OUR VIEW: Bending the arch of history

Yesterday, America came one step closer to a more perfect union.

In his acceptance speech for the presidency of the United States, President-elect Barack Obama addressed questions that have been asked for centuries about the power of our democracy and the dreams of the Founding Fathers, questions that were even answered in part by his unlikely candidacy.

Obama’s victory yesterday represented something never imagined by many in the United States and the world. Obama revolutionized campaigns – reaching people in the farthest corners of the country and across party lines, relying on every vote, every voice. The campaign was never about Obama, his ambitions and unlikely dreams. It was about us, the people. And the people came together against all odds, turning red states into blue and hopefully, as time passes, the country into a deep shade of purple.

Sen. John McCain deserves great praise for his gracious concession speech last night. McCain must also be commended for his campaign and the strength with which he fought an uphill battle. A year ago now, it didn’t look like he would make it through the primary season but he was able to rise – offering a lifetime of service, experience in Washington and Gov. Sarah Palin. Palin offered qualifications that appealed to the Republican base and brought a new level of excitement to McCain’s campaign.

We sure will miss Tina Fey.

While there are obviously some who are not at all pleased with the outcome of Tuesday’s election, there are millions of people who should be applauded no matter who they supported: voters.

While Mac may not be back, the American people are. And they are back in a huge force. By Monday afternoon, according to the Associated Press, more than 336,000 voters in Utah had cast their ballot. Compare this to the 70,000 voters who participated in early voting in 2006.

Living in this blood-red state can get discouraging for those who feel their vote is lost in national elections so local involvement is even more important.

The hue of Utah failed to change despite the efforts of many hard-working campaigns. Morgan Bowen fought a good fight, making progress in a heavily conservative area. “Superdell” Dell Schanze also made some surprising impressions on voters, taking nearly 1,000 votes.

But as we begin this new era in history, it is important people reach across the dividing crevice of politics and raging passions. This has, no doubt, been a divisive election. But now is the time to come together. The people of the United States have a clean slate. A new beginning. Make the most of it.