Did You Notice the Difference?

Today was an interesting day. There is only one day after a historic moment and that day was today. Did you notice how everyone was smiling?

Barack Obama easily won the election last night, there was no doubt. It seems when Democrats win, they win in large margins compared to the last two Presidential elections in which Bush squeaked by. Did you notice the difference?

As John McCain addressed his supporters and conceded, his supporters in bad taste booed at Barack Obama's mention. The opposite occurred in Chicago where a large crowd of supporters did not resort to such poor etiquette when Obama mentioned John McCain. Did you notice the difference?

The crowd at McCain's speech was smaller and uniformed ... honestly it was made up of older white people with above average incomes. On the other hand, Grant Park hosted a diverse group of people of all makes and sizes that were ecstatic. These people were joyful and excited to be part of history. Did you notice the difference?

The world did not end today and Osama bin Laden did not move into the White House. Barack Obama did not come out with a Koran in his left hand and a Communist Flag in the other claiming to destroy America. America functioned in a normal fashion and nothing out of the ordinary occurred the day after a historic election. Republicans employed of a strategy of fear (which did not work) in order to persuade some Americans from voting for Obama. Did you notice the difference?

The world waited until the wee hours of the night (some woke up early) to see how America would vote. From Europe to Africa, the people were happy that Obama won. The international community had as much vested as we did in this Election. Everyone it seemed ... wanted Obama to pull this off. The celebrations and outlook for hope was shared by all. Did you notice the difference? 

All day today I notice how people had smiles and expressions of joy. It seemed like they were relieved. As if someone came in the night and whispered that everything would be okay these next 4 years. Did you notice the difference?