For much of my adult life I've been somewhat of a political radical. Growing up in the South with a conservative family was just normal to me. That is, until I grew a brain for myself and saw the light.

I learned to be open-minded, socially accountable, and I developed a sense of political responsibility. I began identifying myself as a moderate back in my home state of Texas to avoid the dreaded label of "liberal." Once I arrived at Penn State I finally shed my moderate cover and claimed liberalism as my own. Even then, the conservative nature of Pennsylvania and State College oftentimes labeled me as a sort of extremist.

Needless to say, with the Bush Presidency and the Republican control of the House and Senate, a conservative social precedence had been set for the country.

The Republican Party did, however, do a phenomenal job of creating an effective standard of political and cultural rhetoric and language that lasted for more than 10 years in the House, four years in the Senate and for at least eight years of the presidency.

Everything from Republican created phrases like, "partial-birth abortion" or "family values," to re-establishing the use of "axis of evil" and "anti-American" slogans helped instill a sense of fear in Americans that harvested support and votes for the right wing.

Furthermore, religion has become so intertwined with conservatism and the Republican Party that it has slyly crept into our government.

American democracy turned into a sort of mild theocracy in which Bush was the supreme dictator of moral, ethical and political values - all based on his faith.

Ironic how the conservative credo claims small or limited government, yet can somehow manage to dictate my personal life and what I choose to do with it.

Today, however, all of that rhetoric gabble no longer convinced the American public. I no longer feel so radical in not buying into the Republican platform.

The Republicans have lost control of the House and most likely Senate (pending any re-counts). The veil of conservatism has been harshly removed, and Americans have finally seen that actions have spoken louder than any words could.

It's a big surprise that Iraq doesn't actually have nuclear or chemical weapons. It's a big surprise that the war on terror has allowed the government to take personal rights away for supposed national security purposes.

We no longer wonder why even sworn officers of the military are openly voicing opinions of no confidence in our war strategy and leadership.

If anything, the Republican tenure has provided for a highly unstable, un-democratic and heavily divided nation than ever before.

And to put the cherry on top, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld has resigned from his cabinet seat.

Bush states that new nominee Robert Gates will provide a "fresh perspective" on Iraq, which translates into, "Crap, he needs to resign or he'll get kicked out by the legislature." Bush may be an idiot, but he isn't a political one. He wisely chooses his battles, and this one he knew he couldn't win. Getting rid of Rumsfeld was his only option in retaining some sort of credibility.

Interestingly enough, that until today, he staunchly supported Rumsfeld with his unwavering doctrine of rigidity and platform of unwavering policy.

Yes, it's a little late and this change in political power won't erase the past years of violence, reduced freedoms and international infamy. But it is a step in the right direction.

Americans are sick of this failing war, of being afraid from so-called imminent threats and of being lied to. We have voiced our discontentment in hopes of a better future.

So Godspeed, Mr. Santorum Please take your intrusive and fascist values with you. Too bad you weren't more of a socialist so the government could assist you with your newfound unemployment.

Farewell, conservative legislatures. I'm sure you won't be remembered for your inadequacies.

Buh-bye, Secretary Rumsfeld. Don't let Iraq's weapons of mass destruction kick you on your way out. The American public has done it for you.