I’ve had Olivia Newton John bouncing around my head for the last week. Not in a good way either. Certainly not in a teenager excited by the switch from all American sweat heart to leather wearing vamp in Grease kind of a way.
Oh no, the Aussie songstress snuck inside my head dressed as some workout wonder complete with a 1980’s abomination of a haircut and started singing the truly awful ‘Let’s Get Physical’. Quick to do a reframe and salvage something from the hours of torture and torment, I came up with the title and general outline for this post, so all was not lost.
You don’t have to be some form of weird morph of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Scooby Doo to know that I wanted Obama to win this election. That cat left that particular bag some considerable time ago and I’m glad it did. I don’t particularly wish to pretend I’m somebody I’m not just to curry favor. Unless of course it s a special occasion and requires dressing up in uniforms, but that’s another matter altogether.
I have absolutely no doubt that I have lost readers and maybe even potential clients because of my political opinions (especially with this post) and I’m really cool with that. That may seem a strange thing to say, but it’s really not. If somebody is so offended by the words I speak and/or type and so incapable (or more likely unwilling) of understanding and accepting my beliefs, then what more is there to say? Even if I tiptoe around their sensibilities now I’m bound to hit a nerve at some stage and risk their ire. May as well get it over and done with.
To read this blog and have any chance of gaining something of value, you must approach it from a position of relative open-mindedness. I’m not expecting you to believe what I believe, just because I say so, but I am asking you to weigh up the evidence and consider it with an open-mind.
The only other option is to read simply to confirm and cement opinions you’ve already formed. To do that requires you delete out (more often than not at an unconscious level) any evidence that doesn’t align with those beliefs. What’s the point of that I ask you?
The above goes for me too. I can’t approach what I do with an attitude that I have all the answers and I’m some Guru here to dispense the kind of wisdom that has King Solomon pestering me by e-mail looking for tips. I’m here to learn along with you, and I do so on a regular basis. Many times somebody has said something in the comments that has shifted my thinking on a subject and I’m grateful for that.
I remember watching the build up to the 2004 Bush/Kerry election from the UK with keen interest. In particular I was amazed to see Kerry get accused of being a flip flopper because he changed his mind about the war in Iraq. I couldn’t believe that a change of heart or even two changes of heart could be seen as a character flaw and a reason why somebody was incapable of being a leader.
I have the utmost respect for people that change an embedded opinion. It often takes guts and strength of character to change your mind because first and foremost you have to accept that you got it wrong originally. That in and of itself is one of the most difficult things for most people to do. It ranks up there with admitting that you’re a terrible driver, not very bright and crap in bed.
Changing your mind means you have to accept new evidence. You have to listen or read from alternate sources and you have to be impartial whilst you do so. In other words you have to be open-minded. I remember posting once that it amazed me that everybody thinks they’re open-minded, yet we have so many arguments and disagreements in the world. How can that be so?
Over the last few days I have noticed a marked increase in partisanship and animosity between the two different sides of the political equation online. Normal message room chat was ramped up a notch or two from banter to bitterness. I have also heard several stories of thousands of people unfriending others on Twitter, Facebook and the like. People that have ‘known’ each other for months and maybe even years online suddenly want to sever ties over a difference of opinion on politics.
I’ve had several conversations about he election with Republicans both in ‘real life’ and online recently. Not one of them ended up with me thinking ‘Asshole’ or wanting to insert a red-hot poker up their rear end. Maybe a cold poker a couple of times, but nothing worse than that.
I understand that if you voted Republican it’s because you have different values to me. Yours are right for you and mine are right for me and that’s all there is to it. If I’d been brought up in your household, with your parents and your friends I would probably have your values and have wanted the same conclusion to the election as you did.
Having said that, my guess is we want pretty much the same things for the country as a whole, we just disagree about how we achieve it. I’d be surprised if you didn’t want peace, great health care that isn’t going to bankrupt you, the eradication of poverty and crime as well as a world-class education system and accountability for huge corporations. Am I right?
Some people hold on to their values for grim death and believe that they see the world as it really is and others just don’t ‘get it’. They don’t understand that their map is not necessarily the territory. Some people though constantly challenge their values to see if they’re still relevant and right for them. I was brought up in a household where both parents were Tory supporters. Not unsurprisingly I adopted those beliefs and for about 5 years was a rabid supporter of Margaret Thatcher. I shudder when I think about that now, but that’s because my values shifted as I got older and read from more diverse sources. A lot of what I see as important now, I didn’t then.
I’m not saying this to hold myself up as some form of saint, far from it. There are things that I struggle to understand and times when I think other people are simply wrong. I have to remind myself that I’m judging them based on my beliefs and values and not from some ultimate form of truth that only I am privy to. Even then it’s not always easy.
A case in point is Prop 8. To my way of thinking everybody on this planet deserves equal rights irrespective of their race, gender or sexuality. You’d be hard pressed to find anybody that would admit to thinking slavery is a great idea, yet millions once did. Similarly millions of men thought that women’s emancipation was a slippery slope and even more believed that apartheid was an acceptable way to run a modern society. I see little difference between those and the rights of gay and lesbian women, but hey, that’s just me.
I happen to think that the election of Obama is a huge step forward for the United States of America. If you don’t agree that’s fine, but I hope you at least respect my opinion. The fact is I could be wrong, I can’t see into the future and neither can you. All we can do is wait and see and whilst we’re doing that, let’s at least all hope for the best, pull together and put our differences to one side, at least until 2012.
Thanks for reading and I welcome your feedback in the comments.
Link Love
It seems like Scott (who I know through Twitter) may be with me on all this. Check out this post about his take from the Republican standpoint.
Of course it’s all a bit naughty ripping tunes from YouTube and I’d never encourage you to do so. Bearing that in mind, do not read this post about how to do it.
I’ve definitely observed some hard feelings over political difference over the last couple of weeks, especially in the blogosphere. I think it’s pretty ridiculous when people can’t respect each others’ ideas and differences.
Memarie Lanes last blog post..Sam’s Flub
Ooh Tim, I really liked the line “from banter to bitterness.” It’s true what you said about just getting it over and done with. If some one doesn’t dig your beat now, they’re probably not going to want to dance later. Better to leave the dance floor now. It’s hard to get funky around a floor full of eggshells.
Writer Dads last blog post..Conversation That Pays Dividends
Hi Tim,
It will be good to learn and read with an open mind. I believe people have different opinions and we should not bend our words to suit individuals. Your writings are great and I enjoy reading them and different opinions always let us look at things from different perspective.
Cheers
Vincent
Personal Development Blogger
I find your transparency about your political views refreshing. So many people tell us not to get political in business. I was told that it would be best for “my readers” if I kept my political views about Obama to myself on Twitter and Facebook. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with using your voice to express your values in each and everything you do. Isn’t that ultimately what you are trying to coach your clients towards doing? You are simply living by example. People that can’t accept that other people have different opinions will always live life in frustration whether it is with you or whomever else they disagree with.
I know I was shocked to see that 30-40% of people in my state disagree with my opinions on how the world should be, and how we should focus first on taking care of our community before we take care of ourselves financially–but as you said we are all simply coming at problems from different angles.
As for the growing up in a household and having that shape your political views just try to tell that to my staunch Republican father that brought up two extremely liberal loud mouth daughters. There is no controlling our political discussions at the dinner table!
You know I just took a hammering from people that like to follow the FDA and CDC’s recommendations like Baahing sheep to slaughter, and as frustrating it was to take a stance on a political issue in medicine I realized if I don’t voice my opinion, if I sit back quietly and say nothing–that that would be the most irresponsible thing I could do when it comes to allowing Merck to mandate a compulsory Gardasil vaccine in all school girls across America with NO longitudinal studies of significance or long term efficacy guarantees—especially when cervical cancer is already on the significant decline thanks to the pap smear.
“I’d be surprised if you didn’t want peace, great health care that isn’t going to bankrupt you, the eradication of poverty and crime as well as a world-class education system and accountability for huge corporations. Am I right?”
You are SO right. I don’t think I’ve met a single person from any party affiliation that could disagree with that statement.
Regarding Prop 8, it is astonishing to see that it actually passed. Mind-boggling, really. We watch a black man ascend to the highest office in the land, and simultaneously revoke the rights of CITIZENS like you and I.
I am disgusted that gay and lesbian couples are not being afforded the same rights as me.
Ians last blog post..Thoughts on John McCain
I agree we want most of the same things but want to get there in a different way. A true hard core conservative sees the constitution as a living document and wants to keep our country from deviating from that document. It’s about keeping the personal freedoms guaranteed in the constitution. It’s not about being unfeeling, or rich (I am no where close to rich), or selfish. It’s about keeping the constitution in tact and alive. Hence the name “conserve” ative.
I think a lot of differences of opinion in the political sphere come about when people on both sides have good aims in mind — like a strong economy, fair treatment of everyone, and help for what are (rather patronisingly, IMHO), calld the “deserving poor”.
The problem is that the different sides disagree on how best to meet those aims: eg. is it fairer to tax the rich more to redistrubute wealth (so that everyone has a more even share), or is it unfair to take away money which the rich could be using to employ people, etc?
I’m fascinated to hear you grew up in a Tory household, Tim :-D My parents are both Labour voters, and took us on a few rallies against John Major when we were kids. I’m probably a little more left-wing than them (verging on communist when I was 17 but I’ve swung back a bit since then ;-)) and my brother is conservative, certainly on economic issues. My sister describes herself as “apathetic” about politics…
Certainly, it’s sad to see friends breaking up over political issues (and I imagine the same happens within families too, which is even worse). I wonder, though, whether it’s not so much over the political allegiance but over the different values held. If you realise that a friend holds VERY different values to yours, I can see why this might cause a breaking off of the friendship.
Ali Hale – Alpha Students last blog post..Being young – make the most of it
Hi Tim – I forgot about that dreadful song. But I was only nine when Grease came out and I really wanted to look like Olivia Newton John’s transformed version.
I had no idea that folk were unfriending others on Twitter and stuff. How ridiculous. I am still elated over Obama getting in. I think it will make a difference to the whole world.
In a time when everyone is pissed off and worried over the whole recession thing, he has given people hope and shown that anything is possible.
By the way – you didn’t send your ass in yet for my competition.
There was an election in the US? Really? I hadn’t heard a thing about it over the LAST 20 MONTHS. Not a thing.
;)
@ Memarie – Yep, it’s what causes most of the strife in the world today.
@ Writer Dad – LMAO- That’s some mean metaphoring you’ve got going on there and I think I agree ;-)
@ Vincent – Thanks a lot. If I can get people to look at things differently that is cool. They don’t have to agree with me, but if they are prepared to consider, that’s brilliant. Of course we all have blind spots. No amount of looking will ever make me accept Prop 8 is the right thing to do. So maybe I need to take my own advice!
@ Ian – What can I say, other than I agree?
@ Nicole – I should have known you’d have been bucking the trend at an early age. Actually what tends to happen in such circumstances is most people fall into line and a few (I’m guessing about 25%) do a complete volte face. Of course even that requires some other form of input that influences us, whether that be friends, peers, books, even TV etc. It’s not like you woke up one morning and decided to be a radical for the fun of it ;-)
@ Laurie – I have such an issue with the constitution. It’s treated like the word of God. It was a document put together by a bunch of very wise guys a very long time ago. Things change and the constitution needs to reflect that change. For example and opening a real can of worms here. In 1787 there was a real need to be armed. There is no need in a civilized society now for people to be armed to the teeth with automatic friggin weapons. It’s absurd.
@ Ali – It definitely is a value thing, that’s exactly what it is. I suppose sometimes those value differences are so fundamental that it is almost impossible to bridge the gap.
@ Cath – I have been sorely tempted by the ass thing, but you know me, it would have to be sans pants and I’m not sure what that would do to my shaky credibility ;-)
@ Alex – I know what you mean. I only caught the last bit purely by chance. It was very low key.
“I’ve had several conversations about he election with Republicans both in ‘real life’ and online recently. Not one of them ended up with me thinking ‘Asshole’ or wanting to insert a red-hot poker up their rear end. Maybe a cold poker a couple of times, but nothing worse than that.”
ROFL!
Tim,
First off I want to thank you for the mention to my post. I really appreciate it.
Secondly, I absolutely love this post. The reason I love it so much is because you truly did an extensive analysis of the emotions people feel during an election.
And you are right…it is about values.
When you say, “We all want the same thing, but want to achieve the same thing by different means.” You are so right!
Thinking about that I am sure we all can agree that we all want wealth and prosperity to the country, jobs and happiness all around, and further want to give everyone the same opportunity to succeed no matter what their previous circumstances were.
As a republican who believes in personal accountability and self responsibility I think for me as an entrepreneur what annoys me the most are people who “suck” off the system that is supposed to help them get out of where they are.
That is not to say everyone is sucking off the system to suck off the system…but rather…the programs most democrats want to enact affect 2 different groups who use them.
One group is the group who just sucks it for everything it is worth through welfare checks etc….This is what I vehemently dissagree with and really think something should be done about this…what that “thing” is I don’t know what.
Secondly…The other group uses that aid in the positive light to help get them out of the current situation they are in and hopefully off of the programs and on their merry way.
A video on youtube that really struck a chord with me was this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgXz_47gbkA
It is people like this that suck off the system…that our tax dollars support…and quite frankly I am against it because programs like these are only going to create more people like this.
In any event that is my two cents.
What are your thoughts everyone?
Scott Bradleys last blog post..“How to Get An Influencer To Review Your Book”
@ Scott – Thanks for coming into the lions den so to speak. I understand where you’re coming from and respect your views even if I don’t agree with them.
I don’t really want to turn this into a purely political debate, but let me say this. You’ll always have people that suck from the welfare state when they don’t need to, always. The fact that some people abuse help is no reason imho to withhold it from others that can benefit from it. You’ll always have corrupt Police Officers but we don’t shut down the Police Force.
Great post Tim
I echo many of your thoughts especially on values. I’m not positical and frankly have no interest intaking a particular side of Republican or Democrat. I want the best person in the job with a moral and ethical code, who has the best interest of the country at heart with the courage and vision to make a difference and bring us the 21st Century.
Electing Obama was a great step in signaling change in our country that has been a long time coming. I remain optimistic for gay marriages, healthcare, the environment etc to have it’s time and place which I hope will be soon!
Cheers,
Lorraine
http://www.powerfull-living.biz
Lorraine Cohens last blog post..History is Made – Barack Obama Is The Next US President
Tim,
I can totally appreciate that.
Looking forward to more posts…Just added you to my RSS!
Scott Bradleys last blog post..“How to Get An Influencer To Review Your Book”
Tim, I think this is a brave post and I think you’re absolutely right you had to write it. I have just posted something about life and hope and I used part of the post to confirm my new hope that has come from the election of Barack Obama. I did feel nervous posting it because I have a feeling some of my blogging friends are McCain voters and I didn’t want to piss people off, but the truth is I AM more hopeful now and excited at the possibilities this election has opened up for the USA and the world at large. My country has very close ties to the USA and we have followed them into battle many times. It directly affects me and my land who sits in the oval office. They go into war, we go into war and I don’t want any more bloddy wars!
I could go on more about this because I have a lot to say, particularly about the ridiculous assertions that go around that Obama’s policies are socialist. But there’s no point in inflaming an already sensitive subject, and this is going to be sensitive for some people for quite awhile yet. Maybe even 4 more years.
Good job.
Kelly
PS. Did you notice how grand I was not to laugh at you supporting Margaret Thatcher? I can be benevolent too :)
I can’t really comment, take sides or whatever on the U.S. Elections since I am not from there.
All I want to ask is if that cartoon picture of the guru is supposed to represent you? I was laughing when I saw it. The expression is something I thought you’d wear. You sure have a good source of images. I like quite a couple of them that you’ve featured in your posts!!
But seriously….back to your post…I appreciate your authenticity. That is why I enjoy coming back to this blog!
I deleted friends on facebook, I will admit, but reserved it for those whose comments I found blatantly racist. I don’t need that energy in my life–I am too positive a person :)
My comment came up as ANONYMOUS. How bizarre!
Kelly
Kelly@SHE-POWERs last blog post..New Hope and The Ship of Life
@ Lorraine – I agree we want the best person for the job and any reasonable person would agree, but a lot don’t. They would rather have 4 years of misery and see Obama crash and burn than 4 years of prosperity and see him re-elected.
Look how bad things got under Bush, could they really have been much worse? Even with that in mind many would still rather have him in office than a black guy with no experience. Obama will be a great one imho, he’s doing all the right things to date.
@ Kelly – Thanks for not laughing. I have no idea what I was thinking of to be honest. We did have (largely) prosperous times under Thatcher, but what many fail to take into account was that she was the first PM that had the benefit of north sea oil revenues.
Not only that, but she sold off all our utilities and made billions like that. It’s kinda like me selling all my possessions and telling my wife to look at the checking account. Yeh we have more money, but I’m butt naked and very hungry ;-)
Evelyn – That IS me, it’s actually a photo.
ML – I didn’t explain myself well enough and thanks bringing it to my attention. If election chat uncovered values in a friend that you were diametrically opposed to yours and you found repugnant, then I see no problem with deleting. Racism would fall into that category for me. What I was amazed at were people unfriending just because somebody was a Republican. I know some lovely Republicans that are friends and will hopefully remain so.
Hi Tim,
I love some of the points you mad here, mostly that Democrats and Republicans want the same basic things but disagree on the best approach. This is what bothered me the most during this election (and would have in others if I’d paid attention back then). I hate the character assassinations. I hate the assumption that anyone from the other party is either corrupt or selfish.
I really think at the end of the day people are basically good. Even hateful or intolerant people are usually acting out of fear. It’s like that movie Crash. Everyone wants to protect themselves and the beliefs their experiences have nurtured. In the end, you have a million defensive people bouncing off each other, all forming opinions based on expectations–not necessarily reality.
I voted for Obama even though I wasn’t 100%. I made my decision by considering his influence on the majority. If Obama can inspire so much hope in so many people, I thought, than he’s the man to lead us, even if I don’t fully trust his abilities. I hope he surpasses my expectations, and if he doesn’t, I hope Republicans hold onto their stones. I have no doubt his heart’s in the right place.
Lori
Loris last blog post..5 Ways to Benefit from a Low-Budget Holiday Season
Once again you hit the nail on the head, Tim.
Dunno if I’d feel quite the same way if I was on the McCain camp side, but I certainly hope so.
There’s a tipping point when it comes to these elections, and, having been apolitical for years before El Bush got into office, I know why I steered clear of the whole thing.
The fervor with which each side “pushes” its views is downright scary, considering what actually goes down with those in office-their actions MUST take the popular view into account-actions too radical would bring the country to rebellion (so that the shit we are given is carefully sifted for glass) and see the general public actually stand up for what they want-oops-Guess this just happened on November 4th.
A side note here-It’s probably all too obvious that I’m a cynic, but what I see coming out of the election was that people were more scared of the IMAGE of another Bush ( I do, in fact, think McCain would have proved better than that) than they were of the IMAGE of a dark-skinned (Oh, my god, he’s not one of US-he’s sure to be WRONG and BAD), non-white president.
Was that a bit of rebellion in action or people simply forced to take the lesser of two “evils?” Here I slip my cynics’ hard shell and am hopeful that Obama will prove to be the good man that I now take him for…BUT, I expect no miracles-after all, this is one man trying to do it all…for now, I stand fully behind him
Bill Skripss last blog post..Jois Handmade
I’m glad you’re not afraid to speak what’s on that brain of yours. I myself know I am bound to offend someone, and can’t take it too personally.
I knew I was going to vote for Obama as soon as he announced he was running. I didn’t have to hear all the crap for and against him.
I knew we needed dramatic change, and it warms my heart to think there are enough people that can see past the color of skin.
I’m just scared that some skin head radical is going to attempt to change the decision we’ve made.
Melissas last blog post..Letter Pouring My Heart Out
I have two blogs. One is ‘everything’ – what I’ve got going on, some career stuff, political stuff, silly stuff – you name it. The other, I just began and plan to keep it fairly straightforward about business. (However, I will link back to my long running blog for one reason — if people want to read it, they can. If they don’t want to sort through all the ’stuff and stick to business, they don’t have to.)
But….ultimately, if a client can’t respect who I am and what I stand for….that’s really okay. They’re entitled to their opinion, including their opinion of me. They just weren’t one of my ‘right people’. They’ll find a place where they feel comfortable. And I’ve got people who respond to my particular voice and style.
Having said all that….I’ll also add this.
My family is staunchly Republican. I mean, they’re some of the group that didn’t really like McCain all that much because they didn’t think he was conservative enough. Staunchly Republican….see?
Me? Not so much. (ha) I strongly supported Hillary and then cried with tears of joy (and other emotions) when Obama won the other night.
It really is possible to get along, work together, and love each other — even when your political views are different. Because ultimately, we all want the same things. We want a secure country. We want better healthcare. We want better education. We want a better economy. We just have different views about how to get there.
(And I can’t even talk about Prop 8. Just can’t right now.)
;-)
All the best!
deb
Deb Owens last blog post..managing change launches (sort of – it’s available now anyway)
I have discovered over my 59 years that if I don’t work/live from my values, I don’t succeed at anything and I certainly don’t live my best life.
I appreciated what you had to say and think it is a very healing piece and allows people to voice their thinking without cutting them off – while remaining open.
But I am having a very hard time after this particular election, with feelings which started after the 2000/2004 elections.
I am not in an position to let go of anyone on facebook or in my daily living and I just don’t do that – although I know one college friend dumped me early on…I can’t understand someone voting for one party or the other without thinking, just because they always have and then they get so irate when the party did not win that position.
We had a man running for Governor in our State, who nearly won last round and came close again this round. His Campaign adviser was Karl Rove. This man was a representative of neither party – tho claimed one, and wanted to be a dictator at any cost. He ran 16 ads of negative lies and below the belt disgusting accusations for the last 18 months to 1 ad for the other candidate. I think we have to worry about Obama being attacked by some sniper who is sure he is a terrorist/Muslim now after McCain’s Negative ads (Like the people yelling at McCain’s rallies – He needs to go around and clean up that thinking – big time) but now we need to worry that our elected Governor will also be attacked or killed from these ads and tactics….How could people just vote for this man because they always vote that way? and then they are so nasty to others who chose a different path…I am having a hard, hard time with forgiveness and understanding this time around…because I believe there is someone too wound up by the explosive negativism and ignorance still out in our atmosphere.
So I am working on how to reconcile my values and my emotions before I have to go to dinner with these folks…and just ignoring it is not an option…these feelings need to be diffused. This is such a new experience for me…
Thank you for being my thinking processes on these issues that are still alive for me…
Patricias last blog post..Factoid Friday: Bagdad Hash
beginning not being! sorry
Patricias last blog post..Factoid Friday: Bagdad Hash
@ Lori – I also operate from the premise that people are inherently good. Sometimes I’ll get stun, but it’s a price worth paying imho.
@ Bill – I actually agree, I too think McCain was much more competent than Bush, although that could be being damned with feint praise. Not sure Obama is just one person, he seems to realize that he needs the right people wound him.
@ Melissa – I think you are saying what a lot of people are thinking with that last comment. Let’s hope we never have that conversation.
@ Deb – McCain not conservative enough? Yikes! I’m pushing the boundaries with this blog and taking the same approach. I hope people will understand and see value, but if they don’t I’ll have to learn to live with it, My next post attacks the Law of Attraction (kind of) so that may see a few more subscribers bail out.
@ Patricia – Try and approach with a genuine sense of curiosity. Try to understand why they think what they think because there is a reason. I’m glad this helps and thanks for the feedback.
Hey, Tim.
Good post. I was ecstatic when Obama won, and when his family returned to the stage after his acceptance speech, it was a very emotional moment for me. The word has been tossed around a lot recently, but it gave me “hope”.
That said, I think this nation needs some serious reflection right now and some real soul searching. I’m not sure enough people realize what happened during this election season, or know what could have happened.
It’s about people. It’s about citizens of one nation. It’s about our humanity and how politics pales in comparison to some very basic truths.
The Secret Service revealed that death threats against Obama and his family skyrocketed after Palin started attacking him with her “palling around with terrorists” lie. There was a direct correlation between her words and those threats. McCain did nothing to stop her and added his own smears, lies and distortions to the mix. I think Americans really, really need to step back and think about that, think about how close this thing came to violence and ripping this nation apart.
The right wing tradition of swiftboating reached new lows this year, very dangerous lows, and anyone who supported that should think long and hard about why they support smears, lies and incendiary politics. We heard and saw too many instances of Republican leaders ginning up racial, ethnic and religious hatred and division, while calling into question the patriotism of those on the other side of the aisle, especially Obama.
Politics should never go there. Talking about policy differences is more than fair, but there are certain things no politician, no pundit, no one should do when it comes to public campaigns. Especially after 9/11, certain words are too loaded.
I think Obama winning was great on so many levels, but one of the biggest reasons is that it is a repudiation of the Atwater/Rove and now Schmidt tactics that seek to divide us and pit us against each other. This election was a repudiation of the politics of hate and division . . . but I fear only a certain portion of this nation realizes this.
Dougs last blog post..Roberto Bolaño
@ Doug – I’m happy for you to post your reply, but forgive me if I don’t get drawn in. I don’t want to get THAT political ;-)
Tim,
Understood. Posted it mostly to express another angle to this. I want an end to the anger and divisiveness. It hasn’t been this bad since the 60s, and I’m hoping better days are ahead for us. But in order to pull together, I think we need to recognize what occurred and reflect upon it deeply.
It’s part of that “discomfort zone” thing as well. Confronting what we really don’t want to confront and growing from that experience. All of us need to do that, and that transcends politics, etc.
Anyway, I’m moving on. I think 2009 will be my least “political” year in a long, long time . . . and my most artistic one. The most successful administration might well be the one that makes us all feel confident enough and comfortable enough NOT to think about politics for a change . . .
:>)
Take care–
Dougs last blog post..Roberto Bolaño
Tim,
As a Conservative voter who tends to vote republican, I find it refreshing to find someone on the other side of the aisle who “gets it”. I did not vote for Obama for several reasons. However, now that he is there, as a God fearing, Patriotic American, I must hope for the best for our Country under his leadership. That “should” be the focus of our nation, not disowning our neighbors and friends for the vote they cast.
I have felt quite unrepresented the past few years, both by Democrats, and Republicans. I dont think either party represents those of us in the middle. We can only hope that those we send to do our bidding do the best for those who must live under their leadership.
The ugliness amongst the parties and their supporters is none other than suffering. It serves no one to live that way, to expel those ugly emotions, to bear the heartburn. I hold my principles dear, but realize that my principles, morals, and values do not have to be yours. Hopefully folks will keep that in mind regardless of their political affiliations.
Best to you all.
@ Michael,
Very well said. I hope for harmony in America as well. The acceptance of difference, but the desire for working harmony. At the risk of overusing an old metaphor . . . the piano is a great example. Not just the color of the keys, but the way sharps and flats work together to create wonderful sounds.
Those uniquely American forms of music, like Jazz and Blues, utilize improvisational difference, but are held together by an underlying and consistent foundation. Our language is like that, too. Rules hold us together. Grammar to make it intelligible for everyone. But lots of room to make our own voices heard.
Difference is great and should be honored. Difference that complements difference should be celebrated . . . .
Dougs last blog post..New Poetry From Canada
@ Doug and Michael – Nice way to wrap up this debate, with a big cyber hug ;-)
Seriously guys, good points and thanks to both of you for eloquently stating your very different positions.
This is how political debate SHOULD be conducted. Differences without dishonesty, hate, anger, corruption, or violence. Healthy debate about ideas. The problem is, I don’t see any of the major parties or media outlets conducting themselves the way you are Tim.
I love the arena of ideas, but not the arena of sound bite narrative and personality.
I don’t care for Pres. Obama, but I wish him well. But I would have liked a Pres. McCain even less so I understand why so many voted for Obama.
I agree with most everything you say here. The problem I have with most of this is the nature of government itself. Government achieves goals by the use of law. And the law is enforced by a gang of men with guns who have the authority to kill you or haul you away and lock you in a cage. This is not to say I don’t believe in the law, I do. I just think that the force of law should be used sparingly. Today we use it for everything imaginable. Got a problem, write a law.
MLK and Gahndi effected change without a gang of armed men to force it upon everyone. I know that we agree on.
Thanks for the intelligent conversation.
Steve Olsons last blog post..How to Build Confidence
@ Steve – Thanks a lot for that Steve. It’s amazing isn’t it that the people that tend to be universally admired like MLK and Gandhi tend to get ignored when it comes to looking to them for solutions. It’s almost like, “Yeh that was ok for them and at that particular time, but it wouldn’t work now, we need a military approach” Yeh, whatever.