"Life is very short and there's no time for fussing and fighting my friends."

In the face of some SERIOUSLY distressing incidents and comments around me today, I choose to be a dignified Democrat and not gloat or boast after this overwhelming win. I choose instead to focus on what lies ahead and while I had a touchy-feely, goosebumpy post full of all my flowery language ready to go about all the emotions I've had in the past 48 hours, what the election of President Barack Obama has meant to me not only as a woman and mother but as a citizen...not just of America but of the world I've decided to scrap it in favor of using the words of some AMAZING women who I admire and respect. Some who have walked the walk and talked the talk through many, many decades in America. I think it better that I echo their sentiments than share my own opinions because I do so wish that everyone had the privilege of being fortunate enough to surround themselves with the amazing women that it is my privilege and honor to call friends.

It's all about working for a greater unity now. Polarization is not the way to move forward. This victory is sweet for about 6 hours on a we-beat-the-Rove/Cheney-machine level. Now it is time for quiet gratitude and humility in the face of the job ahead. I'm looking forward to Obama creating an integrated - Democratic/Republican/Independent cabinet which lessens the fears of the McCain supporters. The job ahead is staggering, but our guy may be the one man who truly sees what he signed up for. He doesn't suffer the hubris of invincibility that may be visited upon him by many of his supporters. He is achingly, magnificently human.

We didn't just elect the first black president - this is so race transcendent. Seriously. We elected a highly evolved man who carries with him the highest vision of our country within the entire world. Because of how he ran his amazing, unprecedented campaign, he has many tools no other president-elect has had to manifest the promise of our Constitution within our global village for the betterment of all humankind. Best news of all is that our electorate seems to deserve this man.

We have finally summoned the better angels of our nature. We will not rest where we are or retreat. We will do all we can to make America all it can become.





And now having said that, on to just some of the tunes that have come to mind today and that I'm singing out loud...

Canned Heat - "Let's Work Together"

Grandaddy - "Revolution"

The Innocence Mission - "What A Wonderful World"

Jesus Jones - "Right Here, Right Now"

Marc Broussard - "Yes We Can, Can"

Paula Abdul - "The Promise of a New Day"

Ingrid Michaelson - "Be OK"

Graham Nash - "We Can Change the World"

Tupac - "Changes"

The Jealous Sound - "Hope for Us"

Foy Vance - "Hope, Peace & Love"

Will.I.Am and EVERYONE under the sun it seems - "Yes We Can"


I've ALWAYS loved this song but it took on a completely different meaning for me on a personal level this year and when I saw my beloved Teddy Thompson singing this with Martha Wainwright on Live at Abbey Road, I was mesmerized completely and since I feel it's absolutely appropriate today I wanted to share this, my now favorite version. If you've never seen Live @ Abbey Road, I feel I must implore you to do so...it's a fantastic show.






And there's just no way I could make this post without sharing these two historic moments as well...