been taken in my name in recent years.  That sense of pride which had shrunk in me recently, was resurgent last night as I watched polling results come in.  In all honesty, I can’t remember ever feeling so proud to be an American. All Americans deserve Congratulations today!

Much has been made of the historical significance of electing the first African-American as President.  That point is so very true and remarkable.  The depth of meaning to the black community was lost on me during the campaign as I focused on the positions and qualifications of the two candidates. It was only in seeing TV images of African-Americans with tears streaming down their faces that I understood how important Barack’s victory was on a deeply personal and emotional level for so many.  Congratulations to all whose private hope, dream, desire, or what they may have thought of as only wishful thinking, has been fulfilled on Election Day 2008.

Congratulations to both candidates for their campaigns.  While the campaign had its ugly moments, the overall tone taken by both sides was more high than low road. While Obama received my vote, if a relatively few things had been different, I could have cast my vote for McCain. Both men seem to me to be sincere, honorable and have only the best in mind for the United States of America. Both of their Election night speeches were gracious and both spoke of unity, a quality that has recently been missing from our national and political discourse.  Both recognize that hard work that is ahead.  Barack Obama in particular used the words “sacrifice” and “humilty”.  It is my sincere hope that our newly elected Democratic President and his Democratic majority in Congress keeps these two words in mind as they move forward.

Congratulations to those whose candidates won.  Whatever your issues, they seemed to carry the day.  Remember that with victory, often comes the temptation to dominate, while progress and success usually involves cooperation and teamwork.  Most importantly, remember that future victories will require a record of progress and success.

Congratulations – yes, Congratulations to those whose candidates who did not win.  Don’t forget that you get another chance in the elections to come, and that you have the great privelege of walking a mile in the moccasins of those who have been on the losing side in the past and those who may be on the losing side in the future. Use the experience to develop inclusion and unity with the losers the

next time you come out on top.  Rather than despair of the prospects now that the opponent has won, try to remember that it is rare for your worst fears for the future to actually come true, and that good ideas and good work come from both political parties.

Congratulations to all of us for bearing our part in the democratic system we have been given.  While daily news bombards us with seemingly infinite reports of political fights, scandals, corruption and excess, it is

easy to lose sight of the unique beauty  and unique burden of our system of government and elections.  Once again we have peacefully and successfully transfered power from our current sets of leaders to new ones.  There is no substitute for an informed and involved electorate.

Congratulations Barack, John and all of us!