Early on, I didn't think I would vote for Obama. There are a lot of things I like about McCain, but when he chose Palin as his running mate, there was no way I could vote for McCain anymore. Palin may be cute and folksy, but that is not what is needed in a Vice President. Given McCain's age, there was a strong possibility Palin would have had to step in, and I could only imagine the chaos that would ensue. Besides, Palin should be at home with her FIVE children, who desperately need a mother. With one daughter "knocked up" and an infant with special needs, she has too much personal baggage to be an effective leader of our country.
When I sat down with my absentee ballot, the voter's pamphlet, the Sunday paper, and a big cup of coffee, I didn't vote for one party or the other. Unlike many in our country, I didn't vote for white men only, or just for Democrats, or only for what was recommended by the newspaper. I voted for some Republicans and some Democrats. I voted for men and women. I put a lot of thought and research into who was most suited for the jobs they were seeking, and which propositions were well prepared. There were issues on the ballot that I agreed with fundamentally, but the proposition was flawed in it's language and wouldn't have been effective, so I couldn't bring myself to approve it. There were candidates I liked, who were full of enthusiasm and shared my views, but had inconsistent histories that made me pause and chose their opponent instead.
I wondered if Obama could win. Ours is a nation still teeming with racism. There are plenty of communities where bigotry is not only tolerated, but celebrated. Listening to Obama's acceptance speech last night on a TV we borrowed from a neighbor (our 20 year old TV has bit the dust and we can't afford to replace it), I couldn't help but be reminded of Martin Luther King. My eyes welled up with tears of pride and hope for our country's future as Obama spoke, and my heart suddenly feared for him and his family. Please don't let history repeat itself. I sure hope the secret service can keep the racists and nut cases and all their arms away from him.
I want to see what Obama can accomplish. For those who voted for McCain and don't like Obama or what he stands for, I hope they'll just sit back and enjoy the show. No matter who won, the new president's job is not going to be easy. Our country is sliding into a depression, the wars we have going need to be reevaluated, and our country's image needs a serious PR make-over. So many nations hate us right now, and it's time again to become a nation others look to with respect. Respect for our generosity, our humanitarianism, and our democracy.
Did every person and issue I voted for yesterday win? No. Do I agree with my neighbors and friends on certain issues? No. But I am proud to be an American, one who participated in our democratic process, and I will accept the results of the election as what they are: the current will of the people, the basis on which our country was built. If there is something I want to change, I will donate my time and set an example in the way I live my life. My personal ideals were acquired not through coercion, but because someone I admired was quietly demonstrating them. Tolerance, kindness, empathy, dignity, generosity, consideration, patience... these are values we should share in any disagreement.
I am excited about America's future. After many years of being ashamed, I am finally proud to be an American again. Maybe I'll even renew my passport and venture abroad! Oh, wait. I don't have any money.
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