However. For eight years I watched my country seemingly become overtaken by a neo-con right wing zealots determined to rule by fear, xenophobia, and war while the other side simmered with anger. Thankfully that simmering became a boil, allowing for an historical breakthrough for America. Obama is far from perfect, but is the first president in my lifetime that I truly respect, and I am certain he wouldn’t have been elected if it weren’t for Bush.

I hope for Europe’s sake this is the pendulum reaching its furthest point before swinging back. I hope.