election results and other things about our country
So I can remember - (I'm not trying to start a debate here; I really do just want to remember!)
It's Thursday today and this past Tuesday evening, Barack Obama became our President-Elect. He didn't get my vote and, while I wish him success, I am very nervous. Anyways, I have to wish him success - what other choice do I have?
Outside of the fact that I do not agree with many of his ideas, I do also recognize that Obama's election is a significant moment, and I'm happy for him. I'm happy for his supporters. And I think its a great testament to America that we have elected our first African-American President. We should be proud.
But not SO proud that we forget the issues. We should not let race or the rhetoric of hope and change blind us to what is truly happening around us. Our economy is failing, life is being exchanged for choice, and we're losing marriage. Not to mention national security. Hey, I'm all for trying to be more diplomatic, but let's remember who we're dealing with and what the stakes are - peace, joy, and life for fear, terror, and death. We don't have time to mess around. We don't have time to be wrong.
I voted for McCain, but Obama has the presidency. I hope he does well. I hope that Republicans are proven wrong. If he leads this country to better times then I am more than happy to admit that maybe liberal idealogy isn't totally off the mark. I ask that if this country goes further down the tubes, then the Democrats return the favor.
One more thought about the recent election, but not about the presidency: Prop 8. a California State ballot proposition that would amend the State Constitution to limit marriage to unions between a man and a woman, passed. So our values haven't totally shifted yet. Is it bad that I am breathing a sigh of relief? Why must I have to be the one to say that gay marriage is a fundamental right? Why can't the people who practice that lifestyle be the ones to say - "Hey, yeah - marriage is for a man and a woman. That's not me, so I'll just do something else."
If you have a gay partner, fine. I've seen the Ellen and Portia wedding video. It was a beautiful ceremony and those two women really love each other. Yes, they should have hospital visitation rights. Yes, they should have insurance. They should be treated with dignity and respect. Absolutely. But marriage is an old, old, old, old ideal. Its a God-given commitment between a man and a woman. Don't change the definition. Just make a new word. Seriously. I'm not saying you're not equal. I'm not saying you weren't born that way (I'm not saying you were either...). I'm just saying you're not a MAN and a WOMAN.
Final word (I feel like I'm channeling Bill O'Reilly here): Obama's the president and we're in for some real change. I hope for all our sakes that its good.
