The dust has finally settled following the historical presidential election. Feelings of pride and elation filled the hearts of many Americans. Unfortunately, a significant number of Americans are full of hate and act on racist beliefs.

So what are the adverse effects of Barack Obama’s victory?

Reuters reported in late November that, the Ku Klux Klan and the Council of Conservative Citizens, both white supremacist groups, have seen an increase in interest from possible new members following the election. The Southern Poverty Law Center was the group that released the information. The group said that white supremacist groups were capitalizing on whites’ fears that they are becoming a minority in this country and growing unemployment.

There have been hundreds of incidents of hate crimes since Nov. 4. This rise in violence is a knee-jerk reaction to the outcome of the presidential race. One such example is of two 18-year-old teens from Staten Island who yelled “Obama” as they assaulted a black teenager hours after the election concluded.

Another is when the home of an Obama supporter in Pleasanton, Calif. was vandalized, the words “he sucks” were spray painted on the garage, and the homeowner’s tires were slashed on all of their vehicles.

The oddest response to the election has to be the increase in firearm sales all across the country. I don’t remember gun control being a high point of Obama’s campaign.

Living in Sacramento, the most diverse city in the country, makes it difficult to understand how something so ground-breaking could be seen as a negative thing.

Let’s remember: For every educated free-thinker, there are two ignorant hate-mongers. Sadly, the uninformed people are usually the loudest and most outspoken when it comes to sharing their twisted viewpoints.

How do the progressive members of society continue to make their voice heard post election?

If you did not volunteer before the election, it is never to late to get involved in the community. Grass roots efforts are very effective to bring about change.

Please keep voting. It is a privilege that is still not available to many people in this world.

It is not all dark and ominous news after the election. Financial service firms are reporting that Obama’s win will reduce blacks’ reluctance to participate in the financial markets. Well, at least someone will be participating in them.

Obama has released a video stating that 2.5 million jobs will be created by January 2011. That is a lot of jobs; I wonder what kind they will be? I hope he avoids the FDR public works approach.

How many of us are willing to build bridges and pave roads?

My bet is not many.

Maybe what fat, greedy, materialistic America needs is some honest, sweaty, hard work. Is that the “change” that we have all been hearing about.

Is Obama the “change” that America needs? Only time will tell.

Crystal Kirk can be reached at [email protected]