Could there possibly be an end to my political rants?

As I sit here contemplating my future level of interest in the realm of politics, now that Barack Obama has been elected our 44th President of the United States, I realize that I may have entered a world that I may never be able to escape. In the last year I have become so mentally and emotionally involved in the way that our government works, from the corruption that led us into an endless war to the most recent realization that we can each make a difference.

I think that our great country has reinvested in itself this last week. I believe that the election of a black man to the most important job in the world proves that this great nation can lead the world to a better place. My view of this country has been renewed, I am proud, once again, to be an US citizen. This does not come without a cost. During the last 8 years we, the citizens of the US, have allowed the government to take advantage of us and run our reputation into the ground in order to further their political agenda. The Bush Administration has taken our hard earned money and we have nothing to show for it except for high food prices, an pointless war, a stock market in the crapper, less medical coverage, less regulation, a nationalization of the banks, giveaways to wall street, failing infrastruce, falling home prices, excessive home foreclosures, a rising unemployment rate, and a president that no one trusts. The list is endless, but I have a feeling in my heart that this is about to change.

I have to admit that prior to November 4th at 8pm, I was somewhat of a cynic thinking that the presidential election, going with the tradition of the last two elections, would be stolen for a third time by those that have profited the lies and deceit of the last 8 years. I wouldn't have been surprised if the outcome of the election had gone in favor of John McCain. Just the thought of another stolen election made me ill, but the thought also allowed me to feel what citizens of other countries must feel when corruption takes over their elections. The feeling of a muted voice of a citizen in a environment where democracy is just a facade in order to hide ulterior motives and agendas.

I tried to set myself up for disappointment. Every time a friend, a relative, or a teacher said that Obama had the election in the bag I asked them to watch what they said in order to lessen the jinx-ability of the most important election of my lifetime. I wanted nothing more than the those in favor of hiring Barack Obama as our commander in chief to become over confident, like we had been in the past, only to succumb to defeat. My government had not given me much faith in their ability to be honest and truthful to their employer, the citizens of the United States. Prior to the last 8 years, we have taken for granted our freedoms and rightfully believed that our government would always act in our best interest. We have witnessed that we can no longer keep our guard down and must always advocate, lobby if you will, for our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

When the polls closed and the news stations began to call the election, I couldn't help my tears, joy, and raw emotion. We had overcome the tragedies of the past and entered into what the future will call a defining moment of US History. I cannot place another time in my life where I felt like I did Tuesday night. In an instant everything changed: the world changed their views of America, I had restored faith in my great country, I was excited to think that my voice made a difference, and that we were embarking on a journey that would change the country for the better. Barack Obama is a breath of fresh air that was well needed and long awaited. I had watched him carefully during his campaign and believe that he will be one our great presidents, who will end the politics of broken promises, hidden agendas, and special interests.

Now, I'm not sure I want to escape our country's political system. I think that instead of complaining about the past I will be able to praise the future.