Every blog post I've read today by every blogger I respect has been a variation on this theme:
North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and associated problems in Pakistan, resurgent Russian militarism... all these are problems too serious to take family beliefs outside the election. Obama's our President now, and is going to need the backing of the public to handle these problems. I see the absolute idiocy some people had regarding Bush and Afghanistan, and after that Iraq, and if things blow up in Obama's face, I don't plan on being "that guy" reveling in glee over problems affecting the military and therefore the Presidency. There's a step beyond "military" and "presidency" and that's "country", and regardless of who I voted for, I don't want the country to be harmed or diminished just because it'll demonstrate the President's ineffectualness. So I wish him well, because the consequences of mishandling any of the above problems are enormous, and any "I told you so's" are going to be faint consolations if they are mishandled. I honestly wish Obama well. Because that means I'm wishing America well.
That's the embodiment of McCain's campaign slogan: Country First.
I am proud of my side today. We are nervous and disappointed, but we are not shrill, we are not shrieking, and we are not rude. Hell, if Chuck Z can be civil and congratulatory towards Obama, then my side is classy.
And I am proud of us, proud to be on a gracious losing side.
Proud to put Country First.
Posted by Sarah at November 5, 2008 11:40 AM | TrackBack"I am proud of my side today. We are nervous and disappointed, but we are not shrill, we are not shrieking, and we are not rude."
And that's the difference between 'us' and 'them'.
Posted by: tim at November 5, 2008 12:04 PMAmen! That's a good reminder. I'm trying very hard to be gracious, and to be respectful of the office. I'm afraid of what the future has to offer, but it's also kind of exciting, because now I have a Big Fat Reason to learn more about my country and its history (and world history, for that matter), and work on being a more responsible adult. I still have my freedoms – for a little while longer, at least – and I plan to defend them to the hilt.
Go America!
Posted by: Deltasierra at November 6, 2008 11:54 AM