something shiny

Though you can't tell by my last few emails, I am the type of person who tries to see good in every situation. "Every cloud has a silver lining" is so true in my book. Even if it is more of just a glimmer, it is still there. In my doom and gloom over the past few days I have searched to find something bright and shiny about the fact that Barack Hussein Obama is our president-elect. Weary from obsessing over the fact that no one seems to care that there is a huge chance that our country could become a communist (at worst) or socialist (at "best") nation, I just had to look at things from a cheerier viewpoint. (Don't believe me? Think of this: Obama, Pelosi, and Reed... there are NO longer checks and balances. The powers-that-be go unchecked.. especially if he gets to appoint people to the Supreme Court.)
When I was watching the massive crowds celebrate "The One" (these are Oprah Winfrey's words, not mine) being chosen, and just after I gagged watching Jesse Jackson's tear-stained cheeks (which he would not wipe, something which drove me to distraction, and which made me even more repulsed because it made it look insincere) I saw that "hope" that each of those people had voted for.
The black Americans in that crowd really do believe in Obama. They may not have a clue as to anything he believes in, but they believe in his ability to lead the nation. I saw a joy that was deeper than just "we won". This led me to realize how much it meant to them that he win. I saw in their joy the need to prove that they can "give birth" to a leader for our United States.
It's no secret that I disagree about him being the right man for the job, but taking my opinion out of the formula, he remains their hope. No matter how flawed their reasoning or how much these voters lack knowledge about their candidate, the fact remains that they are excited about this opportunity.
I just hope that he can live up to their expectations. I hope he makes them proud and doesn't let them down. I hope he really takes this role seriously as so many did before him. (OK, so not Bill Clinton, but prolly the rest of them.) IF he turns out to be good for America, (and not weaken her to the point that she is unrecognizable) and IF he can do more good for race relations (God, please protect him from being assassinated!), then he will set a fairly good precedent.
Though I am mostly skeptical, I must create this bright, shiny facet to focus on over the next four years. My children are depending on me to help them feel safe and secure. Their peace of mind depends on how I cope with what may come. I can't let them down. I am their hope.