To The Editor:

You betcha Joann and I are thrilled that Senator Barack Obama is our new president-elect. And, most certainly, the world is also, as his victory brought an outpouring of celebration on continent after continent in one nation after another.

Now, granted, President-elect Obama's election was not a referendum on race in America, but that will be the "story" which ripples through American history from this day forth. Even Senator John McCain, in his gracious concession speech, accorded due mention to the significance of this historical moment.

In fact, this election was a mandate to get this country moving again, economically, socially, philosophically, and spiritually.

So, at day's end, this is an exciting time to be an American. However, even while noting that, the enormous challenges confronting us on our way forward will neither be easy nor painless. But confront them we will, united in purpose with hope and optimism.

Personally, my political hope and my moral hope is that "trickle-down economics" receives the burial it so well deserves in a coffin large enough to accommodate a good chunk of the greed and fear eating away at America's soul. Then, those beautiful words we sing "And Crown Thy Good with Brotherhood" will resonate with meaning across America and around the world. Ronald Wallin Joann Leal Mackinaw City