The Day After

So here we are, the day after one of the most historic days our country has ever seen. As a student of history, it is hard to overlook the significance of electing our first Black President. Studying the 60's and how torn this country was, it was hard to think that in 40 years things would be different; and different to the point where the country would not only nominate, but elect a Black President. From a historical perspective, it truly is amazing and I am proud to be living in a country where something like this could happen.

I certainly do not agree with our newly elected President. I did not agree with John McCain on quite a few things either, but in a time where the existence of a competitive third party is non-existent, civic duty almost pulls us to vote for one of the two major party candidates. It is important though to remember history and to understand that the modern day Republican and Democratic parties were once third parties themselves and gained popularity out of dissatisfaction with the way things were being done in this country. If there were ever a time for a third party to emerge in this country, I truly believe it is now.

For those that are standing behind the plans of our new President, please take caution, this will not happen overnight. Not since FDR has the country seen a man who wants to add so much big government in order to help pull the economy and the people out of a recession. History smiled upon FDR for many reasons but the New Deal was not as successful as some may think. Ultimately, the reason this country emerged victorious from the Great Depression was because of our involvement in World War II. The amount of money and supplies we lent and sold to foreign countries during the war increased not only our production but our income as well. We became a country the world turned to for goods and services. Our involvement in the war hinged on our desire to be involved in the peace keeping effort that followed and be ensured the countries that were rebuilding would continue to buy goods and services from the United States.

Only time will tell if Big Government is truly the answer. I believe it is not and think that is the reason that after World War II and the reign of FDR (reminder that he was the only President in history to serve more than two terms, allowing him to get things done) that the United States spent the next sixty years trying to fix programs like welfare. The system is in need of a serious overhaul and it is going to take Americans setting aside party differences in order to make that happen (and yes, the same would be true if McCain were elected). The next four years are going to be interesting; time to sit back and enjoy the show.