History has been made.

Well... here we are... Election Day: Nov. 4, 2008.

I woke up extra early this morning to finish some homework... but more importantly, to get to the polling place to wait in line before it opened, in order to vote before having to go to school. I got there around 6:40am. I was the 10th-ish person in line. The whole time I was waiting (except for when I was texting), I was praying. Praying for America. Praying that God would bless us and lead people to vote for what was right, not for what was "cool" or "new". Even when I was dobbing ink onto my voter ballot, I was praying. I was praying as hard as I could. Then, I got into my car, in the drizzle, and started to drive away. As I was driving, I was suddenly hit with a really strong sense of fear... fear for the future of our country... fear that people were not going to pay much attention to the actual issues, but rather just vote based off what they've seen on television. I almost began to cry. Maybe that sounds stupid... but it really worried me. I see the people around me... and I see how the morals are changing day by day.

Everywhere I turned, I only heard people boasting and hollering about Obama. I voted for McCain... I voted based on his experience and dedication to our country. I got annoyed with the constant teasing about his age, like it would really have an effect on his ability to run a country. Majority of the people I talked to, however, planned to vote for Obama. But that was to be expected of course, living in Southern CA afterall. Still, only once did I actually hear someone have a REAL explanation and reason why they supported him. Everyone else based their decision simply on the fact that he is African-American and/or because they hate President Bush, and therefore hate ALL republicans. Hearing arguments such as those really turned me off to Obama... and the thought of him running our country.

Also living in Southern CA, we were constantly being pressured into voting "No" on Prop 8. I know people who have been dealing with all kinds of emotions over these issues. I'm not one to shoot down people or their opinions. I'm willing to listen and understand, as long as they can do the same. But, the more I took a look around, the more I realized that people couldn't care less about what us Christians had to say. We are supposed to be tolerant, and yet they can be rude and rub it in our faces. No. That's not how it works. If someone wants me to be understanding and listen to what they have to say, then they must learn to return the favor. I am getting tired of having to be afraid to offend someone while, at the same time, having their beliefs shoved down my throat. I voted "Yes" on Prop 8. I do not agree with the homosexual lifestyle... as a Christian, I need to stand by what I believe. Now, maybe you don't agree with me, and that's fine. But all I ask is that you respect my opinion, and I will respect yours in return. I know a couple people who are gay. I do not look at them differently, I do not treat them as if they are any less human than I am, but that doesn't mean I have to agree with them. If I want to support the protection of marriage between only a man and a woman, then that is my own personal decision... and it is not meant as an attack or descrimination against gay/lesbian couples. A person cannot decide their ethnicity, but I believe it is a person's personal choice to be gay or lesbian. It is simply my personal belief. Accept it, or don't.

As of right now, the results are 54% yes and 46% no for Prop 8. I'm praying that it stays that way.

Obama just said tonight in his speech: "The new dawn of American leadership is at hand." Well, I guess we will see. Of course I am in favor of positive change. But people need to keep in mind that it is easier said than done. A promise can easily be made... but keeping it and making it happen is a whole different story. Often times, people forget about the ripple effect of presidency: a president may make the decision or plan, but the results aren't visible until the next president is already in office... and this happens in both positive and negative ways. Also, a person can be a great public speaker and promise change, no problem. But being a great public speaker does NOT guarantee great leadership. For all we know, he could be all talk and no action. However, I truly hope that is not the case. I hope that Obama will prove my worries to be unnecessary. I suppose only time will tell.

I have to just hang onto the hope and faith that God is ultimately in control... and that a president can't make all decisions on his own. I love being a citizen of the USA... and I am thankful to have the right to speak my mind and stand up for what I believe. I am also thankful to have the right to vote. That is a right that no one should take for granted... people fought hard to earn that right. I hope that everyone reading this did their part today and voted.

If you didn't vote, I better not hear you complain about anything political over the next 4 years.

I'm done rambling now.

May God bless the USA.