Thoughts
I still feel swept away today on a tide of emotions that I cannot yet clearly name about this election. I think its all still sinking in for me ..
Don and I sat glued to CNN (as we have often done for the past many months) and watched in delighted disbelief as the votes for Obama became a reality. We cheered at the announcement that Obama was our next president, marveled as we watched the incredibly diverse and emotional masses of people, and wept during that amazing and historic speech.
Besides the obvious and huge Firsts that were unfolding in front of us, our own Firsts came to mind. This is the first time in our adult lives that Don and I have felt passionate enough about a presidential candidate to actively be part of Obamas grass roots campaign. The past 21 months have been our first time for caucusing, canvassing, voter registration phone work, headquarters sign painting, caricature drawing, monthly fund-raising Barack-fasts, bumper-stickers, and signs on the front lawn proclaiming candidate pride. It is the first time in our lives we have dared to hope that maybe, just maybe Obama could be a president with whom we could believe in and feel proud.
It has been an exercise in restraint and respect for several of us in many ways, as both Don and I have family and several dear friends who just as passionately supported the candidates they believed in. Don loves lively and courteous debate. I dont. Most often I feel that fine, strong minds so adamantly holding to their convictions (including my own) would ultimately not be moved anywayso why bring argument and stress into time together that is already too short and precious?
I was raised to be an independent thinkerto carefully look at many angles and to openly listen to differing views. Our study of the candidates and issues during this election period has been the most meticulous yet. Over the past 21 months, we have watched CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and C-SPAN, (with a little Daily Show, Colbert and SNL thrown in for entertainment) We have read several publications, emails from conservative friends, articles on the Internet, and listened to both left and right talk radio. While it soon became clear that our inclinations and instincts were firmly heading towards Obama, we continued to listen to the Republican point of view, watched all McCain/Palin speeches and specials, and read any interviews we could find. We considered and weighed it all, because it is only fair and balanced to do so. (Although I have to say the spectacle became increasingly difficult to witness as the ugliness escalated. It is politics after all .)
As much as I am thrilled with our election of Obama and filled with hope (without blindness) for the possibility that he could do great things, all politicians fall under that Ill have to see it to believe it scrutiny for me. We will need to hold Obama and his team accountable for what is done in the next four years. And in many ways, we will need to hold ourselves accountable, as part of the mass that elected him. Don said this: Wrong thinking is a right in all democracies. We can act on our wrong-thinking and collectively then choose the wrong candidate; this has been repeatedly proven in America. Then, we re-group, rethink (do a great bit of blaming) and mobilze to right the wrong. The right to be wrong is a value we have fought for in America. And so well see .
Regardless of his political mantras, personal foibles, and yet-to-be-proven abilities and promises, for us Obama continues to inspire increasing confidence and belief in him as a leader, a statesman and a unifying figure in the world. I hope that despite our high expectations and instant gratification tendencies, we as a country will have the patience and civility to allow him to do this utterly impossible job .because now the hard work of digging out begins.
Anyway— thats enough of that kind of talk from me .!
I am still totally mired in my 12 hour days packed with 47 teenagers, show production stress and pre-holiday organization and prep .my typical disappearance into the maelstrom of October/November/December. It is 2am and I must try to get some sleep.
Love to you all!
(And familyI adore you and crave your voices Ill try callingeven if it may only be for short bursts. I am on Mr. Toads wild ride!)
:)xo
Adagio
I am deeply saddened by the poor sportsmanship being shown by the losers. I hope for unity but judging from the venom I’ve seen spewed in OD, I ain’t holding out much hope. I think Obama will lead with a sure and steady hand and can only hope the current mess improves quickly. Perhaps start with reinstating banking regulation?
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Watching from afar, I am jealous that you have a leader who truly has the audacity to campaign on hope, and to build a movement, not a party. I hope those of you who actively supported him will continue, as part of a movement of hope, to help him realize his dreams for America.
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As an Obama supporter, I was surprised at the mix of emotions that came with the results. I am not so worried that Obama will fail me, I am more worried that this fast fix generation will fail him. His hope for our nation rests not only in the strength of his own vision, but in his hope in us; that we will do our part in making his dream reality. And so…
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… because of all us dewy-eyed dopes who run around with impossible hopes, impossible things are happening every day! Lil’ Sis, Pam
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It really was such an exciting campaign and election experience. My generation’s Kennedy, for sure. Thanks for all your work. (caricatures?? fun!!)
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I, too, am delighted about our new President. This election year was the first year that I really paid attention to what was going on.
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Hey Big Sis, I am happy for you and Don. I am very very scared not so much about Obama but no checks and balances any more in the congressional side. My right to worship without government control, my money and how I save or use it, our rights will be chipped away and controlled by others. My customers(small businesses)feel this is the end for them and some will be closing soon. In fear BRO
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…I’m glad you took the time out to write this. I’m sure you wanted to “put it down” to remember for all times! Congrats on going blue too!
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I was so proud of us as a nation. I have alot of hope for the next 4 years, but still..it will be up to US how we deal with things. We all need to keep vigilant. Loved “Barack-fasts!!;)” You and Don are so cute! Hugs back;)
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There won’t be any miracles and he doesn’t promise that. We do have a breath of fresh air now and hope. He’s incredibly disciplined and the entire world is well pleased with us and him.
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I think politics has become too much of a blood sport to have unity, but until we realize nothing gets done without it, things aren’t going to change. Given the elegant and graceful speech of the one who lost this election and knowing that he has in the past buried the nastiness of the elections, I still have hope. I somewhat feel sorry for President Elect Obama though. The expectations areso high…
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’tis LizzieLu. I know you are busy, especially with the holidays approaching, but I thought I’d give you a poke to let you know that I have a secret hiding place. smooch!
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ryn: long belated THANK YOU for the Obama Christmas gifts! :):):) Hope you’re having a wonderful holidays *hug*
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You dear, sweet lady! I am so happy and – dare I say proud, even, without sounding pompous? hope not! – that you and Don participated so eagerly, thoroughly, and steadfastly, in this past election’s process! And in this entry, you articulate such a well-reasoned viewpoint! It’s rather brave of you, who so dislikes political arguments, to have sought out to change peoples’ minds. I, like Don, am strongly attracted to well-thought out and courteous debate, and I always read and listen to opposing points of view – one must know the opposition! Further, I have no respect for a closed mind! Yet, having some hope for the future of our Administrative leadership doesn’t mean shucking off all personal responsibility for holding both the leaders in DC AND in the corporate arena responsible for actions that affect us all. I think continuing participation in the political process will give Obama’s goals a positive edge. Here’s to a better future! 🙂 *Toasting you and yours in the New Year!*
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I was not an Obama supporter, but respect the outcome. I pray that our country will soon go into better and more united times. It took a very long time to create the situations we currently have- so we must be patient. ryn: thanks… it’s getting better all ready!
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RYN: Well, my dear, the flamingos were a HUGE hit! Hope your holidays were happy ones. We celebrated Christmas Eve with church services with Mom, then dinner out. I’d planned to take her back to my house for gift exchange, but she was already out of it, so I brought her back to her room. She never did open her gift (and no longer remembers it), but rubs the flamingo between her fingers. She’s a Florida gal, so of course they appealed! 🙂 Funny what cuts through Alzheimer’s to make contact, eh? Thanks again for indulging me. Everyone here just loved them! I wish you abundant blessings in 2009. **HUGS**
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Oh I’m so glad you’re still here too! Completely agree on the election. We’re holding a viewing party for the inauguration. I’m a little shy of the word “inspiring,” but it has been. Of history past, and achievement won and of optimism.
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thank you. it *is* really wonderful. best boyfriend ever. 🙂 I am so glad and amazed everyone thinks this is such a good thing. 🙂 (despite the age difference.)
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