Almost a week has passed since the 2008 Presidential Election. It's hard to believe it’s over. When you look back, it seems like it's been going on FOREVER! They say it was the longest campaign in history. I can believe it. Honestly, I'm glad it's done. Not that I'm happy with the outcome … quite the opposite in fact. Nevertheless, since I haven't been granted the ability to go back in time and change history, I guess I'm stuck with it.
Before I go on, let me apologize in advance to any friends I'm about to offend. Understand that I'm not setting out with that goal, but it could happen. I think it's more important that we speak our mind... lay it all out on the table as it were. While all who know me know where I stand in my political philosophy, I also never get in anyone's face about it. I’ve always enjoyed an open and honest exchange of ideas. Each is more than welcome to have their opinion ... and I'm taking this opportunity to state mine.
Let's be clear ... this isn't about McCain. I didn't even vote for McCain during the primaries. Honestly, he's not Conservative enough for my taste ... then again, neither is George Bush ... but I digress. While I acknowledge that I did vote for McCain on Tuesday (while holding my nose), I did so for only two reasons: 1) he was the only chance to beat the other guy, and 2) to support the Conservative on the ticket (Sarah Palin). This also isn't about political parties. While I may be a registered Republican, I will support (and have supported) candidates of other parties who support the same core principals as I. This also is not about race. I am very happy that we’ve finally crossed that line. I just wish we had done it with Condaleeza Rice rather than Barack Obama.
What is this all about? It is about ideas. It is about the core beliefs that many of us hold. It is about substance over style. It is not about having an orator as President who speaks of hope and change and makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. It's about freedom and liberty. It’s about limited government. It’s about making your own choices where your money goes … not allowing the government to make the choices for you. It’s about the right to speak your mind, to defend yourself (and arm yourself if you see fit). It’s about the God-granted rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
I guess what really troubles me about this last week, beyond Obama's win of course, is all this talk of "unity". Now don't misunderstand me ... it would be great to all sit around and sing Kumbaya. However, to do so when there really is no unity is utterly pointless and dishonest. You see, I am happy to acknowledge that 65.4 million think differently than I. I also expect those 65.4 million to acknowledge that there are another 57.4 million of us who stand on the other side and don't want to unite behind their ideas. The expectation that we should suddenly "come together" and be part of the "change" is somewhat ludicrous. After all, had John McCain won on Tuesday night, I expect the love fest at Invesco Field would have had a VERY different tone.
For the last eight years, I listened to some threaten to move to another country (though sadly, few did). I’ve listened to them go on, and on, and on about George W Bush. I’ve listened to them call him:
- a retarded cowboy
- the worst president in US history
- a joke
- a right-wing zealot
- a psychopath
- a criminal
Where was all of their unity then?
For the coming years, you won’t hear me call Obama names. That’s just not very cool. You will however see me join with millions of other people and work to rebuild Conservatism in hopes of repairing the damage that I expect will be done. I will also pray … I’ll pray a lot.
You can keep “the change.”
Comments