I was walking along Venice Beach in California recently. I noticed a lot of Obama shirts for sale by vendors, among the rows of tattoo parlors, head shops and other alternative services.

One thing you can't deny: Whether you're a Democrat or Republican, the election of Obama has made America look less racist than any other democratic country in the world. I have lots of family in Europe, and they always felt America favors only rich white old men to election. No matter what happens, America showed to the world that we are diverse and open minded. We also are willing to change.

Obama's tax cuts sound more like a Republican and Bush's bail-outs ring like a Democrat. Have I woken up on another planet? It will certainly be an exciting time as we see how this all plays out.

I was walking along Venice Beach in California recently. I noticed a lot of Obama shirts for sale by street vendors, among the rows of tattoo parlors, head shops and other alternative services that populate this area. If they think any president or government power is going to change their prospects in life, well, California's dreaming. I believe we all have to work and put something worthwhile into society. If you want to be an "artist" and spend your time selling clothes that pitch your vision of someone elses's ideals on the corner, it is America and that is your choice. But a new president will not change your fortunes and it's going to take more than selling T-shirts with "Hope" written on it.

I think that the President-elect would agree and I believe he plans to help the working family, or at least try. If I had his ear, I would suggest he concentrate on helping small business owners and the middle class.