I have many thoughts on the election this year. I have to say, it's very strange to watch all this unfold from the outside. I have a totally new perspective of politics (which I usually don't like to discuss). Part of this change comes from seeing the eyes of the world on America. I can be totally honest in saying that there is not one country in the world, other than my home country and a little of the country in which I now live, that I have any knowledge of politics. I think this is sad. I do realize that America is the strongest country in the world, something we should be proud of, but I think it would do me some good to look at another country's political system and learn a little something. I'm going to pick a country in which I know nothing about politically (I'm thinking France because there is a French lady in my class) and study up. My challenge is for you to all do the same.
I will fully admit that I didn't vote. You may be shocked and amazed but for us this year it just didn't happen. This Spring when we were preparing to move the final ballot had not even been decided. I will say my mind was on other things and has been for the past several months. When it came time to think about our absentee ballot it was too late to get it here and get it back. You can call me a bad American or whatever and you may think these are a bunch of excuses but it is what it is. I still feel I have the right to my opinions and beliefs as every other person.
All this to say, my Party didn't win. The person who is the next President of The United States of America does not hold the same views as I do on many issues. But I have to say a few things that I am thankful for. For the first time I think we can truly say as Americans that we believe all men are created equal. God does not see that a 'black' man has won this election, He sees a man. But what the world finally sees is that now we as Americans see a man as well. Yes, Obama is a black man, I do realize that. But what I'm trying to say is that I feel it is a wonderful thing that America, a nation that has had racial issues from the beginning, is showing that we are moving on. I am also thankful to be from a country with opposition. We are able to have opinions that differ and still exist in peace. We held an election that was open to all citizens and those citizens could make their choice. I like that we don't all agree. That is what makes America move forward and continue to be great. No matter how you feel about the state of the economy, government, etc. as Americans we hold a great privilege that is not held by most of the world. We are not told from birth what to think, believe or do. We are given the freedom to decide all on our own.
I am most thankful that my Heavenly Father still sits on His thrown. Nothing that happened this week was news to Him or changes His position in Heaven. I will be praying for Barack Obama and all of the other leaders in our country. Obama has a job that I would never choose and he needs us all to be praying for him. Whether you voted for him or not, I hope you will join me in praying.
2 comments:
I am thankful that we live in a country where the transfer of power is thoughtful, peaceful and somewhat seamless. That doesn't happen in most places. I see Obama as a man who overcame not growing up with a father, but who had a mother and grandparents who loved him unconditionally and made sacrafices for him. That is an example that all parents should learn from. He dresses with respect, speaks with respect and treats his family that way. What an example for many in our culture, or should I say "lack of culture". I am proud to be an American.
How are the chinese reacting to our new president? I remember that they loved black people over there more than white people....or stared more maybe. I am hopeful that other countries will be more open to better relationships with the US because of him.
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