Last Night's Big Winner: the American People

Last night in America, tens of millions of people cast a vote for president.

As states were "called," many took to Twitter and Facebook to celebrate, gloat, complain, and opine.

Deeply held political beliefs were aired, both serious and snarky, respectful and disrespectful.

Many negative things were said about both candidates, including policy differences, moral failings, and personal attacks. 

Innumerous media sites provided data points, visuals, and commentary.

Thousands of other races were also contested, leading to thousands of other winners and thousands of other losers.

Pending any elections that are "too close to call," losers have conceded, winners have accepted, and everyone prepares for the reality of new leaders and new terms.

There are many parts of this world in which doing any and all of the things I mentioned above are impossible (because of a lack of resources, systems, or infrastructure) or illegal (and, in some cases, punishable by physical harm, expulsion, or even death). 

Even the fact that we take these liberties and opportunities for granted is itself a sign of our liberty and opportunity, that these things are so engrained, so protected, so incredibly normal that we don't need to think twice about them.

Last night's big winner was, again, the American people.  What a country and time we live in. I am deeply grateful.