Thursday, January 22, 2009

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.

9 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

I'm praying that he DOES succeed, but I am worried about the sheer size of the bailout and hoping against hope that he will come down hard on those who try to waste our tax dollars on advancing their personal agendas. Let's see some of these self-serving politicans bully-pulpited into representing the people! AND I am hoping that he doesn't tax small businesses into oblivion (or myelf, for that matter.) I also want him to be a pragmatist in his decisions rather than an ideologue. (In other words, when it becomes clear that policies leaning toward socialism don't work, I want to see him be flexible enough to abandon them and look for better solutions!) Most of all, I want him to listen to EVERYONE, from all sides, and then use the considerable intelligence he has to create the very best programs and incentives he can. I DON'T ASK MUCH, DO I? lol

Kirk said...

Well Stated SB! A friend helped me realize last night that my beef isn't entirely with Obama. It's with his bigoted supporters. There's no question that if Tuesday would have been another GOP victory that the majority of these people would have been at anti-racism rallies and not the inauguration. Obama should be proud that he is a representitive for African Americans and their history in this country. I don't know what to think now that the liberals have tasted their sweet savor of political nirvana. I hope the next transition of power (which I believe will be back towards conservatism) will not be so peaceful and respectful as Tuesday's. What do you do with those who profess their tolerance but lack the same? Read them the Bible?

Shauna said...

Powerful post, Bill and I had the same conversation last night. I have never been prouder to be a conservative republican.

Unknown said...

Good points..
Just because I didn't agree with him or vote for him doesn't mean I don't hope for him to succeed. That would just be plain ole prideful. But I too wondered how different that day might have been. I also wonder if it's right to spend sooooo much on the celebrations leading up to and following the inaguration and then put a freeze on incomes. I'm a little confused. The money spent on those parties could have paid the salaries of hundreds in a year.

Hunter Bug said...

It is so good to hear from you and see pictures of you! It has been waaay to long.. for anyones good! Are we going to finally see you anytime soon??

little jill said...

Are we soul sisters? This is getting freaky.

Anonymous said...

Darn you....you made me cry!!!! I am sooooooo glad I did not read that before my luncheon today...seriously, you KNOW how much I hate to waste a good make-up day!:)

I love you....just another testament to the "apple tree theory."

-clevergirl said...

Your comments always make me feel better,**HUG**. As I read what you wrote about our daughters knowing each other I pictured them up in heaven smiling and happy. I just imagine reaching up to my daughter and her reaching down to me, I am so glad I met you and our daughter are friends. I am glad you liked the pictures, it is really a small world, **HUG**

MammaWarrior said...

Your a smart cookie snarky!!!
I love your mom! She is so amazing..at least we know where YOU get it from haha!
I found out some news today....