On Tuesday morning, I joined a long line of registered voters at my daughter's elementary school and waited a half an hour for my turn to cast my ballot. While I stood in the fog and sipped my coffee, I thought it was pretty darn wonderful whatever points of view others around me carried, we were agreed the resolution lay on the other side of the cafeteria door. The vote was everything.
I voted for Obama. Many of the kids at school who asked me for whom I voted were shocked the white lady voted for the black man. I suggested to them oh so mildly that their thinking was somewhat bigoted. Here was a new idea for these kids: that racism and bigotry are not diseases that afflict white people only. That people are so much more than the color of their skin. Perhaps they will learn from the words of their hero:
"I reject a politics that is based solely on racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or victimhood generally. I think much of what ails the inner city involves a breakdown in culture that will not be cured by money alone, and that our values and spiritual life matter at least as much as our GDP." (Barack Obama)
Amen.
P.S. On Thursday, November 6, I read this in the Writer's Almanac:
It was on this day in 1860 that Abraham Lincoln was elected to his first term as president of the United States. Lincoln's only experience in national politics had been a single term as a congressional representative and two unsuccessful runs for senator. He had only one year of formal schooling and no administrative experience. Newspapers called him a "third-rate Western lawyer."
Blog Your Blessings
I voted for Obama. Many of the kids at school who asked me for whom I voted were shocked the white lady voted for the black man. I suggested to them oh so mildly that their thinking was somewhat bigoted. Here was a new idea for these kids: that racism and bigotry are not diseases that afflict white people only. That people are so much more than the color of their skin. Perhaps they will learn from the words of their hero:
"I reject a politics that is based solely on racial identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or victimhood generally. I think much of what ails the inner city involves a breakdown in culture that will not be cured by money alone, and that our values and spiritual life matter at least as much as our GDP." (Barack Obama)
Amen.
P.S. On Thursday, November 6, I read this in the Writer's Almanac:
It was on this day in 1860 that Abraham Lincoln was elected to his first term as president of the United States. Lincoln's only experience in national politics had been a single term as a congressional representative and two unsuccessful runs for senator. He had only one year of formal schooling and no administrative experience. Newspapers called him a "third-rate Western lawyer."
Once he got the nomination, Lincoln lay low until the election. He only attended one campaign rally, in Springfield, and he didn't even make a speech.
The Southern states took his election as a sign that slavery would be abolished, and before he even had a chance to take the oath of office, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas all seceded from the Union. Abraham Lincoln would spend all but the last few weeks of his life fighting to hold the country together.
To hold the country together. Amen again.
Blog Your Blessings
28 Comments
I'm glad that we all have the right to vote I just wish all our votes counted.
ReplyDeletewell, things are quieting down but it was a very long and interesting election this year...I'm happy that obama won for all he has done so far to energize so many to vote whether they voted for him or against him. we as a nation need to overcome our apathy and get headed in some direction besides just complaining about the current president and our economic and other woes.
ReplyDeleteWell said Sandy! I brought my eight year old son Kevin with me. I showed him the ballot and quickly explained the process to him in the booth. He asked me if he could vote with me. I explained he was too young. He said, "but i want to vote, kids really know how to fix things". Out of the mouths of babes. Pure simple optimism.
ReplyDeleteWe weren't able to take my kids with us to vote. But, when we knew they were about to announce Obama's win formally we woke them both up to share in a shining moment of history being make and hope being renewed.
ReplyDeleteI hope the look back at that moment fondly when they reach adulthood.
That was a wonderful lesson you taught those kids informally! I would have had a hard time choosing who to vote for IF Palon hadn't been chosen for VP. I am not a Republican but I do switch parties when I feel the need. I don't want a woman for President. . . and that would happen if something happened to McCain. . . just because she is a woman.
ReplyDeleteI think Obama is going to make a fine President. I hope he gives Hillary some kind of cabinet job . . .
Sandy, I am glad for the election of Obama. Your words are so true.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
When a great man and a great moment come together, the world changes.
ReplyDeleteIs this one such moment? His election, certainly. But from then onwards, it's too early to tell.
I hope so.
Strange, because when I first noticed him on the political scene he made me think of Abraham Lincon, wiry and thin, very intelligent, and an independant thinker. Other people told me he is being compared to JFK (but I am not sure why) an I have also heard someone say that in some respects he is like Reagan, the "teflon president" because he never gets angry. I still think he is most like Lincoln. He won't have an easy ride as president, but he's the best man for the job.
ReplyDeleteI am pleased for you Sandy! politically I am from the other end of the spectrum but we are all part of the same light.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for your new leader!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post Sandy...clear thinking, head on shoulders mentality...it's what we need now...
ReplyDeleteyou running for office? Where do I vote?
hugs
Sandi
Powerful post. I completely agree with each and every word. I also voted for Obama. I felt he was the best man for the job. He will do amazing things for our country. I feel that judging a person by the color of their skin is just pure hate, and I can't subject myself to that kind of behavior. To be honest it makes me a little sick to my stomach when I see people behave with such prejudice.(Okay, I'm done ranting and raving. LOL) Thanks Sandy so much for sharing. I always enjoy reading your blog. Take Care.
ReplyDeleteThird-rate Western lawyer? Gee, just imagine Lincoln running today - both the media and the opposition would have torn him to bits!
ReplyDeleteI voted for mc cain but not because of race ... I was so torn on this election because i agree with obama on economics but disagree with everything else... so i had to choose my belief and morals or money... i chose my beliefs and morals... does this mean that I think obama will be a horrid president... no I think he has as much chance to make or break himself in the whitehouse... I hope and pray for the sake of the country as a whole that he makes and does well. color had no stand to me in this election.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad the election is over I hate the negative campaigns of ALL cantidates on all levels and hate that we have a run off here in Ga ... so those ads are up and flying...
God bless.
Laura
You teach so well, friend. And it is not just the children you teach...
ReplyDeleteA bit of history to boot! Great post again.
Back again . . . and glad I came back. Part of my comment said:
ReplyDelete"I don't want a woman for President. . . and that would happen if something happened to McCain. . . just because she is a woman."
I don't know how I wrote that. . . IF a woman was President and qualified, I would be happy to have one. What I meant to say was this:
If something happened (died) to McCain because he is older, I do not feel Palin would be ready. I do think Hillary would have been. I wanted her before Obama got the nod. In fact, I would have loved a Hillary/Obama team.
OK hope that straightens out what I meant to say about a woman president.
The right to vote and have a say in the way things go-is truly an amazing thing!
ReplyDeleteOh Sandy, what a wonderful post for today,so many thoughtful observations. I'm so glad we have someone with such composure and education and with so little baggage as president-elect.
ReplyDeleteI always miss the writers almanac on the radio... the phone will ring or I'll get involved in something. I never thought about reading it. I'll have to go find it.
ReplyDeleteI've only recently been reading presidential biographies. Lincoln was so much a regular guy. Very likable.
These are exciting times we live in.
Amen, sister. Where are you that little kids think you should only vote for a white man? Around here, Seattle, that kind of racism is more underground, you might say.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for dropping by my blog and your comment.
Thanks for the lesson of History, Sandy, as well as the lesson of humanity.
ReplyDeleteNever heard before that part of his speech, of course. Obama is certainly a great orator. Some of your citizen Fellow seem to not have heard that speech, or, worst, not to believe in a such commitment for his part. And that's true that respecting this precise commitment is an achievement by itself! May God help him to realize great things for your country, and give faith to others.
What a wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your experiences from this historic event!
ReplyDeleteNot only a time for change... but a time for healing I hope as well. It has been a wonderful week, no doubt... and America has proven to the world (again) that the dream is alive... and that, out of everything for all of us, is the true blessing.
ReplyDeleteI could not believe the early voting numbers. Then, when the results for Texas were in, I realized that a lot of people were voting in reaction to Obama's race and not because they were excited.
ReplyDeleteIt seems we're on the same page when it comes to blogging our blessings this Sunday! Yoohoooo!
ReplyDeleteI'm happy for you Sandy and I am praying that May God bless the new President in implementing all his plans for the country..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your voting experience … discussion with your students … and the information about Lincoln. As I wrote in my BYBS post this morning …
ReplyDeleteThe Presidential election has ended & there's optimism and change in the air even as our nation faces significant challenges ahead on many fronts. I pray often for the safety of Barack Obama & his family ... for a return to wise, purposeful & ethical actions on the part of all citizens as well as our political & corporate leaders ... and for sustainable peace within and between ourselves & others of all races, cultures, creeds, and/or individual differences.
Hugs and blessings,
well said Sandy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being here.