My Post-Election Post

"If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."

~ Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech, 11/4/08

I am extremely pleased with the outcome of the 2008 Presidential election. I have supported Barack Obama for quite some time and I am energized by the thought of his presidency. Rudy and I felt very strongly about this election and hoped beyond hope that it would turn out the way it did.


First I'll address the race issue, because it seems to be the topic on everyone's table. Last night was an amazing night in American history. It was one that I wasn't sure I would ever see in my lifetime, but I was brought to tears by the emotion of the events that I watched unfold in front of me. No, I didn't hold a personal stake in having an African-American man elected President and I certainly didn't vote for Obama because of the color of his skin. The personal stake that I held was seeing someone break a barrier that has been in place for too many years. Yet another barrier broken means a step closer to equality in our country and for that, I rejoice. (After all, maybe next time, it will be the gender barrier, which I do have a personal stake in.) As a white, middle-class female, I cannot say that I know what racism feels like, but I can say that I have seen it, witnessed it and been angered by it firsthand. I understand prejudices. They usually have a basis in something that has been experienced or something that has been taught. What I don't understand is letting prejudices stand in the way of relationships and opportunities. Just because I expect someone to be something, that doesn't mean that I can't give them the opportunity to prove me wrong...or right. I am happy for the African-American population of this country today. I can only imagine what it is like to experience this victory from their eyes. For the generation who experienced the Civil Rights movement first hand to experience a black man becoming the President of the United States...that must be unbelievable. For the younger generations to experience a hope that their parents only wished for is amazing. And for the very young to never live in a time when it wasn't possible is beyond belief. I graduated from Little Rock Central High School and through that experience, I have witnessed the pride that the leaders of the black community take in the successes of their ancestors and their children. I also know that, just like white people, they (as a whole) are shamed by their children's transgressions and the transgressions of those who went before them. My time at Central gave me the opportunity to learn about a culture different from my own. And as students, we were all encouraged to learn about the history of our school. I think it is because of that opportunity that I feel the incredible sense of hope that I feel now. Another barrier has been broken and for that I am grateful.

I'm amazed by the amount of people who believe everything they hear from their best friend's cousin's hairdresser or read on the internet. After all, ANYONE can write on the internet. (I'm doing it right now...how hard can it be???) People...please check your facts before you go spreading false information. Snopes.com is a very reputable site. At this link, you can read the background information on many of the rumors about Barack Obama. Barack Obama is not a Muslim, he is a Christian. Barack Obama is not a Socialist. Barack Obama was born in Hawaii, not in Africa. Barack Obama is not going to make your taxes go through the roof. (Unless you're filthy rich. And in that case, can I have a loan?)

I also understand that a lot of people are nervous because of some of the people that Obama has associated with in his past. Let me just ask, if you were running for president, would you want everyone you've ever been associated with to be known by the entire world? I know that I have had acquaintances, even family and friends who have made public statements that I don't agree with. Why would you judge my worthiness based on the thoughts and actions of someone I know?

Finally, I have to talk about something else that has bothered me throughout this election and continues to be under my skin today. I am absolutely shocked by how many people seem to think that you can't vote Democrat and be a Christian. Last night, right after Obama was announced as the winner, I logged on to Facebook to celebrate with some other Obama fans and to see what everyone had to say. I was completely blown away by the anger and tension that I could almost feel emanating from my computer screen. People became almost irrational. Several people went so far as to say they were moving to other countries. Many changed their status to request that all "believing people" who were disappointed in the results should immediately start praying because this could not possibly turn out good. I even heard mention of the rapture. Let's think about this...We have had Democratic presidents before and the world did not end. In light of that, I also have to say that I am glad we live in a country where we can hold those opinions and make those statements even if I don't think they are logical. The 2 Bible verses that I posted last night (1 Tim 2:1-3 and Romans 13:1-2) were the result of one of my Facebook friends noting that it WAS indeed time for us to pray. The Bible tells us that we are all to pray together for our leaders, no matter what our personal opinions are. What a smart (and rational) man he is to think of that instead of the fight-back responses I was quick to think of. I'm still struggling with the role that religion played in this election for so many people. My belief is that God gives us the intelligence to vote with our own minds and the compassion to vote with our own hearts. He knows the plans He has for us. This includes the plans He has for our nation and our world. Who are we to question and most certainly, who are we to question each other's faithfulness based on which way we vote?

Now that this election is over, my hope and prayer is that we can all put the nastiness of politics behind us and come together to support our president-elect and his cabinet. He said it best last night,

"So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other."

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"For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow."

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"This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can."