"Americans … sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America."

-Barack Obama, President-Elect

Remember how united the country felt after 9/11? Suddenly there were no red or blue states. We were one people, saddened by tragedy, but united as a country.  What happened to that?

Last night history was made. Our country overcame racism and elected our first African-American President. We elected hope and showed that we believe in a better America.

As joyous as we may be, there are those today who are feeling the sting of defeat. For whatever their reasons- be they right or wrong, they chose to support John McCain. As tempting as it may be to gloat today, we must remember that these people are our fellow countrymen and women. They are part of America as well. In his victory speech Obama reached out to them and promised he would hear their voices, need their help, and be their President too.

If America really did change for the better last night and if we really want to support our new President, then we need to lead the effort to bring our country together once more. In that spirit, I am asking you to take down that Obama sign or McCain sign and hang an American flag outside your home. Show your neighbors that you believe we can rise above our differences and be one nation again. Show them that we aren't just liberal or conservative, black or white, urban or rural, young or old, gay or straight, but one people united for a greater good.

Let's be the America that we grew up believing in again.

(Please feel free to copy this message into e-mails, blogs, etc, and pass it on. Let's create a sea of red, white, and blue from coast to coast.)