Nope.

To many Americans, the thought of electing a black man to the office of president was frightening and absurd. Then again, there were those, like myself, who believed that no matter how qualified and talented Barack Obama was, the ever-lingering racism and prejudice in this country would prevent his abilty to become the president elect.

Last Tuesday, I was overjoyed and proud to be a part of a country whose majority believes in, and voted for, real change. Our country made a decision that most viewed as the impossible dream. However, Barack Obama's defeat over John McCain is only the beginning.

I would like to take this opportunity to express to my readers that our dream of a total turn-around in government under Barack Obama's leadership in his first term is the impossible dream. Just as the current state of our country under George Bush's administration has become our worst nightmare.

Please understand, no leader can "fix" the mess that the Bush administration has gotten us into. I believe that we elected the best man to lead us out of these dark days. However, I would be lying to you if I said that I believed that he would be able to accomplish all that needs to be done in only four years. This is not a criticism, but rather a wake-up call.

Therefore dear readers, I'm asking you to keep hope alive. I do fear that things may get worse before they get better. We need to stand behind our president and realize that the light at the end of the tunnel is there, however, we may not be able to see it in four years time.

Obama has a daunting task ahead, just as FDR did after the Great Depression. Yet, FDR was able to resolve our country's maladies, in an unprecedented three plus terms, and would ultimately become one of our nation's greatest leaders in history.

Be patient. Obama will fall into the ranks alongside Lincoln, FDR and Kennedy. However, he won't be able to do it alone. We need to work for him and our government as much as he will work for us. Don't let your vote be the end of your civic engagement.

Living in a democracy is a gift. Your participation in it is a symbol of appreciation of that gift.