Witnessing the Change

I generally avoid talking politics on this blog. There are hundreds of other blogs that address matters of government. From carefully researched analysis to vehement ranting, just about every persuasion of passionate talk on all things political is out there if you want it. I don't feel the need to add to the fray. But I just can't write another thing without acknowledging how inspired I feel by the change our country witnessed today.

The very fact that every four years we have the opportunity to CHOOSE who will lead this nation for good or ill is a powerful thing. The fact that we can orchestrate major changes in leadership without violence never ceases to amaze me. There have been political coups and murders of those in power since the days of Pahoran

But we shift from one leader to another in a relatively smooth fashion time after time.

Barack Obama as president represents so much that is good. How he will actually perform is yet to be seen. But the man truly inspires me. He gives me hope. He helps me believe that we CAN address the myriad of complex problems that beset us in a meaningful and positive way.

I will pray for Barack. I will pray for this country. I am thankful for witnessing this day.

Diverging points of view

This is NOT, never has been, never will be a political blog. Goodness knows there are plenty of those around. If that's your fancy, have at it. I get enough political argument at my own dinner table to thoroughly exasperate me. (My beloved and I tend to cancel out each other's votes in most elections). I don't have any intention of beginning a debate here.

But that leads to part of my point of THIS posting... why is it that people who have extremely different views about government have to be so mean and nasty to each other?

I have lived with and loved a man for 25 years despite the fact that we both think the other one is misguided, misinformed and just plain WRONG when it comes to several key political issues. (I AM right, by the way.) However, we have learned how to be kind and civil to one another even when vehemently disagreeing.

As we approach the next series of elections, feelings are starting to flame in homes and barbershops, on blogs and talk radio, among the simpletons like me and the mighty movers and shakers that influence opinion and policy.

My prayer, as we draw closer to decision day is that we all try our best to be respectful in our differences.

For some GREAT thoughts about politics, power and the process of government, see what some of our past leaders have said HERE.

(unfortunately, an annoying ad for ebay pops up, but when it does there is a spot to click up in the top right corner to opt out of the ad and get back to the quotes.)

I was VERY impressed by some of the quotes by some of the presidents I found to be quite unimpressive. I can't help but wonder who ACTUALLY coined those words... after watching many an episode of West Wing I've come to be immensely curious about political speech writers.