Obama Victory Spells CHANGE, We Hope

Last night was the culmination of an American phenomenon. An obscure Senator of color rising through the ranks, defeating the Democratic machine and winning a Presidential election by a virtual landslide.

The mere fact that this took place is, in and of itself, a startling change in American politics. While the Obama camp was able to raise an enormous amount of money for the campaign, the start was on a very modest budget.

So how did a rather junior Senator get so far so fast?

His oratory was certainly of great assistance. He is one of the best speakers this writer has ever witnessed, including his Presidential statement last night. It was unifying, on target, never boastful and beautifully presented.

But his vision for a better America was the propelling factor throughout his campaign.

We, as a country, have taken a tumble on all fronts domestically, as well as having fallen out of the world's favor. We need to be better. Better at communicating, better at analysing, better at strategizing and better at solving our own problems and helping to resolve global issues.

WE, as the President-Elect has said over and over, CAN DO IT~!

There are enormous issues for President Elect Obama to address. But I am hopeful that among his advisers and cabinet members, there will be those with particular environmental causes to promote.

While Obama's record with the Humane Society only won him a 60% score card, that is considerably better than the 40% score card achieved by Senator McCain.

The objective now, as I see it, is to raise his understanding, consciousness and score card performance. The spillover from the top, whether corporate or political, does make an enormous difference in the culture of an organization or a country.

The hope, as it relates to the deer, is that a vision will be created and set in motion that inhumane treatment of animals is not to be tolerated.

Another Vote that Counts

As people in Essex County prepare to cast an important vote for the next President of the country, they should also be looking more closely at their local races.

Obviously, who ever gets elected to the Presidency will have an enormous job ahead of them with all kinds of issues to address. The economy, jobs, cost of living, health care, the war in Iran are monumental in nature.

By now we all know who we think will best address these issues from our own particular perspective.

But there may be many people who do not take local elections quite so seriously.

Does it really matter to our lives who gets elected locally?

Well, yes it does.

How your taxes are spent, how your property is valued, and how your environment is protected are issues that will be decided on by your local politicians.

So the vote should not be thrown away or cast lightly.

One issue that is creating a great deal of conversation, consideration and communication in Essex County is the issue of the deer kill in South Mountain Reservation. The deer advocates have provided a brief synopsis of the candidates' stands on this kill.

The following people are running and are either supported or rejected by those opposed to the deer kill:

U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg opposed the kill and bear hunt in NJ. He deserves support for his outspoken criticism of both.

Essex County Freeholder Carol Y. Clark cast the only vote to abstain on killing the deer, while Donald Payne and Blonnie Watson were absent on the vote.

Essex County Freeholder Linda Cavanaugh heads the list of a no vote for her efforts to support the deer kill. Joining Cavanaugh are Patricia Sebold, Samuel Gonzalez, Bilal Beasley and Ralph Caputo.

In Maplewood, Victor DeLuca voted against the deer kill. Fred Profeta worked towards getting the deer kill approved.

In Millburn, Jim Suell heavily sided with Essex County in wanting to kill the deer.

Your life may not depend on who you vote for locally. But other lives do hang in the balance. If you oppose this kill, vote your conscience and support those people who take the lives and humane treatment of animals seriously.