The Work Isn't Over Yet! President Obama Wins Second Term of Presidential Election

I have to say how happy I am that Obama has won a second term in office. Congrats Mr. President!! The United states would have been a very different place if Romney had gotten the title, and to that I am thankful. If he had won, I may have had to pack up my bags and moved back to Canada!

A huge portion of America breathed a collective sigh of relief when the news was announced last night. I do not know if there has ever been such a divide and mark of an important decision between rich and poor in previous elections. Many people celebrated the opportunity for forward movement while others were simply at awe that a black man had won not one but TWO terms as the President of the United States.

But before we all get caught in our victory bliss, we must remember that there is so much more that needs to be done and that America needs to demand from the president. His win is not the last span of the fight against the Other. This is a call to action for more Americans to remain just as charged as they were about getting him into office. I think that all of the grassroots style campaigning, celebrity endorsements and overall proactive action needs to continue for the next 4 years. Often times once a politician is elected, the country sits back as if their job is done and the President must take it from there. The reality is that although I believe Barack tried his absolute best to do what he could over the past 4 years, there are still plenty of issues that need to be addressed and millions of Americans who are suffering and go unnoticed. If everyone remains as charged up as we are now and stay engaged about policies, then beautiful change can be made.

Voting is not the final step in making your voice heard. I saw plenty of "I got Obama's back" tweets and status' throughout the election but let's hope that America continues to actively stand behind The President.

Here's to 4 more years!

What are some important issues that you feel Barack needs to address in his new term? Leave a comment below.

Happy Birthday MJ

Today is Michael Jackson's birthday.  He would have been 54 today.

Michael Jackson seemed like that one celebrity that would always be around.  I know that none of us live forever, but he had a never ending timelessness to him that.  Maybe it's because he was always there.  We all grew up with him.  Watched his successes, his failures, his high points and his low.  We have literally observed every moment of his life and I can't think of another celebrity that comes close to him in that regard.

He had a 45 year career when he passed away at 50.

Michael Jackson was one of the most misunderstood celebrities.  Period.  His every move was being watched by the entire world.  Everything he did and did not do was subject to somebody's criticism.  I could not imagine what that does to someone's head.

And to top it off he never had a childhood.  While other kids were out playing carefree, he was learning and perfecting lyrics, dance moves and harmonies all while travelling and performing.  As an adult I know how much being on that stage takes out of you.  It's draining (mind you it's incredibly rewarding, but it does take a lot of energy.)

It reminds me of the lyrics of the song  'Childhood'.  They seemed to be a plea: "Before you judge me, try hard to love me, look within yourself and ask: Have you seen my childhood?"  I really do feel for what he must have been going through.

I don't think anyone else would have handled his life any better.  Especially when you factor in all the things we take for granted.  He was never able to go to the grocery store, drive a car, go out to dinner, take a walk down the street or even use the bathroom without people wanted a piece of him.

Would that make someone a little crazy??  YES!!

People always expected him to be 'on' to have the performer MJ ready and available to entertain the masses....I often wondered what he was like behind closed doors without the cameras.

Regardless of his personal decisions, he was an incredible entertainer who influenced thousands if not millions of past, present and future performers.

Happy Birthday MJ!

What's your favorite MJ song?  Post the video link in the comments so we can all reminisce.

The First Moonwalk: