It's a new Era in the USA

Last night, our country elected a new president. Barack Obama, a 47 year young baby boomer is now the 44th President-Elect of the USA. What's interesting about this, is not just that he is an African American, and the first to be elected to this position as an African American, but also that he somehow has acquired the trust of more than 50% of the general population. He also managed to carry 2x the number of electoral votes, having carried the most urban and highly populated states. What's even more interesting than that is that he brought out the highest number of voters in recent history ... especially among the gen Xers and millenials.

Now, why did that happen and what does it mean for the baby boomer generation?
First, he obviously moves huge numbers of people. That's obvious whether you voted for him or not.
Second, he heralds in the generations that followed us. Notoriously, in the past, younger people did not vote in large numbers. They seemed almost uninterested. My own son, age 30, has voted since he was told enough to register; however, he never had as much interest or excitement about it.
Third, it appears to me that we are now passing the torch. John McCain, although not a boomer, is married to one; but, he represented someone who seemed "antiquated" to the youth. He also seemed uncomfortable in his skin.
Fourth, the people who did support Obama seem to have a new level of "hope and inspiration" than has been felt in recent years. Despite your party of choice, our current President has been a disappointment. People decided they wanted something new ... they wanted someone they think will produce "new and different."

It remains to be seen how this will all turn out. Either Obama will produce. He'll make his supporters and citizens proud. Or, he'll be a huge disappointment, in over his head as many have said.

However, under any circumstances .. we're in for an interesting ride. And, I, as a boomer am accepting that the generations that followed us are now moving into more meaningful roles and taking more responsibility.

Let's see where this takes us.
I wish President Obama the very best as he takes on the biggest challenge of his time. And, I hope he is open to hearing what we, the experienced generation that preceded him, have to say.

My last wish is that Obama bring stability in the world ... that other countries will see us, the USA, in a more positive way.

Here's to change.
Ann