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As I mentioned in class, I think that how I choose to respond to external factors matters a great deal to me, but that I have very limited control over external events.  When it comes to the world at large, and, specifically, the election... I don't know what large policy difference our choice of president will make. I have personal hopes for certain issues, but no real expectations.  When I walked through my West Philly neighborhood after the election was called, however, my (primarily African American) neighbors filled the streets making music on pots and pans, dancing, cheering.  The look of unrestrained joy on their faces jarred me out of my typical tunnel vision and I realized that this moment made a huge difference for these individuals as they saw the potential for the lives of their children dramatically expand.  It was a big margin and if I hadn't voted (and if everyone I knew hadn't voted) it wouldn't have changed the result a bit, but the fact that I participated welcomed me into the celebration.  I think the fact that my neighbors voted empowered them and personally connected them to historical change. So I guess I think that the choice that makes a difference is the choice to choose, regardless of the long-term effects of whatever choice is made.