Now that Florida has finally finished counting votes and the 2012 election cycle is over, people can relax and watch TV without having to witness another ad for a politician or a proposition.

The pundits will continue to argue and give their thoughts, but it’s all over. Both Obama and Romney called for change and said how they will do it and in the end, Obama won.

However, it seems this ‘change’ people have talked about is going to be instantaneous and benefit the country now – today. The problem is, most people forget that change is never instant and takes time.

In 2008, Obama spoke of change and how America needed new leadership. Not much has really changed since then. The elite are richer than ever and the poor continue to stay poor. Healthcare is still not where it needs to be and thousands are still without jobs.

But when you think about it, Obama has really only had about three and a half solid years in office to try and push new policies. Frankly, three years is not enough time, especially in a down economy.

With the ability to get instant information in the palm of our hands, it makes sense why people expect change fast. Advancements in technology over the years have gradually taken away the ability to wait, especially since new and better technology comes out every year.

So when people want change, they want it now, and the thought of waiting is just not an option.

But there are bright spots – one here in California.

With the passage of Prop. 30, Californians voted for a sales and income tax increase for the first time in eight years. The last time was with Prop. 63, which increased the income tax on earners of over $1 million from 9.3 percent to 10.3 percent. The increase was to help the state’s mental health system.

Prop. 30 also makes it only the fourth time a tax increase initiative has passed in California. The first two were tax increases on tobacco products, so really Prop. 30 is only the second increase on income taxes.

This is important because it shows the gradual change in the attitudes of California residents and their views on taxes. Most people are against taxes because it’s always hard to have to pay more. This shows people are changing, but it took some time.

California residents are known for being against tax increases of any kind. Prop. 63 only affected about 5 percent of the California population, yet it barely passed with 53 percent voting yes.

Prop. 30 barely passed as well with 54 percent voting ‘yes’, but it affects more taxpayers than Prop. 63 did.

It’s also surprising since Prop. 13 in 1978 set the stage for anti-tax sentiment. Since then, only 12 tax increases have been proposed and only four have passed.

What’s more surprising is the change in attitudes of same-sex marriage and marijuana. Maryland and Maine recognizing same-sex marriage and Washington and Colorado legalizing marijuana shows gradual changes are occurring.

The civil rights movement wasn’t completed in a day, a year or even five years. It took decades of constant awareness to finally see changes made.

Raising taxes in California is not on the same level as the civil rights movement but the passing of same-sex marriage is. The fight for the right for gays to marry has been going on for decades as well and states are finally starting to show some change here.

It’s hard for people to accept change,so those who are willing have to be patient. If history shows us anything, it’s things are constantly changing and usually for the best.