As a fair and open-minded citizen, I think it is only proper to recognize and credit this historical election.

Before I serve the main course here, I have to say that I have never heard a more sincere, humble and moving concession speech. John McCain stuck to his character of honor throughout the speech; not allowing his crowd to "boo", calling Mr. Obama "his President", and taking ownership of failures – not saddling them on his supporters or the American citizen. In the book of gentlemen, this is how it is done.

President elect Obama has run a strong and inspiring campaign. Undoubtedly, he will go down as one of the greatest campaigners in political history; having taken this from the Clintons is a feat in itself. This is Obama's time, and he has earned it. Props to his talents: not only campaigning, but inspiring and motivating. Let's hope and pray that his leadership matches up.

I cannot express how proud I am of a country that voluntarily selects its leadership on a regular basis and in a peaceful manner. That pride is only strengthened by the notion that the daughter of a slave would see one of her own hold the highest office in the land. That alone is inspiring. I only regret that Obama's Grandmother couldn't make it 2 more days.

Pain, loss and failure will clarify you. It is definitely time for the Republicans to take inventory and take notes. As a conservative I have to admit that this is mostly their fault. Truth is that while Democrats tax and spend, Republicans have borrowed and spent. Realistically, the one goal a new president has from day 1 is to be re-elected. Democrats have to run on the far left to get the nomination, the center-left to get elected, and then center themselves for re-election. Just the opposite for Republicans.

I am convinced that Mr. Obama has the ability to unite this country and fuse reds and blues. It is yet to be seen whether he has the motivation and the heart. His record is very liberal – yes. His presidential platform has been more center. Let's see how he governs. We have a new President we don't know much about, but we're about to learn. Until we do, let's extend the same courtesy we would expect them to extend to John McCain. It is yet to be seen whether or not he can be a Democratic "Maverick". Time will tell. After the dedication and relentlessness of a 19-month campaign, it is clear that he has the drive, perseverance and energy.

God does not support or endorse a political party. He has presided over and aided in the rise and fall of many civilizations, some greater than ours. He was almighty when America was created, and he will remain when America falls. It will not matter whether the fall is at the hands of a Republican or a Democrat, or even the hands of its people. All that will matter is that it was all part of his plan, and it is in his house, not the White House where the real decisions are made. I know where I shall put my faith and trust, not just for the next 4 years, but always.

While I disagree with Obama on so much, there are a few hot-points I agree with. Those will be the issues I will choose to find it in myself to cheer on and pray for our new President. Mr. Obama will begin getting briefings and transitional tooling from the Pentagon. An era will dusk and another will dawn. Will you join me in praying for our new leader?

Let us pray for his judgment, character, strength and safety.

Mr. Obama has earned this office through the court of public opinion. I think you will agree with me that no matter who is in office, we're still the greatest country in the world. We preach it, let's practice it. Pray for the man, and give him a chance. God gave us one.

Now that we're already on a last-name basis with our new commander-in-chief, let us welcome him home this January to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. No matter who was elected, there's a lot of work to be done.

From one native to many others - I love where I am from. It's just so embarrassing sometimes how closed-minded, ignorant and oblivious some of my native counterparts can be.

Every morning I read the Register-Herald, Charleston Gazette and Daily Mail online just to see what's changed, what hasn't changed and who died. If I am looking for a laugh - I take a quick look at the jobs section.

Today, there was a piece about how WV colleges are struggling to enroll students. High school numbers are waning and the populous that is left up there is an older population. The way the article reads; it almost gives me the impression that West Virginians are appalled and amazed that anyone would want to leave the state with lines like "perceived greener pastures". I perceive my pastures to be greener when: a) I was working not one, not two, but 3 jobs up there just to make ends meet and moving to Georgia I tripled that combined income right off the bat. b) I accomplished this with 1 job and c) I was able to start my own business with no debt in Atlanta. There's a saying in the south that West Virginians aren't afraid of work. My reply usually is something like "we'd all be dead".

In hindsight, it is clear to me that too many "small business" owners, or even large business owners back home made an observation. "If you pay your people a meager enough wage, the government will pick them up". I am not a proponent of the government rewarding failure - but I certainly don't approve of the idea of crap-employers leaning on the government to subsidize their greed. Some jobs shouldn't pay more than a minimum wage - we're not dealing with that. I am talking about my friends (in a job for a decade plus) who still make less than a Home Depot worker makes here in Georgia on-entry.

I always enjoy visiting, but there is a point where I just have to get out of there. If you think it's scary to leave - try leaving and think about coming back. There's always going to be a part of me that wants to go home, but the reality is that I just can't.

I understand that the tax structure in that state doesn't help, which is why you rarely see any corporate-level jobs there. But you can thank the private business owners for doing their part to run off the younger population and starving the state of the next generation of intelligent and innovative labor resources.

Choke someone and wonder why they run. Brilliant.