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

Election Buzz

Now, I have no intention of telling anyone who to vote for. That's an entirely personal decision for each of us to make. I'm also not going to tell you who I'm going to vote for. That's private.

But tonight, I went to see Swing Vote, with Kevin Costner. I like him, I wanted a laugh and movies are always great therapy for me when I am stressed out.

The movie is not an academy award quality film, to say the least. Kevin Costner seems to be playing an idiotic man (again) ... he's played that sort of role before. The young actress who plays his daughter is wonderful and amazing. She's definitely on her way to stardom.

If you haven't seen the previews, let me clue you in. The presidential election occurs in November .... except that the ballot of one voter (you know who) never went through because of an electricity glitch. The voter officials call upon him to have to "revote" within 10 days. The ENTIRE election hinged on him.
So, now the President (running for re-election) and his openent show up to push for his vote. The little town becomes a zoo of papparazzi, reporters, and more.

The saving grace of the movie is what it tells us about our candidates and how they will do anything to WIN. They both woo him-- change their positions just to please him so he'll vote for them, they'll wine him and dine him. It was farcical and funny BUT a bit uncomfortable to consider.

Will we ever have an election where we get to truly know what the candidates stand for? Will they forever change their positions just for votes OR will they consistently stand for their positions?

I don't know about you, but I am so sick of the election process at this point. I hardly watch or listen any longer. I hate the negative campaigning ... more interest in tearing the other person apart then in actually sharing where they stand on the issues. And, I'm really tired of the press -- in my book -- they are capable of pushing the election to support whatever candidate.

Will I vote, of course I will. Will my vote count? I doubt it? Am I cynical / skeptical? You bet.I'm a boomer, with integrity and a commitment to be involved in the future of my county. But, it doesn't mean I have to like the process.

Just my two cents.
I welcome yours.
Have a great weekend.
Ann