Never Underestimate the Power of the Blog

It's been far too long (years and years and years) since I've experienced the blessings of living near my mom. When I say near, I'm talkin' anything under 10-16 hours would be much appreciated. As it stands now, I settle for the power of the all-mighty blog. Snarky Mama's comments never disappoint. Plus, it's my time with her...most phone calls end up belonging to the little people, and Ten Year Old is in on the whole email thing now. But the blog? It's all mine. My daily contact with the woman who has shaped my life. This mother molded me with undying love, devotion, and loyalty...peppered with firmness and discipline. (And let's not forget "The Look". Even today, it would freeze me in my tracks. "The Look" can cause fully potty trained individuals, of all ages, to experience momentary losses of control...you know what I mean!) At times, eerily similar...other times, polar opposites---that's us. I think it makes for a nice combo. It most definitely keeps things interesting. And thanks to the blog, we have "conversations" that go beyond how the little people are doing.

I wasn't shocked when, on Tuesday, she called immediately following the Inauguration, speaking words I was actually in the process of writing! This morning, I wasn't even slightly surprised when I read her comments on my last post. Her words were the very thoughts I found running through my mind most of Wednesday. Thoughts I was hoping to turn into words for my next post. Thanks Snarky Mama for saving me some time! Below you can read how she felt the day after the Inauguration:
I will admit that I do, indeed, feel better. Of course, being the typical cynic that I am, I began to wonder. Had John McCain won, would he have been honored with such a peaceful transition? Would left wing liberal organizations have allowed his inauguration to be so peaceful? Could the activists have humbled themselves long enough to afford the Republican candidate the same privilege? Or, would yesterday have been met with protests, rallies, anger and intolerance? (Remember Prop 8 just a few months ago?) Winning and "getting what you want" always makes for a "feel good" day.

These questions are not reflective of my feelings for President Obama. I was truly inspired by his humble and gracious demeanor. His beautiful family added nothing but affirmation to that observation. I'm just saying....although yesterday proved to be a coming together and a hallelujah chorus day in many ways, and the day made me proud to be an American...I wonder. Did yesterday speak more loudly of the civilized, tolerant behavior of people who often become inflamed and enraged when they are not given "their way", OR did yesterday speak just as loudly of the behavior of people who (although "their" candidate did not take that oath) love and cherish this great country. People who love and cherish the democratic process so fully that, even in defeat, they demonstrate respect and honor for the man who now stands as their President. Maybe yesterday was a true lesson in tolerance taught by many Republicans. I'm just saying.....

Well, it was as if she read my mind. I had the same thoughts Wednesday. In my mind I pictured how differently the Inauguration would have played out, had McCain been elected. It would have been downright dirty, ugly, and overflowing with scathing disrespect.
I am speaking generally (disregarding groups that are stupid..like the KKK, New Black Panther Party, anti-abortionists who blow up clinics, and those who stand outside Walter Reed yelling that our injured soldiers are murderers...all members of these groups lack the most basic of rational thinking skills and deserve to be disregarded for their desires to spread hate, lies, and fear) when I say that conservative Americans are gracious when things do not go our way. We do not expect the government to fix everything for us. While we understand the need for peaceful protest and remaining actively engaged, we also understand there are times that call for moving forward with the hand you have been dealt. We don't just sit around, whining and shouting that we have been wronged...just waiting for someone to make life better for us. We are doers and builders.

Again, speaking generally, conservative Americans know how to properly accept defeat. We understand that no amount of yelling and screaming, no amount of protesting, no amount of disrespect and hate-filled rhetoric would have changed Tuesday's course. So, we calmly and peacefully look to the future. We commit to doing our part in helping our President succeed. Because if he does not succeed, we all pay the price.