There has been alot of talk about the challenges President-elect Barack Obama faces when he enters office: An economy in recession, wars on multiple fronts, 43 million people without health-care, a planet in peril, a crumbling infrastructure and now a governor's scandal to boot. His legacy will be determined by the way he handles these challenges. Even with his demonstrated leadership and the exceptional Cabinet he is assembling, one has to wonder if it is possible to get the country back on track during his presidency.

I considered that question  as I spoke with my grandmother on Thanksgiving about the silence we both experienced the day after the election.

The normally busy lobby of the the building my grandmother lives in was empty and silent. My usually raucous ride to work on public transportation was unusually silent. My place of employment was very quiet for a midweek day. It was as if people were afraid to speak or even look each other in the eye for fear of offending.

Thinking more about the silence my grandmother and I experienced the day after the election and the challenges we face as a nation brought to mind a thought by Simon Melville:  Silence is the only voice of God.

We're going to be OK. We're in good hands. 

- Bay Shaun L.R. Seay