Like most things in life, this election is bittersweet.

I’m happy Obama won.

I’m sad that so many of my friends and family members are, well, not so happy.

I’m happy that so many people across this country have brighter hopes for America and for the future.

I’m sad for those who think that the end is near.

I’m happy that McCain conceded graciously.

I’m sad to longer see Tina Fey’s impersonations of Sarah Palin.

I’m happy that (as of now) “Yes” on Proposition 8 in California won (and that similar initiatives passed in Arizona and Florida).

I’m sad that this issue has been so divisive among members of the Church and others, especially in California.

(I’m really sad about my liberal friends who think this is a fairly straightforward civil rights issue.* And I’m saddened when I think of further turmoil concerning this issue.)

I’m happy that the Utah County Democrats put together such a fine group of candidates this year.

I’m sad that a majority of my fellow citizens in Utah County are still mindlessly voting straight-Republican — not realizing how much better matched the Utah County Democrats are for their values.

I’m happy that the Democrats did not achieve their filibuster-proof majority of 60 senators.

I’m sad that Utahns decided to disgrace the U.S. House of Representatives by electing a hyper-conservative who wants to house illegal immigrants in prison tents (Jason Chaffetz).

(And that Alaskans would elect a convicted felon to the U.S. Senate.)

I’m happy that this crazy guy only received 3% of the popular vote for Utah governor.

I’m sad that there are 22,157 people roaming the streets of Utah who voted for him.

I’m happy that many people who prayed that Obama wouldn’t be president, will be praying for him now that he will be president.

I’m sad that some people would rather fantasize about his assassination.

And I’m definitely happy the election is over.

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*I do think that an argument can be made for gay marriage. But the equality argument is a fallacious bludgeon that creates a straw man out of opponents to gay marriage. At any rate, the issue is more nuanced than mere equality vs. discrimination. Unless of course you are in favor of cousins and siblings marrying. And groups of 3 or more. And single people having the same benefits as married people (somehow). If not, then you are in favor of discrimination in terms of what groups (not individuals) can marry.

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