Time to Show My Colors

I had said I'd avoid politics, but this year it's impossible. I have something I absolutely have to say.

Thank you to groups like MoveOn and TrueMajority, for fighting ceaselessly and thanklessly for change.

Thank you to the ACLU and its allies, who are as we speak appealing Prop 8.

Thank you to John McCain, for one of the most gracious concession speeches I have ever had the privilege to see; for showing us that you still are the affable, kindly, patriotic man that we had seen in previous years; and for all the years of service you have given to this great country.

And thank you, America. Thank you for coming out and showing us your true colors. For participating in the system instead of just criticizing. For voting from the heart, and proving that we truly have made strides since the days of Rosa Parks. Thank you for the light at the end of the tunnel; thank you for showing that we have the strength to win this. Thank you for making me, once more, proud to be an American.

And thank you to our newly-elected 44th President, for one of the most stirring speeches I have yet seen; for being the statesman we have waited for; for being, as you say, change we can believe in. People accuse you of being too right, and people accuse you of being disingenuous; but I see the strong left in you and I see the truth in your words, do believe that you are what we need right now--not just us, but the world. From what I've seen in the news, the world agrees.

I think the man himself said it best--it will be a hard battle, but this election is proof that we can win it. And to those who want to tear down the world: we will defeat you.

And let me say it, one last time, before these words are hammered into a meaningless void by the media: Yes we did. And yes we can.

Last night, when I arrived home from an election night celebration, from witnessing one of the most awesome, inspiring speeches I have seen in recent memory, I had the privilege of reading the words I have wanted to see now for over a year; and though I can't be in all of your offices and living rooms, I can pretend.

So please, right now, hoist a glass.

To President Barack Obama.