Congratulations Obama. Congratulations America!

Congratulations Barack Obama and congratulations to the good 'ol USA! For the first time in a long time I am proud to say I'm a citizen of the United States.

Last night marked the turning point in our tough but very impressive history as a country divided and at the same time, together. Many never thought that current generations would see an African-American elected to the most powerful position on the planet. I'm happy and proud to say that I know where I was the moment it happened--I was sleeping. I was watching the election results come in and figured I could afford a little 20 minute nap. I woke abruptly about 10 minutes later to find the projection had just come in, Barack Obama would be the next president of the United States!

From then on the rest of the nights' events moved quickly as Senator John McCain gave his concession speech and President-elect Barack Obama gave his acceptance speech. I was glued to the television in a state of shock as reality set in that the impossible was very much possible and we as a country were finally moving forward.

There are quite a few conservatives extremely upset with the election results (I know a handful of them)--something that was evident during McCain's concession speech. I sincerely hope it will not deter our country from unifying to help ourselves and help others. I believe that while Barack Obama indeed has a lot to learn about leading this country, what he stands for and what his election represents will benefit us far more than what he is personally able to achieve in the next four years.

What excites me the most is my belief that Obama will have a supremely positive impact on our county's global image. No longer can other nations label us, as a whole, intolerant or suppressive. There are certainly things to complain about with any country but we are taking steps in a positive direction to improve our world relations and I am certain that will allow us to rebuild and prosper.

The world is now, more than ever, a global community and no longer individual nations divided by land and sea. This requires a different type of leadership and a different path. I believe we are finally heading down the right path.

In addition to improving our world image, I'm certain that Barack Obama will inspire many an American (and hopefully citizens of other countries) to get up, get out and aim high. The fact that there is still hope and possibility in this country is simply refreshing. I love being a citizen of the greatest country on the planet!

The next four years will be tough for us; we will face a big transition after writing the history books once again. We will need to think out of the box to solve our problems and help our neighbors. I can say that I am ready to help and be a part of the solution.

Overall what a great night and a great feeling! I'm glad I could witness it and I can't wait to see what the future holds. All that is really left to say is AMERICA... F*CK YEAH!

- Mitch G