I don't know much about politics, and I don't try to pretend I do. I try to stay up on current events, but I don't keep my tv stuck on CNN, nor do I try to understand every single thing I hear or try to go beyond just the surface of most issues. (Now before you jump on my case, I know I just told you all last post to utilize your resources and get informed. I didn't say I'm not an informed voter. I just said that I don't know much about politics. There is a difference.)
I believe who and what I vote for is between me and my ballot. Over the last 6 months, I've observed friends, family, coworkers, and perfect strangers make their position well known, which personally I don't think is necessary, but at the same time, is part of what makes this country great (I'm talking Freedom of Speech here, people!) I don't understand the point of debating why McCain would be a better president or why Obama wouldn't be up to the job. Maybe I just have too much of my momma in me, but I wonder why people can't just respect each other's opinions and leave it at that. But then again, that may go against not only the essence of Freedom of Speech, but human nature in general. I don't know who's idea it was initially, but the theme of Good vs. Evil, Us vs. Them, One vs. The Other is timeless. So I guess I shouldn't question the idea of A vs. B, as it's something that is part of the fabric of this country, possibly the world.
As I write this, post-Obama acceptance speech, I can't help but fall into that cliche of "living history". (Which if you think about it, happens Every. Day.) Today is a day that may hold "Where were you when 9/11 happened?"-type discussions in the future. But regardless of which side you support, or who you voted for, if you genuinely listen to Barack Obama, I hope you are able to catch an Nth of his energy, his hope, his belief in the American people and the potential of this country, which he sums up simply with "Yes we can!" Because I have to say, watching Obama's speech has gotten me energized, hopeful and believing that this country has not come close to tapping the potential it holds, and that the time to do that is now.
Sadly though, I think too many folks are unwilling to look past color lines, party lines, religious lines and whatever other lines you could think of, to stop and listen with an open mind, to what he has to say and what his ideas are. (Though maybe I'm overestimating these folks' ability to be open-minded if they're willing to judge someone based on their skin color, political leanings and/or religious beliefs.)
Whether it's a positive or negative, change is stressful and scary and because of that, people tend to shy away from it and reject the unfamiliar. (Do you think he's not a little scared right now? Honestly if he wasn't I'd be concerned.) I have heard people say that because Obama has been elected, the country is doomed, they're moving to Canada for the next 4-8 years, or they hope someone takes him out early. But my god, can't we give the man the opportunity to prove himself? Or, let's reframe it so that it fits those who aren't Obama supporters...Can't we give him the opportunity to fail?
But at this point, he's obviously done something right, as right now, Barack Obama is the next President of the United States of America.
I believe who and what I vote for is between me and my ballot. Over the last 6 months, I've observed friends, family, coworkers, and perfect strangers make their position well known, which personally I don't think is necessary, but at the same time, is part of what makes this country great (I'm talking Freedom of Speech here, people!) I don't understand the point of debating why McCain would be a better president or why Obama wouldn't be up to the job. Maybe I just have too much of my momma in me, but I wonder why people can't just respect each other's opinions and leave it at that. But then again, that may go against not only the essence of Freedom of Speech, but human nature in general. I don't know who's idea it was initially, but the theme of Good vs. Evil, Us vs. Them, One vs. The Other is timeless. So I guess I shouldn't question the idea of A vs. B, as it's something that is part of the fabric of this country, possibly the world.
As I write this, post-Obama acceptance speech, I can't help but fall into that cliche of "living history". (Which if you think about it, happens Every. Day.) Today is a day that may hold "Where were you when 9/11 happened?"-type discussions in the future. But regardless of which side you support, or who you voted for, if you genuinely listen to Barack Obama, I hope you are able to catch an Nth of his energy, his hope, his belief in the American people and the potential of this country, which he sums up simply with "Yes we can!" Because I have to say, watching Obama's speech has gotten me energized, hopeful and believing that this country has not come close to tapping the potential it holds, and that the time to do that is now.
Sadly though, I think too many folks are unwilling to look past color lines, party lines, religious lines and whatever other lines you could think of, to stop and listen with an open mind, to what he has to say and what his ideas are. (Though maybe I'm overestimating these folks' ability to be open-minded if they're willing to judge someone based on their skin color, political leanings and/or religious beliefs.)
Whether it's a positive or negative, change is stressful and scary and because of that, people tend to shy away from it and reject the unfamiliar. (Do you think he's not a little scared right now? Honestly if he wasn't I'd be concerned.) I have heard people say that because Obama has been elected, the country is doomed, they're moving to Canada for the next 4-8 years, or they hope someone takes him out early. But my god, can't we give the man the opportunity to prove himself? Or, let's reframe it so that it fits those who aren't Obama supporters...Can't we give him the opportunity to fail?
But at this point, he's obviously done something right, as right now, Barack Obama is the next President of the United States of America.
1 comment:
Didn't that speech give you goosebumps?!?!?! I almost cried!
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