Last night, history was made. In a lot of ways. There was no doubt in my mind that this election was going to be something big, something monumental. I can say that I didn't expect this.
I grew up running around the Indiana State Senate floor and in and out of the government building where both of my parents were employed. My mom, in politics -- my dad, in law enforcement. My mom, a republican -- my dad, a democrat. I colored pictures and posters for various politicians who were running for office. I sat at the polls on election day with my mom who always volunteered. I was one of those kids who handed you fliers as you were walking in the polls and you're thinking, poor kid! (I was thinking, NO SCHOOL!) I watched debates and the news. We always watched coverage on election night. I was a page for three state senators as a kid. (Again, looking for ways to ditch school on an excused absence).
But as I grew up, and after my mom passed away...I became less interested in politics. I almost never watch the news. I didn't watch the debates this year. I looked up some information here and there. But I was sick of seeing commercial after commercial and greeting random campaigners at our front door on Saturday afternoon. I have a confession to make. I didn't vote in the last presidential general election. I voted in the primaries, for McCain I might add, and then when Bush won the primaries, I did not support any of the candidates. I believe we should vote, and feel strongly about making our voices heard (especially being a woman), but my choice NOT to vote that year was how I thought I was speaking. So many of you might think that I have no right to say what I think about this historic time. I say to you...I'm a woman of many words...and I will say them because that is just what I do. (Maybe someday it will make me lots of money?! No? Meh, I'll stick to blogging I guess.)
At one point in time, I wanted to be the first woman President of the United States. I wrote Bill Clinton a letter when I was 8 (or was I 7? 9 maybe? Meh...details..) and told him that I didn't agree with his policies and thought he was a terrible example to our country. He, in return, sent me a thank you letter and signed 8 1/2 x 11 of his smiling, devious face. (I'm sure you try to be a good guy, Bill. But seriously, Monica? You couldn't have had a little bit more self control?? Thanks for showing not only our country, but our world, that being unfaithful to your wife is okay. I continue...) In high school, I ran for class president twice (and kept losing to my cousin. He was really cute so I don't blame the girls for voting in his direction) and held an office on my floor my freshman year at IU for my dorm. I guess even though I seemed less interested, I've always stepped up into leadership roles that in some way were "government" like.
This election I have been back and form a hundred times in my head about who I wanted to vote for. I didn't feel that Obama was really giving answers. He was playing on the hopes and dreams of the American public for a world that, to me, might never actually exist. I thought about it. Several times. Obama is an excellent speaker. His charisma and charm leap off of a TV screen and his promises of a better future are catchy. I felt myself whispering to myself "Yes we can" last night as I was listening to his speech.... but still trying to listen to what this man plans to do now that he's won the prize.
McCain has always been someone that I supported because of his dedication and love for America. Obama himself made a poignant statement as he was speaking of McCain at the beginning of his speech that this man has been through more and has made sacrifices to fight for our freedom and for our country that we couldn't even begin to understand. I may not have studied out all of the details of their policies and opinions on how to run a country but I do believe that a strong man, of moral character, who has proven to be a successful leader, is going to be who I most support. Almost ironically, McCain is a decently liberal republican, so in a way, some could argue that he's comparable to a conservative democrat. So the fact that I'm a registered Republican doesn't always mean that my vote is always to the red elephant side of the ballot. This year, I don't know if left and right, blue or red, elephant or donkey played as much of a part in their decisions as the people's desire for drastic change. Unfortunately, I can say with assurance that Bush's disapproval amongst the American public fell at the doorstep of John McCain's campaign. Bush has pissed off a lot of people...Republicans and Democrats alike.
I hope that people listened last night. A lot of promises were made...and a lot of fears were dispelled. Obama did not promise us immediate change. "It might not take a year, it might not take an entire term..." I felt I witnessed a plea for help more than a victory speech. McCain's concession speech was poised, eloquent, honest and sincere. I would have been proud to call him my President. However, as I casted my vote, I knew that I was only making a statement against liberalism...and not that I was voting to elect the next President. I have known for quite some time that Obama would most likely take office.
Obama told a magnificent story of a woman, 106 years old, who voted in this election (I can only assume her vote was for Obama -- would have been ironic if she voted for McCain -- I'm just sayin) She has more or less "seen it all" in her lifetime. I couldn't imagine. My grandmother is 82 years old and I love to listen to her talk about how things were when she was growing up. It was simply a different time then. A slower time, and a much more conservative time.
I might offend some people with my thoughts or opinions, and if so, please know that I do not mean to offend. I don't doubt that things will swing upward again. There is a cycle of life, and also of government. Obama represents, unfortunately, the majority opinion of the people. His socialist and liberal attributes are that of most of our free world nowadays. We have been leaning towards a less conservative, less family oriented, less hard working society for years. We want to do what we want, when we want, how we want and without any consequences. We don't want to have to work hard, struggle, or help each other. We're a world of self help books, Dr. Phil's and talk shows exploiting the true inner lining of America. Jerry Springer is who I blame, but in reality, there really are a lot of twisted people out there. And I believe that we have started to hit the peak of this radical societal mountain. It makes sense that a man of Obama's nature would be at the top of that mountain to lead the people.
I have faith in God. I do not know if I have faith in the common good of man. That sounds rather crappy to say, but when we turn our heads at tearing apart families and degrading the human race in the ever more radically liberal minded society we are living in, it will never result in good. It will never result in peace. I do not believe Obama really knows how to change or fix the problems we currently face. I do not agree with his answers on how to fix the economy or think that his plan to bring the troops home will actually work. But he preaches a message of a better world. He preaches a message of hope. For that, I give him credit. We ALL want the world to be a better place. So I can support him in his quest to make that happen. I'm just praying he doesn't bomb. It takes a special person to run for President of this country. It takes an even more special man to be a man against all odds running for President....and kudos to Obama for a successful ending to his election journey.
I will do what he asks because I am a woman of faith. I will rally behind him because it is my patriotic duty. I will stand with him as someone who also wants my children to grow up in a world that is financially secure and stable. I hope that all of us can swallow whatever feelings of pride we have in ourselves and do our best to serve our country by helping out. However, until Christ returns, I feel that it's only going to get worse before it gets better. The people took a stand last night. But I'm not sure if they actually know what they took a stand for.
My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Obama and his family as he begins to take on the daunting task of leading a country through perilous times.
Ironically enough, I think I'm more interested in politics that I give myself credit for. haha. Maybe I'll run for some random government office someday...who knows, right? HAHAH!
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