Today Space Shuttle Endeavor unexpectedly landed at Edwards Air Force Base. Luckily, we had enough warning to get up to Edwards for the landing. Here are a few of the photographs I took as the shuttle came in overhead and circled around where we were standing on its approach to the runway.
Following the celebrations of last night, it is time to take stock of what has been accomplished, and what has yet to be done. It is clear that Barack Obama had a stellar night. He has won more electoral votes than George W. Bush did in either of his elections, although less than Bill Clinton did in his.
Initially, it didn’t appear that the Democratic Party had as good a night as Barack Obama. They were unable to achieve a 60-seat majority in the Senate, and they only picked up 20 seats in the House of Representatives. More importantly, however, the conservative movement ran the table on the social issues placed before voters as initiatives. The most talked about issue being gay marriage. But that’s the crux of why it only appears that the Democratic Party’s night wasn’t as good as President-elect Obama’s, our point of reference as moved, it has progressed.
Abortion is no longer the issue that divides this country. Abortion is no longer the lynch pin of the conservative movement. Abortion is no longer a winnable issue for the right. They have given up on abortion, they may still think that abortion is wrong, but it’s not where they are spending their time or money. Instead, they are spending their time and their money on gay marriage. They have conceded that abortion is here in this country to stay, and have redirected their energies elsewhere. And that, is progress.
November 4th, 2008 was a very good day for the Democratic Party, the United States of America, and the world. Americans will again believe that we, as individuals, can have a positive impact on the world. No longer will the American people be ruled by fear, instead we are filled with hope. No longer will we be withdrawn from the world, instead we are now empowered to engage with our communities, our fellow citizens and all our fellow travelers on this shinning blue ball we call home.