And with this, I will step off my soapbox... - Posted by Lisa

Throughout this election, I was aware of the historical and societal importance of a black man running for (and ultimately winning) the presidency. I can honestly say that my vote was not influenced one way or the other by the color the candidates' skin, but by the issues presented to us. I cannot know for sure, but I believe the same can be said of at least most of my friends and family around me, regardless of their chosen candidate. I keep some pretty good company. :)

But while watching a portion of "The View" today (it's a guilty pleasure), I was moved to tears when Whoopi Goldberg and Sherri Shepherd spoke. As a mom of two young boys, how could I not be moved when Sherri said that she can now tell her little boy that he has "no limitations" in life. When black children around America have been told (quite truthfully) for generations that they can be anything they want to be, but they can't be President. Now, these children have living proof that "yes, they can."

I wish I could say that this historic election marks a return to guaranteed peace and prosperity in the U.S. and the world, or that we have now seen the end to all bigotry. Sadly, that is not true. We still face the same challenges that we did yesterday morning. Our economy is still in shambles, and will be for some time. There are still wars and threats of war around the world. There is still deep division in this country. But for many people in this country, of all races, religions, and creeds, there is hope where before there was disenfranchisement. Now it's up to us to make sure our new President and other elected officials do the job that we hired them to do.

Here is the link to The View if you want to see the videos (they will start automatically when you click on the link). I hope you find it as uplifting as I did. :)