Happy Days Are Here Again!

At long last, happy days are indeed here again.

Barack Hussein Obama, President-elect of the United States of America.

Without in any way taking anything away from the historical importance of the election of our first African-American president, the fact is that winnning the election was the easy part. Now we must govern, and there is much to be done.

Sixteen years ago, I celebrated the election of a man I saw as deeply talented and immensely capable of leading the changes we needed in America. The depth of his talents were only exceeded by the depth of my disappointment in his accomplishments. Nearly two decades have passed, and income inequality has increased, 47 million still are without health insurance, corporate interests have even more power than ever, millions of jobs have moved overseas, and working families in America have never in my lifetime had it so hard.

Now we are floundering in the face of a global financial crisis and deepening recession, with considerable reason to worry what President Obama will face on January 20.

And yet, I am more hopeful today than I have been in a long time - certainly than at any time in the past eight years. I am looking forward with confidence, despite the troubled times and despite the disappointments of the past. Maybe you feel that spirit too - that "Yes, We Can!" spirit that drives the Obama campaign and inspires so many of his supporters. With that spirit, some wise leadership, and some hard work, we can get the job done.

Happy days are here again!

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