I did not vote for Barack Obama because he is black. I voted for Barack Obama because of his values and his character. But an added bonus of his new presidency is the fact that he is the first black man to achieve the highest ranking position in the world. Whether or not you agree with his politics or his goals, you have to respect the great lengths he has traveled and the barrier he has crushed. It's hard to believe that there are people living today who experienced a world where blacks attended different schools, ate at different restaurants and had no possible hope of ever out ranking a white man. I will not go as far as to say that we live in a world void of racism, but we do live in more tolerant times. I cried when I watched the inauguration today at work. I wish I could have been inside Obama's head. What was he thinking? He has achieved something that few blacks ever thought would be possible in their lifetime. I also felt a strong set of emotions as we said goodbye to a president who I have felt no connection with over the last eight years. I felt an odd sense of sympathy for George. I won't blame everything on him. Perhaps things would have been different had he surrounded himself with better people. I hope he is able to hideout for the next while to regain some peace. Our country is on the brink of depression and during these hard times I feel comforted to have President Obama as my leader in office who I trust and respect. I like him. It's not just the movie star appeal, although it's nice that the rest of the world is in awe with him. The less enemies we have, the safer we are. I really like the way Obama functions with his family. He is a good father and a good husband. All of his interviews with Michelle are honest and down to earth. I think the Obamas are who they are on and off the camera. I think his morals and values match my own. I like his ability to think beyond the short term. I like his strong sense of hope he has for our nation. He knows he is up for a tough few years and I'm thankful for his honesty and realism. Today is a good day. As a college student who is approaching graduation and a horrible job market, I have hope and I feel peace.
3 comments:
Lindsay, I just read your piece on the events of this momentous day, and I agree with you all the way. It took me a little longer to feel the same way in the beginning, but over the last months have appreciated to get to know all involved better. I truly feel that we have a real chance now to overcome some of the deep problems we are in to date. It will not happen overnight, but now that they are going to be dealt with in constructive ways we may see the end of the dark tunnel in an earlier future.
The entire world is looking at us and also hopes for better outcomes and results in a hopefully not too long future. It is a great beginning today and there is reason to be celebrate.
Omi
I had quite the different reaction.
utahrahlf.blogspot.com
Let me add this for you, Lindz, so that you don't hate me too much. :)
I think Obama is quite honorable and respectable as a man. His character as a husband and father is more than venerable. His achievements in breaking barriers were much needed and admirable.
But I don't see him as being any different from any other run-of-the-mill politician. When you read my blog, you'll see what I mean.
I don't share this same hope. I wouldn't say I'm filled with pessimism, but President Obama, from the start of his political career to his swearing-in today, has not been any different than anything we have had before.
And we should do dinner to discuss :).
How's next week looking for you?
When you start a blog post with, "I did not vote for Barack Obama because he is black" it makes you sound racist - like you're telling everyone the reason you didn't vote for him. (Like if I said, "I didn't vote for McCain because he's a old coot!")
I mean, just picture some redneck saying it: "I didn't vote for Obama because he's a negro."
I can't believe you're just a bigot.
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