And the 2009 Presidential Elect is.....

Barack Obama.

Friends, I actually lost sleep last night after the announcement of California's poll close. CNN, Fox News & other political channels all made comments like:

"I will pray for our Country"
"Why would America want an Marxist as their President" (I had to look that one up)
"We have a very difficult 4 years ahead"

I honestly can't claim to be surprised, shocked, or unprepared for the "official" announcement of the Presidential elect, but never the less, hearing it still raised fear as I listened to the "experts" voice their immediate concerns and warnings for our country over the next 4 years, not only because Sen. Obama had won, but also because the House and Senate are now Democrat majority.

Don't get me wrong...I like Obama. He is an excellent speaker, had an inspirational story (albeit still sketchy of facts), and is just over all a likable guy. It just seems like most Americans got lost in his smile, and promise of "Change" (irregardless of how vague his promise was) and "American Dream" story. I think that they forgot that he is still a POLITICIAN, and I have yet to hear a politician open their mouth without a lie far behind. His philosophy and "plans" for change were a little too vague to sell me personally.

Do I think that there needs to be a change to stimulate and regain control of America's economy and power? Absolutely. What "change" is Obama selling actually? I never could answer that question. Can you?

Do I believe that "everyone benefits when the wealth is spread?" Not necessarily. Being involved in a small business, how would we benefit from higher taxes? We already pay nearly 40% of our retained earnings every year; I am not sure if we could handle any more than that. How, Sen. Obama, do higher taxes "help" small businesses to succeed, as you so often mention? Why is it that I personally get up at 5:30 am to make sure that my kids get ready for school and then head to work EVERY SINGLE DAY so that my kids have the things they need to be assets to society, but you feel it's necessary to take more from me so that people that are too lazy to work, or even try to find employment (SOMETHING is better than nothing), can still provide for THEIR children? Is that really MY responsibility? Why should those working harder every day to climb the work ladder so that they can save money for their children's college educations be punished for doing so? Can you explain to me how I benefit from that?? How will people "profit" from a capital gains tax nearly triple what it is today? And how, Sen. Obama, can you justify such actions when you yourself sit in a million dollar mansion? Are you "spreading" your wealth?

I do not claim to be, nor wish to believe, that I am politically savvy...quite the contrary. I had THE MOST DIFFICULT time deciding which candidate I was going to give my vote to...and that decision was made only after spending DAYS online re-watching certain interviews (thanks to YouTube) and reading unbiased pros & cons for each candidate. Just because Sen. McCain is Arizona's senator doesn't mean I know anything about him, and before this campaign I had never even heard of Sen. Obama. There were actions from both candidates that I agreed & disagreed with. In the end, my decision was based on gut feeling...who did I feel lied the least, answered questions rather than ignoring the issues, and made more sense for MY situation.

And what about Sen. Biden? I sadly know very very little about him; my fault, of course. However, I really feel that they (the VP candidates) were sorely overlooked and ignored.

I am glad that the election is over. I am lucky to be living during this historical election. I am curious to see the "Changes" that Obama promised and slightly fearful of the effects they may have on me. I am anxious to see America get back on track, and hope that Obama is the man to make it happen. But most of all, I PRAY that America chose the right man for the job, mindful that things happen for a reason, and hopeful that things don't get worse before they get better.

Only time will tell........