With record breaking numbers turning out at the polls Tuesday, Americans signified they were ready for a change by voting in their very first African American president. Watching news coverage of this historic event, I could see I was not the only one feeling overwhelmed by emotion, vicariously sharing the love, joy, pride, hope, and excitement I could see shining in the faces of so many men, women, and children. With the current economic turmoil and grim reports on climate change, Obama is truly a harbinger of hope and positive change. Sometimes, that’s all it takes–a strong, charismatic leader to stoke the flagging fires of optimism, which in turn builds its own growing, positive force. This bodes well for our planet and its people. The Obama family’s decision to make their new puppy a rescue dog further cheers us animal lovers. Here’s to  change… Yes We Can!