(The McCain-Palin ticket) "will keep America as it has always been: the hope of the world."
-Mitt Romney
Okay, so last week I avoided getting political. And truely, its not really my style to harp on things in the political arena. This is for several reasons, the most important of which being that I'm not really all that informed. Probably more informed then most, I suppose, but I am by no means some analyst on CNN that is at all qualified to give my educated opinion freely.
That being said (and noted, I hope), this is my blog and I can write about whatever I wish, and this morning I have something to say about the presidential election.
First of all, I am a moderate. This is the most simplified way of stating that my political beliefs are a direct result of my being a Christ follower and a layperson sociologist. For example, when it comes to abortion, I obviously agree with the Right, but when it comes to welfare, I am much more of a Lefty. I, being the true justice and balance-loving Libra that I am, embrace both parties.
This may sound wishy washy to some, but let me assure you, I am anything but. I am VERY opinionated about my issues, just those opinions happen to fall easily on both ends of the spectrum.
The result of this is that at every possible election, I am undecided. I am a free agent. I am one of those unknowns that politicians everywhere are striving to grasp. It is really kind of fun. Sometimes I make good decisions, sometimes not. I'll admit, last presidential election I voted wrong and although I won't say what I did, suffice it to say, I have rededicated myself to pay way more attention this time around.
Okay... enough of that. I followed the DNC last week with a great deal of enthusiasm. I allowed myself to get wrapped up in the historical moment that it was. I was very impressed by the speeches and the promises and all that... of course. That's exactly what is supposed to happen, am I right?
But what most impressed me- what most stuck with me- was that in Obama's speech, he refused to be angry, bitter, or petty. He, on numerous occasions, focused to unity and change. UNITY being key. He refused to trash the republican's patriotism. I thought that was very interesting and very, well, nobel. I realize he has a lack of time in the white house, and that he has actually shown up in people magazine (against his will, however)... blah blah blah, I realize all of this, and I won't try to defend either party at this point. But I wanted to mention that specific speech because last night, I was very saddened by the republicans speeches.
How focused were they on portraying a "tough, more edgy and aggressive" party? How often did they disregard the dems as weak? It just didn't seem very UNIFYING to me, and frankly, after the last 8 years of discord, a little bit of cooperation and respect seems due, don't you think? Perhaps you don't. And that's alright, but that is exactly what I was thinking. I was thinking... "what happened to telling us how you are going make things better? What about a means to an end, here?" Instead, all I heard was a petty one-sided catfight, and I wasn't all that impressed with the lack of solution presented.
Back to my quote at the top... by Mitt Romney. I didn't see his speech. Personally, I wasn't too interested in it... but reading the overview this morning, it caught my eye and stopped my heart. There may have been a point in time when America was the "hope of the world". Definitely that was the case back when my grandparents we alive and young. But recently, in that last decade or so... not so much. Other countries treat America with contempt and incredulity. (Browse BBC.com for a bit, and you will see what I mean) It isn't our citizens so much that aggrivate the rest of the world, as our government. Most of this is deserved, I think. We haven't really been a shining beacon of compassion and power of late.
So reading this statement broke my heart. Because it's just not true anymore. But I want it to be true again, and I don't think I am alone in that. I'm not urging you to vote one way or the other. I, myself, am not completely 100% decided. But there is something to be said for the whole "the family that plays together stays together" ideal. I think it might just have a little merit in the government.
2 comments:
Oh, Erin, I totally understand. I feel like I should be excited about the history associated with this election, but I too am disillusioned and disappointed. I have not heard one substantiated idea come out of Obama's mouth, and the whole "abortion being above his paygrade" thing is the biggest cop-out ever, which made me lose most of my respect for him. And then you have same old, same old Republican McCain... who wants to stay in the war and is backed by big business and will likely do little in terms of helping our economy out of the red. It's frustrating to think that these are my choices?
On a higher note, Pandora is playing me Dave as I type. Life is good. :) Are you showing yet? Can you take a picture if you are? Great thanks.
I am with you on the frustration! I don't know who to vote for anymore. I am a convservative for the most part, but a lot of what the GOP is doing these days just doesn't make me feel good or right about the party...yet the Democrats are generally way left for my taste. I haven't decided either...it is tough, yet at least we are trying to stay informed. I do have to give props to McCain for his choice of VP though. I think that it would really help his general election result.
Obama...hmmm...I agree with Cate's comment...what can we believe? Politics today are about how to get in the White House and not what is actually going to get done when you get there. I guess we just keep praying and hope things get better!
Post a Comment