Politics

I've debated whether or not to post my thoughts on the election. It's old news, it's all been said 45,783 times, and a lot of people will probably disagree with my thoughts. However, it's a pretty monumental election and maybe someday it would be interesting for me or my kids to read my thoughts at this time. Maybe not, but since I am completely, thoroughly, utterly stumped as to what else to post about -- politics it is.

I was not ever really very enthusiastic about John McCain (or the Republican party in general lately for that matter) and while I admired Barrack Obama's oratorical style and his measured, reasonable and gracious personality I just hated almost every one of his proposed policies. Plus, abortion is a huge issue for me and Supreme Court appointments make all the difference. My other big fear about Obama is the fact that he wants to "remake America" (he said those very words in his victory speech). I'm all for reform, but it seems to me that there's a significant difference in reforming and remaking, so I had to vote McCain.

That said, it was absolutely THRILLING to have tangible, living, breathing evidence of the progress our country has made in just 40 or so years. It's a wonderful thing for all of us, but I can only imagine the elation of all those who have experienced racial discrimination or have ancestors who were slaves to now have an African-American as our President-elect. I definitely felt that as I watched Tuesday night. I think President-elect Obama has an incredible ability to inspire and lead. I hope and pray he will preside with an inclusive and bi-partisan spirit. I am determined to support and pray for him and hope for the best.

Probably my biggest annoyance with the election is how McCain's people are throwing Palin under the bus. I don't care if everything they said is true, they picked her and if they were taken off guard by some of her weaknesses they should take responsibility for that and it REALLY bugs me they are laying the blame at her feet.

A highlight was McCain's concession speech. He struck me as poised, genuine, kind and gracious. In fact, had he been like that the whole time I could have really gotten excited about him. I liked him more that night than I did for 2 years.

Lastly, this election is OVER and that makes me very happy.