It's Time To Look Forward: Put Fear Aside
Yesterday was a historical day in the United States. There's no denying that. And while most of the things you see on the news has been generally positive, there remains an undercurrent that is shocking. Some who've made comments here, who I've spoken to and others who have emailed me seem less than pleased with the election outcome. I won't get into Proposition 8 because I don't live in California but amazingly I am apparently in the more open minded state of Connecticut. Never thought I'd say that! But the big topic, obviously has been Barack Obama, who, like it or not, is soon to be President Obama.
Let me lay my cards out on the table. I voted for Obama. I wish he had more experience, but for me, he's the right person at the right time for the job. John McCain is a hero. He is very qualified for the job in many respects. Unlike some people who love "their guy" and hate the other one, I like McCain. If it was 2000 and he was running in place of President Bush, he'd have my vote...100%.
But this isn't 2000. And we do need to change a lot of things. People are asked what is most important to them. Is it the economy? Terrorism? Global warming? Abortion? To me, they're all important but, and again, this is just me, what's most important is not living in fear. That's what the current administration has done to us. Yes, we were attacked. I live 2 hours from New York City. I'm very aware of that. But since then, the American people have been kept under the heavy thumb of the government. Duct tape your doors, take your shoes off at the airport, terrorism level at orange, no yellow, wait, orange (usually around election time). Be vigilant and go shopping. That's what our leaders said.
Unfortunately, McCain's people went with the same tactic and that's what really turned me off about him. Either through his campaign, the Republican National Committee, or Tina Fey Sarah Palin, the theme of a lot of their campaign was fear. Obama hangs with terrorists, he's a Muslim, he's a radical, he can't be trusted, he wants to talk to our sworn enemies, he smoked dope and snorted cocaine in college (ok, that part is true).
And then there are the McCain supporters who would like you to believe he's the anti-Christ. Yes, there's even a website devoted to that topic.
First, on the Muslim part. He's not. Never has been and although his father, who he barely knew was at one time, he was not what you'd call devout. His mother was Christian but turned away from religion altogether. And he was primarily raised by his grandmother who was a Christian. All that said, what if he was a Muslim? There is a difference between Muslims and the radical Muslims just as there's a difference between Christians and radical Christians. Ever hear of the KKK? The Muslim religion has been tarnished badly by the actions of a minority. There are about the same number of Muslims on the planet as there are Christians. Besides, one of the big controversies during his campaign was his membership in the Trinity United Church of Christ, run by controversial Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Nope, not a mosque. Being associated with Rev. Wright didn't help Obama. Wright did say some very dumb, inappropriate things, especially for someone who professes to be a Christian leader. And Obama finally ended that relationship. Does going to church make him a radical? That's what the ads said.
The point is, the campaign wanted you to be afraid. And based on many comments and emails, it worked. The time to end fear is now people. Let your biases settle down and give him a chance. That's all anyone can do. Let's see if he'll follow up on his promises. Let's see if he can return the good name of the United States across the globe. If any of you travel outside the US, you know what I mean. Our country has a massive stain on it's image. It's important to fix that.
If in four years, it's the same ole politics, and he's not getting it done, then vote him out. It's as simple as that. I respect everyone who voted yesterday. Only one person can become president and the majority wants to give Obama a try.
John McCain said it best himself last night, "I urge all Americans ... I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited."
I guess it goes without saying that I agree with you
hahaha
wonderful post.
I also did not dislike McCain. It was really, REALLY hard for me to make my decision. I really put a lot of thought into my vote. Not a superficial, fleeting thought about who I personally wanted to see, but I researched and questioned what I really thought was best for our whole country.
When you think of it that way, it's a hard decision to make.
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Great post! I have a big faith to Obama.
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