hopefully something rhetorical

I didn’t talk about politics before now because I knew that the people I love most in the world, and read my words here, and I didn’t necessarily agree on the path for this country.  And, I am most certain, with the events of the last few days, that most of the people I love are deeply concerned about the vision of this country.  So, I am going to move forward slowly and explain my stance.

Whether or not each of us voted for our new president, the fact is that enough people voted for him that he will indeed be our next president.  That is the American way.  So, at this point, we all have to decide how we are going to move forward from here.  I was thinking about this while I was watching his victory speech on Tuesday night, where he once again made use of the rhetoric that probably won him this election.  And, while I was listening to him talk, a couple of things were going through my head.

First, I am proud to be an American at this moment.  We are a country that has overcome so much history and baggage to get to this point.  When he was recounting the life events of the 106 year old woman from Georgia, I was in awe of the life that she has witnessed and lived.  And, I can’t wait to see what my years reveal.  I am excited about the possibility this election opened up for us as a country. However, this all might not be very comforting for anyone that didn’t want him to be the choice, which leads me to my second thought.

I am so happy that our election process worked and that people participated.  Those of us who voted had our voices heard, whether or not the results turned out like we hoped they would.  And, now we need to act as true Americans always have, we need to stand together.  I believe that is the most American thing we can do.

And, finally and perhaps most importantly, I wondered what if.  What if he really is going to try to do all that he said he is.  What if he really works to pull all the people of this country together again.  What if he is the change that we need to keep going.  What if he is the man that can help us repair our own relationships at home.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

What if he will help repair relationships around the world while keeping this country safe from harm.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if Americas beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

What if he is the man who can help inspire this generation to action.  What if….

I like the fact that I didn’t hear a lot of false promises and unreal expectations.  Instead, I really feel that Obama has just laid out a plan of attack.  He is sharing his philosophy about what this country could be (again), and he has made a policy-type proposal for America.  From what I can see, his leadership style is meant to be a transparent.  And, this is a concept I hold dear in my own life and my teaching.

My mother taught me at a young age that she would trust me until she couldn’t.  Meaning she would give me the chance to do the right thing.  This is also a philosophy I use with my teaching and with all the relationships in my life, and I have decided that I am going to trust Obama until I can’t.  I also trust that if as a nation we get to the point that we can’t, then we won’t re-elect him.  So, I am going to be watchful and aware, and I am going to seek to understand before I seek to be understood, which is what I take this quote from his speech to mean as well.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who wont agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

So, this is my stance.   And, with all this is the one thing that Obama has already told us he would give us, hope.  I just hope that he doesn’t let us down.

All quotes found here.