The aftermath of the election leaves both pleasure and pain. With great joy we receive positive change in the hopeful election and era of Barack Obama. For the first time since I came of age as a voter I feel hope for American politics and in essence Americans. May this herald a new era for political activism working toward balanced solutions.

Yet the pain of proposition 8 passing brings the reality of just how far we have to go to ensure equal rights for all. My heart breaks for all the beautiful people full of love in their hearts who wish to recognize that love with a legal bond who are now denied that right.

Still I’m full of the new hope in Obama (some how I feel like Star War Episode IV just started) and the feeling that I can make a difference.