Barrack Obama - President Elect

Well folks, we have a new president elect. Whether you voted for him or not, Obama won over this country unquestionably. People of all nationalities, religions, races and backgrounds collectively voted for him. His promise of change and straightforward attitude contributed to this greatly. I’m not sure that I have ever felt such overwhelming emotion during an election as I did watching him and McCain on Tuesday night. Perhaps it is because this election was a roller coaster considering the significance of some of the issues and especially the state of the economy. McCain graciously conceded, and Obama graciously accepted his concession. Both speeches were exceptional and powerful at the same time.

I’m sure everyone succumbed to the political chaos at one point or another in the last few weeks: mailings, commercials, phone calls (We had calls from Cindy McCain, two from John McCain, Sarah Palin and Rudy Giuliani on Election Day. Wondering if this was because we were in Arizona? Anyone else?) At any rate, I will proudly admit that I voted for Obama. I have endured conversations from people claiming to be a Republican so they have to vote McCain. Who says? How naïve some of these “adults” were to not realize that they can vote for whomever they choose, regardless of the political party they are registered with. I am not a registered democrat. However, I vote for who I believe in. This election was no different. I started paying a lot closer attention, going down the list of issues to see who stood for the same things I did, and making a mental note of the tally. Recently, though, (a lot more than during the campaigning) I have been reading articles, other blogs, editorials, and commentaries that frustrate me. The reactions from many since Obama was elected are unbelievable. I’m not going to debate politics. I just think some people needed to better educate themselves instead of just jumping on the bandwagon. I will admit that I do not agree with all that Obama stands for, although I do agree with the majority of it. Many have questioned his faith, calling him an anti-Christ, etc. To me, it is obvious Obama is a loving husband and father, he and his family attend church (not saying this is necessary to have faith by any means…) but he refers to his faith often. Nonetheless, some people feel they are in a position to judge that. A large number of these “complaints” are from Christians who believe his faith is not the “right” one, and that we (our country) will be ruined.

I’m going to take a side trip here, so stay with me, I’m on a roll. Four months ago when we found Cameron’s new school (a Charter school), and went to dis-enroll him from his current school (a Christian school) the principal surprised us, and really, offended us with a comment she made. “Oh, well you know, there are a lot of LDS (Mormans) enrolled in that school.” Bryan asked, “What does that have to do with anything?” She was quick to add, “Well I just think it might be harder for Cam to make friends because of all their cliques.” God bless my husband. He said to her, “We didn’t raise our son to choose who he is friends with or distinguish between groups of people based on their religious beliefs, color of skin, or background. I don’t care if they are LDS, Catholic, Hispanic, black or purple. It makes no difference.” I followed up by letting her know that “If there was one thing that Cameron has learned in the almost 4 years at this school, her school, that if there was anything that the teachers taught the students, it was that as a Christian, you love and respect everyone.”

To say the least, we were extremely surprised. My first thought was, “What makes her think her or her religion is any better than someone else?” I’m surprised at how some people consider themselves such strong Christians or believers, but yet so judgmental of others. It seems contradictory.

So back to Obama, I think that the comments I’ve heard about Obama from some of these people are similar in that they are fearful in Obama, that he is not strong enough, with his flaws, to govern our nation. We all have flaws. We all hold beliefs that do not align perfectly with God’s ways because none of us are perfect. I’m pretty certain that I have never heard Obama mention in any of his speeches that he is perfect. So I suppose my final thought is this: We need to understand that Obama IS going to be our next president, we need to support him in these difficult and challenging times (I for one wouldn’t want his job).

McCain couldn’t have said it better in his concession speech: “I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”