Today's a new Day!

I am a proud American today. I am a fence rider when it comes to politics. I have no particular allegiance to either party, but decide my vote on what I feel best fits our country at that given time.

While Obama was not my choice, it was not because he was black, it was not because he was a democrat, it was because I thought his opposition had more experience for the office. With that being said and all the votes counted, I look forward to the change his campaign touted. I look forward to seeing a new and improved America, because where I sit today, it's not a pretty site.

I drove to downtown Dallas this past weekend and was shocked by all the empty buildings. In case you missed that - SHOCKED!!

I watched what I could of President Obama's Inauguration today and my heart swelled with pride over the great strides this nation has taken in electing our first African American President. I attended a high school where the segregated plumbing was still sticking out of the walls. I cannot imagine being told where to sit, where to drink, where to go to school based on the color of my skin and nothing else.

For all of the Obama haters out there still hanging on to the notion that Obama was only elected for the color of his skin by the African Americans - news flash - there are not enough African Americans in this country to pull that off by themselves. They are not the majority vote in this country.

I still have some skepticism regarding some of his policys and plans for the future, but I absolutely respect the Office of the President of these United States. I live in a country where thousands have died for my right to disagree. I am thankful for those souls and thankful for the ones still on the battle lines - preserving my right to disagree or to simply voice my opinion.

Way to go America - You've come a long way baby!!