Let’s take a moment to celebrate, this moment in history. The moment HOPE was restored to the world. The challenges are still in front of us, as tough as ever, but there is a spirit of being ‘United States’ again, even ‘United Countries’…something I have missed for a long time again.

An email from my friend Mike Nolan:

Tonight I have to take a moment to write my dear friends from across the world, because I believe that America has taken a bold step.

Tonight I watched as corporate leaders cheered a black liberal. I saw young college students and teachers applaud. I saw a dear friend – a Muslim from Dubai – brought to tears by Obama’s speech.

Jules cried – choked up thinking about her father – a brave WW II veteran – who grew up a bigoted, small town man, who died with a mixed race great grand child at his bedside.

Today my 18 year old son voted for the first time – for a black man. A phenomenally smart, well educated, thoughtful man. I was proud.

I hope the rest of the world shares my humble feelings – that though, at heart, I share more in common with the idealistic Republican platform – I truly admire my countries choice in President.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts.