Your question gets to the heart of it Robin. This is an opportunity for Americans to re-learn the strength and purpose that can be realized when people work together in common cause. I truly believe Barack Obama wants to unify this country and begin leading it out of the mess we've been saddled with. I only hope those folks who seem bitter about their perceived losses are able, in time, to understand what it takes for a country to grow and to mature, and that it will be worth it in the long run. And if we aren't thinking about the long run (for a change) then we don't deserve the land we stand on.

Thanks for sharing your feelings about, and reaction to, the election of our first black president.

I also thought that McCain's remarks were classy and hopefully sincere. As I was listening to him, however, I could not help but think what the outcome might have been if McCain had displayed the same “classiness” throughout his campaign. Thoughts that went along the lines of my letter in the Times this morning as to McCain having forgotten the words of his mentor, Ronald Reagan: “Whatever else history may say about me when I’m gone, I hope it will record that I appealed to your best hopes, not your worst fears.”

I am also hoping that “that the boos from McCain supporters” will quickly fade away, as I am hoping that the Limbaughs and Hannitys will also have the decency to at least give the new President a chance to show his leadership and good faith, for America's sake. But alas, their talk shows today gave me no such indication.

Dorian