The locale he chose for his victory speech on election night - a public park that accommodated tens of thousands, blending gender, race and age in a manner unprecedented in a generation - spoke volumes about this new dawn in America.
Charles W. Mitchell, Lutherville
After the election, a time to unite
To be quite frank, I'm furious with Democrats and Republicans alike ("It's Obama," Nov. 5). I'm disappointed in the lack of respect for the other side coming from supporters of both President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain.
I'll be the first to tell you that I voted for Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and that they had my 100 percent support, and I'll also openly admit that I am not happy about the way the country spoke.
However, Republican or not, I am first and foremost a citizen of the greatest country on Earth. And I will support the United States of America with my whole heart for the rest of my life. So if Mr. Obama is my president, I will support him, regardless of my political affiliation.
I love Mr. McCain and Mrs. Palin and everything they believe in; I think they would have made a fantastic team in the White House. But on Jan. 20, Mr. Obama will become our leader, and he will have my support.
I beg everyone to get off their rants about winning or losing; the election is over, and nothing can be done.
I was sad to take my McCain-Palin magnet off my car and take the sign out of my yard. In addition, I feel completely disrespected by the mean-spirited way that Mr. Obama's victory is being celebrated.
But it's time to come together.
The campaigns are over, the fight is over; let's go back to being one country.
Ashley Oaks, Ellicott City
