I just want to offer congratulations to Barack Obama for winning the presidency.  I did not vote for him (nor did I vote for McCain - I voted 3rd party for those of you who care), but I do find his victory impressive; this country finally elected a black person as president.  Even though he did not have my support, I am proud of my country for having the courage to vote for someone other than an old white guy.  I just hope that people did not vote for him only because he is black - I hope he won because the majority of the voters thought he was the more qualified candidate.  Obama is an excellent speaker, and he seems like he can be a great leader.  I'm just not so sure of his political beliefs (I still smell big government, which is a rather putrid smell).  I really hope that he will bring an accountable and fiscally responsible government in with him, but that may be asking too much.  Neither the dems nor the repubs have shown much propensity for that lately.  I am willing to give Obama the benefit of the doubt and will see what happens; he now has the chance to win my support.  He and the Democrats have been complaining a lot these last 8 years, now it is their turn to "put up, or shut up".