PRESIDENT-ELECT

On Tuesday, the world watched as America elected a new President. This was the first time in my life that I can remember such energy and anticipation during an election and I truly believe there were two factors for Obama's win. Time for change in our country and the youth vote. Rock the Vote, an organization driven to engage and build the political power of young people, reporter that more votes had been cast by 5 p.m. EST in the youth-dense precincts in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Florida and Nevada, then total in the 2004 election.My friend Ari wrote me an email yesterday from Africa (where he lives) and said that a woman grabbed him on the street after hearing his American accent and said "You are American, I am so proud of you! Well done." Numbers in this election should make us proud and regardless of party affiliations, all voters can celebrate a victory in making their voices heard. This is an example of true democracy.

Annie Neyman Group Director, Hospitality