Tonight, Barack Obama won the election to become the next President of the United States.

After the events unfolded tonight, both candidates gave closing remarks to mark the end of their campaigns.  As McCain spoke, he mentioned Barack Obama a couple times.  He mentioned that he called to congratulate him, that he was honored to run against him, and really he was pretty gracious and respectful in defeat.

Obama’s closing remarks were similar, being respectful of McCain and focusing on uniting the nation regardless of political party.

There was one huge difference that literally says it all about this whole campaign and candidacy on both sides.  One gleaming ray of perfect clarity that shows everything wrong with our economy, our country, and us as a collective citizen.

As John McCain mentioned Obama during his speech, it drew astoundingly negative reaction from the crowd.  The sound of the crowds “boo” of disrespect was enough for even McCain to call out “Please… Please….” and signify them to stop.  It might have seemed insignificant to most viewers and listeners, but to me it was a very bold and underscored point of low that shouldn’t exist.   It’s extremely sad and shows how naive, disrespectful, and inconsiderate so many of us are.

I am proud to say that I voted for Barack Obama.  And I’m even prouder to say that there were no disrespectful reactions from his crowd when he mentioned John McCain with his closing speech.

This, in my mind, says it all.

Mr. Obama – if you are ever in Grand Rapids Michigan I am going to buy you a beer.