2008: Yes We Did

Note: I am well aware that we are now into 2009, and the conventional time for end of year reflection has ended. However, I feel it negligent on my part to let the most momentous election year of my life go without comment.

In many ways, the year 2008 was not a good year. The stock market crashed, taking many retirement accounts with it. Amongst other factors, the reckless actions of several financial institutions resulted in a severe collapse of confidence in our nations economic health, and the further compounding of growing economic woes. Employees across several sectors found themselves out of a job just in time for the holidays.

(Yes we can!)

On the world front, China flexed its muscles, giving one hell of a show at the Olympics, and further showing that we are not the only power in the world. The messes in Afghanistan and Iraq continue, although Iraq fortunately showed some signs of improvement. At the end of the year, the quagmire in the Holy Land flared up once again, and one of the most dangerous corners of the world (the Indian/Pakistani border) has flared up far too much for comfort.

(Yes we can!)

On the government front, the nation had many black eyes this year. From Ted Stevens and Eliot Spitzer, William Jefferson to Rod Blagojevich, the year was full of the worst of our political system. Many state governments teeter on the edge of insolvency, and the state of Illinois is facing two years of gridlock with a thoroughly unpopular (and dilusional) governor. To top it all off, the Republicans brought forth the inevitable result of their 40 year old anti-intellectual, anti-government, and anti-"them" strategy by nominating Sarah Palin, an exceptionally unqualified Vice-Presidential candidate. In the realm of politics it certainly was a dark ye...

(Yes we can!)

Wait, what's that noise?

(YES WE CAN!)

Don't you mean "Yes We Did!"

No matter the crap that was flung by the various campaigns, no matter how low Blago sinks, no matter how many times Republicans questioned his ability to get the "hard-workin Americans", this year will be remembered as the year of Barack Obama.

It was one hell of ride, if a bit exhausting. From the victory celebration that warmed a cold Iowa night on January 3 to the jubilant night of November 4, we witnessed a Presidential campaign for the ages. Not only did an African-American with a deeply foreign name win the presidency, he did it convincingly. He beat the vaunted Clinton Machine, and discredited the tactics of Karl Rove.

Of the many missteps and gaffes made by the Republicans in the fall campaign, the one that riled me the most was their dismissal of the role of community activism. I wonder how Rudy 9-11 and Governor Palin feel about community activisim now, after it beat the pants off of them and clearly turned the tide in North Carolina and Indiana.

But now the bands and speeches of the campaign are silent, put back in place until the 2012 election. It is 2009 now, a time to see if Obama can deliver on his amazing potential. I still have a lot of hope that he will. Our nation has had a knack of picking leaders up to the task when we have great issues facing us, and I am confident we've picked a good one. Howver, only time will tell.

In the mean time, lets look back at it again, and remember that "Yes We Did". After all, its only two weeks until Obama's inauguration.