by DELIA TOMINO NAKAYAMA

I write this early in the morning on November 5th, literally the dawn of a new era.

Having gone to sleep before hearing the election results (too afraid to hear what happened), I woke up at 4:30 a.m., too curious to slumber, and called a nearby 24 hour Kinko’s to inquire and learn, that miraculously, Barack Obama is now our new president!

I won’t really believe it until I see his smiling face on the front page of the New Orleans Times Picayune and the New YorkTimes...!

I didn’t want to be disappointed too badly, so I never let my expectations soar and though I wanted to buy a “Hope” T-shirt with Obama’s face on it, I was scared that the election would be rigged, or there would be some unforeseen “glitch” in the election process, and never let myself get wrapped up in the generalized anticipation...

But it’s happened! We are rid of Republican rule for a good while, and many of us around the world can collectively breathe deeply and exhale a much-needed sigh of relief...

There’s a huge mess to clean up in the White House and in the country, but if we support our new leader, the task is do-able.

With change in the air, people who have been oppressed will feel empowered. At liberty to ask for what they need rather than cower in fear.

There is bound to be a positive shift in the country’s morale...

Number one, the votes were counted honestly this time, and number two, more citizens were motivated to mobilize and vote... proving that Americans are participating in creating their destiny.

One could easily revert to pessimism, as it’s been our modus operandi the last eight years, as we’ve suffered needless corruption and greed — but now, I do believe we can begin to allow ourselves to expect better things, and abandon the corrosion of cynicism.

With change comes discomfort, and there will be re-adjustments to be made so that all Americans feel counted and a part of things...

The sacrifices made will build the spirit of inclusion, engendering unity, which can only make us stronger.

The words “fairness” and “empowerment” come to mind... Perhaps if we meditate upon and visualize these qualities in our lives and in the lives of all the people we know, we’ll help to set the tone for brighter future, and support President Obama in his dream to make America a comfortable home for all its people.

Yes, I am swept away by the good news ... And, why not? There’s been so much bad news, it’s our due that we rejoice now, and smile! :)

The dawning of a new era, the realization of hope once lacking, the promise of unity that we need to survive and thrive — all reasons to celebrate, don’t you think?

President Obama can’t do it alone, and after we celebrate, it is our duty to support him with the tasks at hand... and to support each other...

Together, we can emerge from these dark years and build a new America, one to be sincerely proud of...