Well how can I begin a blog on a day like today, with a historic presidential elect securing a spot in the White House from my very own state, by ignoring this moment? As a 27-year-old this is the first election of my time that has seen an exciting candidate that voices my generations concerns — anti-war, Americas image to the world, alternative energy production, et cetera. But with the past 8 years (and especially, the last election) being stolen by George Bush through a faulty and broken voting system in a very politicized 9/11 time, everyone my age that I know has felt hopeless, apathetic and angry at Bush's reign as our “leader”.

I often ponder the ramifications of a Democracy in which the “majority” was wrong. On the bus today, while reading the latest issue of Newsweek (November 10, 2008) I came across a quote in an article about Andrew Jackson giving his response to this very question. Looking back at the recent victory it’s a reassuring optimistic point of view that I can once again believe in while feeling, just as Michelle Obama except without apologies, proud of my country for the first time in my life.

“Never for a moment believe that the great body of the citizens of any State or States can deliberately intend to do wrong,” Jackson once said. “They may, under the influence of temporary excitement or misguided opinions, commit mistakes; they may be misled for a time by the suggestions of self-interest; but in a community so enlightened and patriotic as the people of the United States argument will soon make them sensible of their errors, and when convinced they will be ready to repair them.”

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