I might have felt slightly better had Romney won (for the simple fact that there was a change in the office) but I was not going to be optimistic either way. I agree that it's time for all of us to just hope that the president and congress catch lightning in a bottle and govern well the next 4 years.

It's also time to hope that the republicans get their heads out of their asses and realize that they are losers on a number of issues that would be soooooo easy for them to become more moderate on.

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on fiscal issues.

Less government is the only way that this country doesn't go off a cliff, though I am not sure the destruction of this country is avoidable at this point (And yes, would have felt the same way if Mitt was elected).

Embrace the gay community in words and deeds, no more preventing basic civil rights to anyone. If you believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, fine, great that is your perogative. Just don't let your beliefs infringe on others liberties.  When I see how heterosexuals have abused the sanctity of marriage---check the divorce rate, I still can't believe some of us have the nerve to tell others what makes a marriage sacred or "correct". The truth is, the only marriage you can make sacred is your own. So please just work on that.

Get immigration reform done. We are a country of illegal immigrants. My ancestors stole lands from the Native Americans. Our ancestory has all done things less than pristine seeking a better life for ourselves and our loved ones. No one's hands are clean, so let's not get hung up on the "illegal" part of illegal immigrants. There is a solution out there that provides options for those immigrating as well as safer borders. Let's find it.

Make a conscience effort to show the virtues of smaller government ideals to minorities and how it will benefit them. Be the party of Abraham Lincoln again. It was Repubs who were the early abolitionists in this country, remind the country of that through not only your words but your actions

And for hell's sake, can we actually have Republicans who preach smaller government live it when they are elected. No more George W's. When it is hard to differentiate between the parties on YOUR key issues, yes, you know you are in trouble.

And please, oh please, oh please, apply the values of smaller government universally not only to fiscal issues, but social issues as well. Stay the hell out of other peoples bedrooms and doctor's offices.

My request for the Republicans is simple----actually practice Republican ideals, rather than use them as a soundbite. And please for the love of ... don't get sidetracked trying to legislate morals.