I am writing this column on Monday, the day before the election, and it will be printed Wednesday, the day after the election. America has spoken and I expect that a tremendous shift in power has occurred. Several races are still being counted and a few might even end up in court. Regardless of the results, 2010 will be remembered as the year of the TEA party. The movement brought dozens of new politicians to the ballot, redefined the national debate, and put establishment politicians of both parties on the defensive.

However, the message from the American people was a resounding cry for change … again. They also begged for change in 2008 because they were fed up with the Republicans, but this year the Democrats are getting the boot. The underlying message in the middle of the constant noise and fighting is that the average American is sick and tired of politics as usual. They want actual solutions, common sense governing and honesty from their elected officials. The public trust is sacred and needs to be treated that way.

Our nation is facing terror threats, financial instability and a growing divide between classes, races and ideologies. Our national unity will not be strengthened with petty party politics; instead it will take firm resolve and a common purpose to bring America into prosperity.

You’ve voted. You’ve spoken. Let’s hope the elected officials honored with a victory understand they weren’t elected to fight. They were elected to lead, solve problems, and build a stronger America.

The last bite…

Shameless plug! This past Friday, I went to Buddy B’s Restaurant in Garyville and enjoyed a full plate of shrimp stew, chicken and sausage gumbo, potato salad, and seasoned corn. Courtney enjoyed an oversized fried shrimp salad with a mountain of shrimp. This local Garyville “mom-n-pop” is famous for its Cajun Burger (over a pound of seasoned meat topped with melted cheddar cheese). If you are lucky, they might be serving famous Buddy B’s brownies. I give it 5 Crumbs! (out of 5)

Buddy Boe, a resident of LaPlace, is a former parish administrator and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes.