Jan 14 2009
Change Is Going To Come Our Way
Many people have been counting the days until President George W. Bush is out of office. I know many who have been counting since his second term started.
I admit I did a happy dance this week realizing we have less than a week to go with him as our Commander in Chief.
I am the type that, generally speaking, believes the President, no matter who he or she is, deserves the respect of the people. There are certain instances of Bush’s presidency where I cringed at some of the outright disrespect.
However, there are many more times that I have lacked respect for him myself. I would say that has been 90% of the last 8 years.
The majority of his presidency has put the United States in poor light around the world. As a country, we have always been respected, but for 8 years, we have been the laughing stock.
I have hoped that the people around the world would realize that our President has not reflected who the people are; he has not represented what the majority of us stand for or, shall I say, our intelligence.
When I have seen leaders of other countries behave in vile or infantile ways, I remind those around me who want to lump the citizens of that country in the same context as that leader that we don’t want to be compared or included in the same category with our current leader.
While I know that the late night talk shows and comedians around the world are grieving that Bush will no longer be fuel for their careers, many of we Americans (and I am sure those in other countries as well) rejoice.
I will be dancing on January 20th singing “ding, dong, Bush is gone,” as the munchkins in the land of Oz did.
I will also be dancing and cheering as President-Elect Obama is sworn in during his inauguration.
Obama represents so much more than just being the next President, or even the first African-American President.
He represents hope for a country that has been flailing for so long.
He represents unity among the races and among the parties that have been sadly divided.
He represents stability for a country and a world that has been teetering.
He represents intelligence and strength. Two elements a president needs and something our current administration has been lacking.
He represents the possibility of a better world. He appears to be capable of balancing peace and power, respect and fortitude, East and West, Black and White. He seems to encapsulate Yin & Yang.
All that he represents is somewhat different for everyone and there is no way one person could capture it in words. It is a feeling, a sense of calm, a sense of feeling safe in a way we haven’t felt in nearly a decade.
No, he won’t get everything he promised done immediately. He may not even be able to get it all done because the checks and balances we have in place might block his attempts. I am not naïve enough to believe that any president will do all he or she claims to do during his or her campaign. Yet I believe he will try.
I won’t pretend that everyone is thrilled about this coming President. I know many are angry and scared. I understand that. However, I won’t let that ruin what is not only an historic event, but an event that feels to many to be the beginning of something amazing, a turning point for the US and for the world.
Thanks, Heather. Hi back at ya!
Bella, that is hysterical! I love it!
I also have a hard time even listening to Bush. I was talking to some ladies last week and I told them I went to Bill Clinton’s first inauguration with my best friend. We were living in VA, and we were Seniors in high school. We were allowed to go in DC and commune in the freezing cold to watch the swearing in. 10 years later and I am living in NY and working in fashion but I still follow politics obsessively.
I won’t physically be there but I will watch every moment of it and look forward to the healing that this nation sorely needs.
Bush has certainly been a sore and sorry representive of U.S.and western values.The influence of Cheney and big business have caused many to shake their head in utter bewilderment.
Obama is like a breath of fresh air.Due to time zones,I am 16 hours ahead,but will be glued to the television,watching every second…and probably have a bottle of champagne nearby!!
I am thrilled with Obama and the hope he has restored to our citizens. I look forward to what he can do. I am also appalled at the lack of respect already directed at him before he has barely begun. I was equally disturbed at the lack of respect for Bush. The Presidential office is one that deserves respect, in my opinion. I believe a true patriot will defend the president, just as the president will defend him/her. I cannot think of a single president who did not do something respectful during their presidency, even Nixon and Clinton. We do not have to agree with every thing they do to have respect for them and the office they hold. I don’t even understand why anyone would want to be president any more, but I am relieved that God still leads people to do so.