Collegiate Times

My husband and I are both under 30, Virginia Tech alums and avid watchers of "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart." Can you guess who we voted for?

One thing I hated to hear people say about the election, especially this year, was that they felt they were choosing "the lesser of two evils." I really felt that the country would be in good hands either way. (However, I would have prayed daily for John McCain's health because Sarah Palin is not fit for the executive office.) We have been longtime McCain fans (after 13 appearances on "The Daily Show," he feels like an old friend), and if there had been another John Kerry running on the Democrat side, we would have voted McCain. He is a good man, dedicated to serving this country, and he would have been a good president.

But Obama has the potential to be a great president, and the momentum that has vaulted him to the presidency has the power to change the overall character of the American public. The disenfranchised now feel like part of the process; they can now feel that their government is working for them and listening to them. By this I mean the demographic groups who supported Obama at the polls: young people, African-Americans, Hispanics and women. An attitude of support for the president can make such a difference! It's just as the workplace: If you have respect for your boss and if he/she fosters an environment of teamwork and everyone's stake in the success of the whole, you will do better work individually.

I keep hearing, "Well, no matter who wins, God will still be in charge." Yes, God is still in charge, but let's not take the defeatist view and use that to brush off this election as unimportant. That would be akin to Calvin (of Calvin and Hobbes) pointing out that this world is but a tiny speck and it's all going to end someday whether he learns multiplication tables or not. "Since my candidate didn't win, I guess I'll just have to give up on my country and count on God to help me get health insurance and boost my 401k back up."  God will take care of you, but on His terms, not yours.

I was really glad I stayed up (way too late for someone who got up at 5:30 a.m. to vote) to hear both McCain's and Obama's speeches. Even though McCain had to chastise the classless folks who were booing at the mention of Obama's name, his message was clear and more sincere than he has allowed himself to be during this campaign: no matter the outcome, I still love my country and will serve her with all I have to offer.

Obama's speech was nothing short of inspiring. What I was most impressed with, though, was his composure during the entire appearance. There was no gleeful wide-eyed grin, no fist pumping and cheering (in public, at least). His face was stony. I could even see a hint that he might have been relieved if he hadn't won, because he understands what a huge job he has just been tasked (nay, mandated) to do, and he is gearing up to get started.

I feel good about the future of our country. God is still the wind in our ship's sails, but with Obama at the helm and the American people an enthusiastic crew, I think we are going to reach our destinations in style, prosperity and unity.

Amanda Albert Bennett
Alum, '06