Politics--to blog about or not to blog about? I feel my politics are such an integral part of who I am, I'll have to go with blog about. I come from a family of serious voters--I have a newspaper clipping showing my great-grandmother being wheeled into a polling place to vote in the 1920 presidential election. Now am I gonna mess with a tradition like that? No way. My family may have a strong history of alcoholism and mental illness, but we do our civic duty. I am proud to say I have never failed to vote in any election no matter how meaningless small. I'm also tickled that Grown-up Girl registered to vote on her 18th birthday, and Big Red is planning on doing the same. Some family traditions are worth passing on.
I have to say that after the last few years of worrying about the state of our country, the direction we're headed in, and our standing in the international community, I'm beginning to feel a glimmer of hope for our future as a nation. In particular, this is where my hope lies:
I support him because, for the first time in my life, I feel the kind of hope and inspiration that my mom talked about when she talked about JFK. It's kinda cool after a life time of cynicism. Any worries I have about lack of experience are assuaged by my belief that a smart, inspirational person can surround him/herself with experts and make informed decisions; leadership is, in many ways, an intuitive art.
That said, even if Obama doesn't win, I think we still might be okay. It seems to me that we have a deeper pool of talent and passion than we've had for awhile. (We also have some total knuckleheads). It also seems like the people of the United States of America may be waking up to the realization that we have to take an actual role in our government. It is heartening that more young people plan on voting.
I hope I haven't turned anyone off by voicing my choice, but I do believe that it is good for us, as citizens, to be able to participate in open dialogue and civilly agree to disagree when necessary.
I may be old, but I can still ROCK THE VOTE!
I feel hopeful too. My heart belongs to Edwards, but I will truly celebrate whether he, Obama or Clinton win. Smart women vote.
Posted by: Mrs. G. | January 10, 2008 at 12:57 AM
I remember watching Obama's speech at the Democratic Convention a few years back. I was so impressed. I walked into the other room and called to Military Man..."you have to come watch this guy - he's going to be our first African American President" I just knew it right then and there. Whether he makes it this race or in the future, I don't know, but I feel sure he will at some point. Obama has such grace in his articulation and he makes you feel all things are possible. I think America needs that - to believe we can all make a difference again. If we can believe again, we can achieve great things.
Posted by: Mary Alice | January 10, 2008 at 08:02 AM
I'm a big fan of the Edwards, but I, too, would be happy with Obama or Clinton. I truly love the enthusiasm that Obama's candidacy is producing among voters, especially young voters. Go Democrats!
Posted by: Alesia | January 10, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I think there are some good candidates on both sides of the aisle this year. Or does GW just make any other choice look good? Every speech by Obama is riveting, and I liked when in the recent televised debates from NH when Hillary was giving him a hard time about lots of words and little experience/action to back it up, he responded, "There's nothing wrong with words, they INSPIRE action". What a great response.
Posted by: Wenderina | January 10, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Yea for you for putting yourself out there and blogging about politics! I think it is great when we can discuss our thoughts without inflamatory rhetoric. I'll listen to anyone's well-thought-out ideas as long as they are not filled with hate and knee-jerk reactions. That being said, I'm right there with you on Obama!
Posted by: IrishGoddess | January 11, 2008 at 09:20 AM
I think we'll be okay as long as a democrat wins--they're all good people and smart. I do think Obama is inspiring, but to be honest, he's my third choice. Thankfully, it is a rich year for us politically.
Posted by: Prof. J. | January 11, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Like others, I will be tickled down to the tip of my toes regardless of which of the top three become our next President. Blogging about politics can be a bit tricky at time, but I also think it's important for people to know who we are as well.
Posted by: ms_teacher | January 11, 2008 at 11:44 PM
I, too, am a Mama For Obama.
Rock the vote, baby.
Posted by: Melanie at Beanpaste | January 15, 2008 at 03:52 PM