Only a "more perfect union" - not a perfect one.

I am delighted by Barack Obama's election. For quite a few reason. One of the ones getting a lot of press - and understandably so - is that his election is a definitive sign that anyone can become president.

But there are still problems.

Half a million people in Arkansas voted to restrict gay adoption.

Over 1 million people in Arizona voted to prevent gay marriage.

Over 4 million in Florida voted to prevent gay marriage.

And finally, over 5 million in California have voted to end gay marriage - to take away already existing rights.

This is a stain on a night which in other ways is a triumph for overcoming bigotry.

Over 10 million Americans have chosen to restrict the rights and liberties of a group of people even though the exercise of those rights would not affect them in anyway. (I have never heard a satisfactory explanation as to how gay marriages are supposed to threaten straight marriages. Unless some closeted "traditionalists" are suddenly tempted by new possibilities.)

The one upside is that I think the tide of history will be against these measures. Things will change. Things need to change.

Allen