I am proud of Barack Obama, the American people, and the grace and dignity of John McCain's concession speech. It was also my privilege to share tonight's historic election experience with my husband in our humble little living room and with my brother, Rob, listening with us via cell phone. I've never been more proud to be an American.
life is story. words are optional.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Living History
I am proud of Barack Obama, the American people, and the grace and dignity of John McCain's concession speech. It was also my privilege to share tonight's historic election experience with my husband in our humble little living room and with my brother, Rob, listening with us via cell phone. I've never been more proud to be an American.
"All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing."--E. Burke
When I worked for the chamber of commerce in my home state, I met a woman who introduced me to the possibility that email forwards are suspect. Recently, at a neighborhood dinner gathering, a good friend of ours referenced a moment captured on film in which Barak Obama refused to place his hand over his heart for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
I said nothing.
I didn't believe it, suspected it was an incendiary email designed to denigrate a good man and motivate well-meaning Americans to vote their fears rather than their conscience. I learned to investigate everything, to do my research when I smell a hoax.
I was right. I was also wrong. I wish I had said something.
John McCain and Barack Obama are good men. They each deserve respect for their public service, not to mention for waging one hell of a campaign in what will be remembered as unprecedented times. Unlike some I know well and love dearly, I believe that America can survive fours years of administration from either of them--albeit a low expectation, I freely concede. We've got bigger problems than "my guy" winning or losing.
I voted weeks ago, absentee, because I live a long way from my home. These remarks won't matter in today's proceedings. Hopefully, the "undecideds" have finally made up their minds (or just didn't want to admit their choice aloud, as is their right not to). I post them, frankly, to try and assuage my conscience, but also to lend a voice to reason in a time when those with whom one agrees are "good" and those with whom one disagrees are "evil." This kind of rhetoric is indicative of a corrosive mindset that divides compatriots and infects democracy with illusory fear that erodes freedom. Out of fear, already we have given so much away.
I hope that my fellow Americans, friends, neighbors, and family will be thoughtful and respectful today as we all participate in the crowning achievement of democracy--free election.
When I worked for the chamber of commerce in my home state, I met a woman who introduced me to the possibility that email forwards are suspect. Recently, at a neighborhood dinner gathering, a good friend of ours referenced a moment captured on film in which Barak Obama refused to place his hand over his heart for the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
I said nothing.
I didn't believe it, suspected it was an incendiary email designed to denigrate a good man and motivate well-meaning Americans to vote their fears rather than their conscience. I learned to investigate everything, to do my research when I smell a hoax.
I was right. I was also wrong. I wish I had said something.
John McCain and Barack Obama are good men. They each deserve respect for their public service, not to mention for waging one hell of a campaign in what will be remembered as unprecedented times. Unlike some I know well and love dearly, I believe that America can survive fours years of administration from either of them--albeit a low expectation, I freely concede. We've got bigger problems than "my guy" winning or losing.
I voted weeks ago, absentee, because I live a long way from my home. These remarks won't matter in today's proceedings. Hopefully, the "undecideds" have finally made up their minds (or just didn't want to admit their choice aloud, as is their right not to). I post them, frankly, to try and assuage my conscience, but also to lend a voice to reason in a time when those with whom one agrees are "good" and those with whom one disagrees are "evil." This kind of rhetoric is indicative of a corrosive mindset that divides compatriots and infects democracy with illusory fear that erodes freedom. Out of fear, already we have given so much away.
I hope that my fellow Americans, friends, neighbors, and family will be thoughtful and respectful today as we all participate in the crowning achievement of democracy--free election.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
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Bayou
trees float down here