Sure, I'll go there too...
I'm so glad I can say I was a part of this election; the stakes were HUGE, and I'm really excited about the outcome, as well as to see what the next four years have in store.
Yes, the next president of the United States is going to be a man of color. Yes, his middle name is Hussien. And yes, he's a Democrat. The best you can do at this point is accept those facts and learn to get comfortable with them, because regardless of what your political opinion is, he will be our president in a matter of months.
I respect what most people believe, and it certainly isn't my place to judge anyone based on their views, but some people need to evaluate their behavior and grow from their ignorance and apparent intolerance. You're so much more mature than a Democrat who obnoxiously flaunts Obama's victory, and yet, you think the terrorist jokes are hilarious. Grow up. And you're convinced that Obama won because people who never cared before came out to vote because he's a young, well-spoken black man. Realize that he won by more than twice the amount of electoral votes as John McCain. Seven states, including our own, changed parties in favor of Obama. And blaming voters for being ill-informed? Do you know personally how every voter prepared him or herself to vote this year? I'm quite sure you don't, and therefore cannot pass that judgment. For one, I voted for Obama because we're all desperate for change, and because the thought of four more years of GW government is scary as hell, and as a nation, we just can't afford it. Don't make accusations you can't defend simply because you're bitter. And as for the general prejudice? I hate that people think it's not obvious; if it wasn't an issue, you wouldn't label him "black," "African American," or "nigger" every time you speak of him. Oh, and btw, most of us know what the rebel flag stands for. It's a dead give away.
Beyond the ignorance, a lot of people need to open their eyes and understand what's really at stake and what's truly important to the future of our nation. Abortion, gay marriage, and gun control issues won't decide where our nation stands a few years from now; economic and foreign policies will. It's SO disappointing that people vote according to issues like that; issues that, compared to others, are incredibly petty.
You want America to grow from this? Then put aside your pride and realize that there's no hope for a stronger future if every single sour Republican refuses to back our new president. Clue: THERE IS A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TOLERANCE AND ACCEPTANCE, and tolerance alone won't get the job done. I know a lot of people who were indifferent about this election for one reason or another, and I can respect their decisions, but I won't have someone complain to me about the election results, future policies, etc. if he/she didn't think it mattered to make his/her voice heard in the first place. You gave up the right to complain about our government when you gave up your right to vote. If you DID vote, I'm proud of you, regardless of who your vote was for, and that's really genuine.
Democracy isn't flawed because it didn't pat you on the back and give you everything you ever wanted; that isn't how it works. Elections are the same time and time again: someone wins and someone looses, and there is no blame to be had in the outcome because ultimately, it was America's decision, and it's already made. I'm sure time will cool some tempers on the subject, but at this point, there's nothing left to do but get behind Obama. And if you won't, feel free to get out; your negativity isn't doing anyone any favors.
GOBAMA '08 :)