In the midst of all the celebration and back-patting at how we can finally be proud of our country because race no longer matters in determining elections ... let's just take a moment to remember our gay brothers and sisters, shall we?

In California, the huge Obama turnout of those intent on overcoming discrimination against minorities did not translate to a defeat of Proposition 8. We saw a Sarah Palin effigy hung in a noose in Hollywood, and somehow that didn't translate as a "hate" crime. Nor did attacks against her Christian family.

Unity? Really, as a country this is the best we can do? I hope for the best, that people weren't just voting race in electing a first-term Senator during a time of nationwide fiscal crisis, and two foreign wars -- one in a country that effectively bankrupted the Soviet Union in the 80s, when they learned internally the price paid by the domestic economy when so many funds were trickling out to support foreign fighting. (What -- did you think it was solely Ronald Reagan's stern words that ended the Cold War?)

There is no higher office now for Sen. Obama to seek. Now is the time to perform -- to finally see how well equipped, well tested, and well prepared he is to tell Americans the hard truths they have put off hearing for so long. Personally, I'm not sure how his track record of promising to be all things to all people will play out. It's hard for people who have gotten where they are on charisma to take necessary steps, if it means being "not liked".

Finally, I wonder what Supreme Court Justice John Roberts is thinking today, knowing that if Sen. Obama had his way, Roberts would not be found qualified to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court. I forsee, under an Obama-selected judiciary, plenty of "penumbras" ahead, and we all can see how well that kind of legal reasoning works out over the long run ...