The election and Ying and Yang

We say goodbye to the age of Bush and enter the age of Obama. Some of you may be celebrating this day for the unprecedented win of President elect Barak Obama, and others may feel despondent.

For those of you who feel sad, remember 8 years ago, those who didn't vote for president Bush felt the same way and they have survived so you can too.

To me, this election was unprecedented, historic, surprising and frankly gave me new hope in the American democratic system. It may take us a long time to realize we need changes and that goes for both parties. ( I would never sign up to be part of any political party, because I think most people in America are not "center right" as the right likes to claim, or "progressive" as the left claims, but IN THE MIDDLE !! I find myself part of that group and I don't claim to be right but this election proved among other things that Americans like balance, equilibrium, Ying and Yang. Americans tend to believe in the market system and capitalism but they also believe the government can be a force for good. They want to be ready if there is a war but they also would like some effective diplomacy. They want to help their fellow man but they want their fellow man to work hard and be responsible.

I have always preferred a government in balance, a republican president with a democratic congress or vice versa. Today what I want is an effective, bipartisan SMART government. I don't care who is in charge as long as they get the work done well. Here is what they have to do. Whether you like President Elect Obama or not, the man has his work cut out for him. In 4 years, I expect to see some grey hair.
He with his cabinet and working with the congress has to make sure our recession does not last too long. Businesses and people have to have access to credit.
He has to motivate the American people to tighten their belt and live a more sustainable life.
He has to make sure small businesses have what they need to create more jobs.
He has to give hope to those who have lost their jobs or and their homes that together we can overcome and that soon enough things will get better.
He has to end a war that seems endless and create new alliances that will help us battle terrorism.
He has to come up with a viable peace process in the middle east once and for all.
Finally Obama has to be a motivator. Great presidents who ruled through hard times remained calm, positive, and truthful. We can't afford lies, whether we like them or not. We need the truth so that we can make smart decisions about our lives.

I don't expect the government to solve the problems we have. We have to play a role, but as many millions of americans struggle, they have to know someone really does listen, cares and is willing to help. I hope those in our new government understand that, for our sake and for their sake as well.