I live in upstate NY and my local paper has a story on the latest Quinnipiac poll numbers for New York State. These numbers confirm what most people said during the primaries about New York being a safe state for Obama in the general election.

A Quinnipiac University poll shows Obama has expanded his lead in New York over McCain to 50 percent to 36 percent.

After last night's victory, I feel a sense of relief.

I know we're not there yet, but we're that much closer to having real leadership in this country again. I believe that when America needs a great leader, there's always someone who steps up to the challenge. History has proven this out time and time again.

In 2008, that person is you, Senator Obama.

As an African American (with Native American lineage), I'm very proud of you and all you have accomplished. However, more importantly, as an American, I'm extremely happy that our country has the potential to be led by a man with genuine integrity, grace, intelligence, charisma and much needed honesty.

Since the Republicans want to call Democrats appeasers, let's look at appeasement in the wake of the last 7 years of the Bushco rule.

Appeasement means: to allay anger or strife, to placate by concession, to satisfy an appetite or demand.

The Republicans in congress have rubberstamped everything that Bush, Cheney and co. have done for the past 7+ years. Yes, they've appeased this rogue ruler and his rogue cabinet.

So who are the real appeasers?

That's right, Republilcans.

You know, the politics of character assassination is rearing its ugly head again. As a 2004 Dean supporter, I recognize its stench when I see and hear it. The status quo of our society is in fear.

They fear Hope.

They fear Change.

Those are the two things the American people have stated (in polls and with their votes) that they want most right now. But the status quo doesn’t care about that. They care about protecting their positions of power and investments. The last days of the Bush administration (evil empire) are upon us, and certain people in powerful positions do not want a progressive administration coming in and shaking things up.

I am a long-time lurker here, but I’m now coming out of the kicking back and reading mode to post my first diary ever, because this issue of black people and race in America is just bubbling up inside of me. I must speak out now and share my personal experience.

First, let me just say that I am very open minded when it comes to accepting people of all colors and creeds. I grew up in, and currently living in a majority white city in upstate New York. I am of Barack Obama’s generation – Generation Jones.