Photo by Kylemahan

After living through 8 dark, scary years during which we lost our moral and legal bearings, our country has finally chosen the visionary path of unity, hope and respect for all human rights and civil liberties. We’ve emerged from the darkest depths of fear, hatred and racism that were part of our nation’s founding and have been our communal struggle. While President-elect Obama’s victory hasn’t fully erased these legacies yet, it offers one of the greatest moments of hope for our country to move beyond our racist, slavery-rooted history. As I was teary-eyed through Obama’s beautiful victory speech, I stood in awe with millions of others worldwide who were blown away by his mesmerizing words and spirit. Although he has a difficult road ahead, his ability to unite people of all races, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions and ethnicities demonstrated his ability to deliver a message to all Americans that is the first step in what will be a long journey to allow our country to be truly united and respected as a global leader.

I can also provide you updates on all of the other election-related items I’ve blogged about over the past couple of weeks. While the outcome of the presidential race seemed to be accurate and fair, Election Protection reported 50,000 calls were made. Election reform will not end today; activists will continue to press for much needed election reforms to ensure safe future elections. I’m thrilled to announce that Prop 2, the measure to provide more humane conditions for farm animals, resoundingly passed 62% to 38%. Measure R, to rename San Francisco’s sewage treatment plant after George W. Bush unfortunately failed. And, sadly, all of the ballot propositions in Arizona and Florida passed. California Prop 8 has not been decided, takepart and follow the updates from NoOn8.com

(Photo: Brande Jackson’s flickr photostream)