Barack Obama, with his dignity, intelligence and stature, will now be the face of leadership for the United States. A face that represents so much of our rich, cross-cultural society. A face that doesn’t wear a vacuous smirk. A face that reflects grave comprehension of the pain and fear our citizens are experiencing in these terrible times. A face that had no advantages apart from brains and democracy to lead him to the White House.
John McCain is clearly a good and brave man. As Obama said last night, McCain has experienced horrors that none of could us imagine and few of us could endure unscathed. McCain was gracious and generous in his concession speech, markedly exhibiting distaste and disapproval when some of his audience contemptuously booed at the mention of their new president’s name. I believe him in his pledge that he will do everything in his power to help Obama as he leads our country.
I want to believe McCain, because working together is the only way we are going to be able to move forward. Working together, our elected officials can restore the good name and credibility of the United States. Together they can create an effective machine of peace and a model of honorable and responsible leadership.
As Helen Keller once said (in my Quotes to the right), “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” Together, we chose Barack Obama.
God bless America.
18 comments:
Sing it to me sister. :)
I cried last night - tears of joy, mind you.
Talk about eloquent writing Marie!
Yes we can!
Now Patti, where did this frizzy haired stuff come from?!?! You have lovely hair.
Last night was awe inspiring. You know me, I never cry lol, but last night was unbelievably moving.
Thanks Tricia! Actually I just edited it a little bit because I realized I used 'clearly' twice in one paragraph and it wasn't a style thing it was just an oversight. :)
I, too, am filled with joy and awe for our president-elect. Finally, someone who I can look up to in the white house. (Frizzy - I cried too)
It was a great day. You cite well the reasons I think he can be a very effective leader. We've witnessed some very dark times as a country, and some very hopeful ones in the last 8 years.
Marie, my hair is always under chemically -induced control when we have met up. :)
The natural state of my hair is very kinky. It pretty much reminds me of pubic hair on my head. I have pics of me as a teenager that would stop your heart!
Fortunately as an adult I found a fantastic stylist who works with ethnic hair, and her approach works just fine with this very pale white girl too.
Aren't you glad you asked? :)
And you may now return to your regularly scheduled programming....
It was a great day, Jenn. Thanks for stopping by. :)
Patti: Pubic hair, eh? Hmmm. What can I say except...God bless America?
I feel exactly as you. I hadn't been pround to be an American in a long time. As soon as he won, I felt an enormous sense of pride, excitement and elation. It was so good to feel that again.
Storybeader, how did I miss your comment?!?! Thanks so much for contributing. "Joy and awe" capture how I feel as well.
And relief, jodapoet, such relief that we don't have to be embarrassed anymore.
Beautifully said Marie. Truly a great day.
Thank you Jane!
Well said.
The man who occupies the office of commander-in-chief should not be the one solely responsible for your pride in our country. If he is to you, then you have him on a pedestal (throne, shrine) he wasn't sdesigned for, and you will continually be disappointed! He is only a human. He will certainly make mistakes and let down even his most die-hard supporters.
You said you are [proud of our country once again. Obama hasn't even taken the oath of office yet! You still live in the SAME country that you lived in prior to Nov. 8, and nothing has changed. Nothing CAN change until inaugeration day, and even then he will not be able to "change" things until he goes to work after all the parties, swoonings, special worship opportunities, etc.
You might want to instead focus on what truly makes this country great. We have opportunity people are dying for in order to get here. NO ONE goes hungry, sick, or without schooling unless they simply do not reach out. Our people are the Most generous people in the world. Look what happened with charitable giving and service during Katrina, and the tsunami in Indonesia. And any other crisis in the world. Americans reach out to give.
The commander-in-chief does not have the power or responsibility to make you happy, or content. That's YOUR responsibility. You must take it for yourself.
Well, I appreciate you leaving your comment.
It is not Mr. Obama alone who makes me feel proud, but the process and the people that elected him. You are correct, it is the American people that can, and frequently do, make our country great.
You are also right, his performance remains to be seen. That is fair to say. I do not think he is perfect and as a human being he is sure to have some missteps. I hope his successes outnumber those.
I do disagree with you about no one going without but for asking here. But you have a right to that opinion.
That is what also makes out country great. That we can disagree about some pretty important things, but we both have the right to say so publically without the fear of retribution.
And finally, you are right that I alone must take responsibility for my contentment or happiness. But we need strong, intelligent leadership to keep our country's policies and democracy strong. And that is why I am so pleased the Obama will be the head of the team that will be governing our nation.
Thank you for contributing and giving me some things to think about.
I for one am giddy with optimism, because I choose to be. These last years under the Bush Administration have become dark and desperate.
No, the President-elect is not in office yet; and his hands will be tied by beauracracy at every turn when he takes his post. BUT. The country has already changed. The day after the election, we changed. We stepped away from cynicism and discontent and apathy, and into HOPE.
I disagree with the poster who says that anyone who needs help can "just reach out". If I show up at your door, disheveled and desperate, and ask for food and money, will you help? Will any American that I solicit help if my plight lacks adequate media coverage? It's on the small, individual, unbroadcasted scale that work needs to be done.
And this is why the President-elect gives me hope.
I'm with you, Marie. I liked your post. "Vacuous smirk" describes Dubya's smile very accurately, IMO.
Thanks for your comments Anonymous and Joan.
And oh boy, Joan, how I wish that wasn't an accurate description! lol
Thanks for stopping by!!!
Some lovely commments here on your super post Marie.
In response to your first anonymous comment I think it would be really worth everyone checking out the very knowledgable Timethief's post on poverty in the USA;
http://thistimethisspace.com/2008/11/02/poverty-americas-best-kept-secret/
I have lived and worked in London, another bastion of capitalism. I saw many tramps and dropouts "reach out" their hands for loose change and food. I didn't see anyone rushing to their rescue.
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