Since Tuesday I received a number of communications from many of our TDD readers after this election as people begin to process the implications of a new president. This one, from Emily over in OH, included some compelling points. So, with her permission, I give it to you for your thoughtful consideration.
Well, here we are. Nov. 5th and it didn't go our way. However I noticed the sun came up today, it was beautiful here in OH. My 3 beautiful children woke up happy and healthy. My baby daughter said "ma ma" for the first time today. It was a great day for me! I also found myself relieved the whole thing is over, no fliers in the mail, no commercials on TV or the radio. No more "I'm 'whoever' and I approved this message." No more stress or worry about who will win what and where. After nearly 2 years, it is finally over and even though the outcome is not what I hoped for, I'm thankful.
Over the last 8 years I have grown very tired of how it seems so many people opposed to Bush's policies were so quick to blame him for everything. On some of these issues the criticism is deserved. He has heard from me via letters and emails about the things that I have disagreed with him on, as do all who have been elected to represent me in government whether I voted for them or not. Yes, Bush has not been a perfect president. However, the hatefulness spewed at him over these last years has been unwarranted. It seems if someone who didn't like him got stuck in traffic on their way home from work they'd immediately blame Bush. He would take a position on an issue that Clinton had held 10 years earlier, but because it was Bush, it was wrong. If both parties messed something up, who got the blame? Bush. It never ended. I've heard it referred to as Bush derangement syndrome. And sadly I even heard people in the media and elsewhere making fun of his daughters on more than one occasion. No matter how you feel about a person in office, their children should remain off limits at all times unless they too are running for office.
So now, those of us who do not agree with President-elect Obama on the issues have a choice. Will we stoop to this level of hatred, blame, and dislike when he does something we do not like ? Will we behave in the same way? It will happen. Probably sooner later President Obama will do something we are opposed to. We live in a wonderful country where we are allowed to disagree with our leaders and say so. How will you handle it? I think it is time [to] rise above it. When we disagree, let us do so respectfully, remembering our stance stems from the love of this great country, not a dislike of our leaders. This man is our president and for that alone he warrants some respect. He is also the first African-American president, something we can be proud of, no matter how much we disagree on the issues we face today.
I'm not suggesting we forget our values or principles. In fact I want to encourage informed conservatives to speak up when you disagree or see your values being ignored or even trampled. I'm all for fighting for my beliefs and getting out there to support the causes I believe in, but I don't want to suffer from Obama derangement syndrome. I don't want to be like so many I've seen these last years of the Bush administration and live a bitter life for the next 4-8 years. I don't think this is worth being bitter about. I want to go on with my life no matter who is in office, knowing that my hope comes from my Lord, and that it is He who is in control. I'm ready to respectfully engage in debate and speak up when I must. But I'm not ready for the partisan bitterness that has held so many in our country for the last 8 years to take hold of me. How about you?
Also, if you are a person of faith, I encourage you to begin praying for Barack Obama, his wife, and his girls. This is something we are called to do. No matter who you are, this is the hardest job in the world and he needs prayer support as does his family. Also I know that true hope and true change only come from God, perhaps through our prayers, Mr. Obama's heart will turn more toward God and we will see this reflected in his policies...with God, there is always HOPE!
Well said, Emily. A good perspective as we move forward. Thank you for your contribution. And once again, thanks to all of you, who through your regular comments, contribute to creating a blog worthy reading and (I hope) a TDD community worth being a part of. 
Very well said Emily.
Posted by: Abby | November 07, 2008 at 06:08 PM