When I realized that Obama had, indeed, clinched the election, my belief that I am living in a country full of wonderful free-thinking people was restored. Well done to all who helped make this happen

This idea that anyone who opposed Obama and perhaps even supported McCain is not a "free thinker" is very disturbing. What happened to respecting opposing viewpoints? "Right wing, left wing, one needs both to fly"

I agree with you E Yannone!

E Yannone, could you point out the part where Gary says that anyone opposed to Obama is not a free thinker? I think you are reading a little too much into Gary's post. I think he is pleased to know that in a country that was so rooted in prejudice and stereotype, a black man or a woman could run for the highest office in the land and win. Now, that is some mavericky business right there!

I think E Yannone was referring to Gary Regan's comment.

I think that everyone is right here! I certainly didn't mean to infer that Republicans are not free thinkers, and although I'm a pretty left-wing democrat, I happen to think that, without right-wing people voicing their opinions, we could sometimes make mistakes and go down the wrong path.
Everyone should be heard, and everyone's opinions should be considered before we make any major decisions. Always.

Although I didn't specifically take aim at McCann supporters, I understand how E Yannone could read that into my initial post, and I thank him/her from bringing the matter up.

And finally, Kate Benson, you hit the nail on the head. That's exactly what made me so happy when Obama was elected.

And I apologize for my "McCann" typo. I meant McCain, of course.

"Right wing, Left wing, one needs both to fly" Indeed! Can anyone see through this PC smokescreen well enough to recall Karl Rove's prediction of a "Permanent Republican Majority", or the systematic dismantling of our Constitution by the Bush/Cheney doctrine? Has anyone in the Executive Branch for the past eight years acted with this philosophical balance in mind? Hardly! But now, of course, those who enabled this nightmare to happen are the first to take offense at the exuberance, relief, and plain joy that this balance they speak of may actually be restored to our government and our country.

The dismantling of the Constitution is what bothers me most. We should be teaching the Constitution in school so that citizens know when their rights are being trampled. An unfortunate side-effect of growing up in relative peace and prosperity is not understanding how fast those rights can be usurped.

Come on Rick - you can't possibly believe that the Republicans don't follow the constitution and the Democats do. LMAO

Open-ended suspension of habeas corpus, NSA wiretapping of American citizens, rendition of foreign nationals (see "Taxi to the Dark Side"). There's an iceberg under this tip. Democratic initiatives? I think not. To quote Gerald Ford, "My fellow Americans, our long national nightmare is over."

Hear, hear!

Or, to quote Benjamin Franklin, "Those who would give up essential liberty to obtain temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

Yes, Virginia, it may not always be "convenient," but it is possible -- indeed, essential -- to have both. In fact, the preservation of individual liberty is the great thesis upon which our constitutional form of government rests.

Kate,

"The dismatling of the Constitution is what bothers me most" That was the BEST sentence in this thread. As a Libertarian I was for Ron Paul and still feel he was the best candidate. But in lieu of voting for him I ended up voting for who Ron Paul endorsed the Constitution Candidate "Chuck Baldwin". Now my President is Barack OBama whom I will support as EVERY standing President should be supported. Isn't it great that there are term limits. I feel 09 shall be a better year.