Bolivia - The U.S. Election

I don't see anyone dancing out in the streets of Cochabamba today, but I feel like heading out there myself and doing a happy jig of my own.

In my opinion, today is the best day the United States of America has had in 10 years.

It was in November 1996 when the Presidential election results confirmed Bill Clinton's victory over Bob Dole. Since then, we've had the Lewinksy scandal, the Whitewater scandal, a grueling dishonorable impeachment of our President, a financial market implosion and economic meltdown, a stolen Presidential election, unprecedented levels of corporate corruption and felony, an unthinkable terrorist attack on our own soil, a squandered budget surplus, an inept statement and adoption of foreign policy, fiscally irresponsible tax cuts, blundered war campaigns under false pretenses, horrific natural disasters, political scandals of all kinds, energy crises, and an environmental timebomb all of which are resulting in an unimaginable 8 year term for an administration having some of the lowest approval ratings ever recorded, an expensive, tragic, quagmire of a war in Iraq, an economy very possibly running on fumes, and depressingly, our country's severely eroded stature in the eyes of the world.

Today though, there is hope. There is a reason to celebrate. There is change, and it should be clear to all who care to notice, that change is needed. I really couldn't care less if Democrats control the House and Senate, or if Independents would. But, to continue down the path that the Republican party has torched since the Congressional Republican revolution of 1994, most noticeably under Bush's leadership(?), would certainly lead us deeper into the ditch we've already dug ourselves into. I have no idea if the Democrats will do any better. However, I feel that they couldn't possibly do any worse, and it seems there are alot of people out there thinking the same way.

I am happy, and I am hopeful about our country, today. It will take a while, if we so desire, for our country to right the wrongs of its recent past. But, with the clear message our voters sent today, there are reasons to believe it can happen.

We need to lead the world in developing profitable technologies, and personal and business behaviors that reverse and nullify the catastrophic environmental impact our country has had on the world. We need to recognize and embrace the notion that there are other countries having larger populations than us, having similar or greater global impact than us, having sometimes conflicting interests and/or values than ours. We need to set the standard for ethical governance, business practice, and cultural behavior at home and abroad so that our presence on the world stage is welcomed again without cynicism.

Nothing our country needs to do is impossible. In fact, I'm confident it's all been done before. We just need a re-fresher. Today is that day. Be excited, very excited. I am.