… May he learn from the mistakes of his predecessor(s).

With all this American history I’ve been reading, I’ve come to think that maybe the president should be required to have a presidential history expert as an advisor. I mean, just knowing what happened when such-and-such president decided this really could help inform future presidential decisions.

Like how Ben Bernanke is an expert on the Great Depression.

Isn’t that always the pat answer when you are in history class?
Q:Why do we have to study history?
A:So we can learn from the past.

I just think it would be helpful.

Tuesday night I was at work, and I had to hold back the tears so much I gave myself a headache. I am so proud of my country.

from President-Elect Obama’s acceptance speech:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Regardless of who you voted for, regardless of your political beliefs, 2008 was a historic election for so many reasons. The most important to me is the fact that the United States has finally (finally) gotten to the place that we can elect a minority. Breaks my heart that it took this long. But we as Americans have finally crossed that racial divide (or gender divide, if you voted for McCain/Palin), and voted in spite of aspects that would have deterred voters in the past.

It’s a beautiful thing.

So. Congratulations, Mr. President.

Good luck.

P.S. We now have a baller in the White House.