Yes, we can

We have witnessed an historical moment in this time. Senator Barack Obama has been declared president elect. On January 4th, 2009, he will take office. As a Canadian, I can witness this occasion with great hope and excitement. I heard a collective sigh of relief as he was declared.

Many worldwide have participated in this process. People from around the world have travelled to the USA to assist in campaigning on Sen. Obama's behalf, including Canadians, and those with dual citizenship.

It seems as if the economic crisis, after artificially raised oil prices, the below-prime mortgage collapse, and the slowing of vehicle sales has parted the waters for an intelligent, forward thinking, intelligent man: Barack Obama, to enter the now roiling waters and make change. For a time, the water have calmed and we all watched and held our collective souls motionless. It is only through these changes that we will be able to move forward. If not for the grassroots, the young and old, rich and poor, and a rainbow of people who believed in his message and his methods. The waters have parted and he can move forward to recreate, renew and inspire every person. It was moving to see this united group of people standing before him as he calmly, firmly and carefully prepared US citizens for what will come next. Many will follow him through the path he has cleared. Despite hardships, we can hold fast to dreams and principles of fairness, equity and belief in the human spirit.

What a rousing speech it was. Words meant to adopt a collaborative all-embracing approach.

"to look after ourselves and each other"

"To those who would tear apart our world we will defy you. To those who wonder if America's beacon still burns as bright... Yes, we can."

"Tonight we proved once more that the might of our nation comes not from the might of our arms, or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, hope, opportunity and unyielding faith."

Yes, we can. There is hope and optimism.