Congratulations to President Elect Barack Obama! Congratulations also to Warner, Hagen and the other new democratic Senators. To say I'm pleased would be an understatement. I'm ecstatic, and tired.

But I also want to thank all the candidates, for their willingness to serve this great country and her citizens. Thank you John McCain for your lifetime of service to this country in war and in peace. Thank you Sarah Palin for being a great cheerleader for the Republican party and trying to keep the focus on the average American, even if we disagree on the particulars. Thank you all for rallying and getting out the vote, and all the first time voters, and long-time voters.

I do find it important to stress that 51% is not a mandate, no matter what President Bush claimed. It is a majority, but honestly a slim one. We need to keep in mind all of America, in her variety and splendor, and do what is best for the country and the world from here on out.