Johnny the blogger and other post election thoughts

Last night I had a Stake primary leadership meeting at 7:00. I wasn't thrilled about tearing myself away from the election coverage, but figured I would still have a couple of exciting hours left of crunching numbers and staring at the map of blue and red states upon returning home. I was really looking forward to the ritual, and always immerse myself in it. I think I secretly enjoy the suspense of a long election night, plus I was especially excited to spend the evening hashing everything over with Jason since this is the first presidential election since we've been married.
I couldn't even concentrate at the meeting. My mind was wondering and my heart racing. I was just so anxious and nervous about all that seemed to hang in the balance. I was sorely disappointed to come home to a concesion speech! I cuddled up next to my hubby and watched in almost disbelief. I couldn't believe it had all ended so quickly. I wanted to cry, but refrained. Instead, I vowed to get more involved in politics. I constantly think of that ever famous quote, "all that is required for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing," and determined that I cannot live with myself unless I do something. Obviously, my family and church callings come first, but something can and must be done in the political realm as well.
I saw this post today on a blog by someone named Johnny, and it completely summed up my thoughts on the outcome of the presidential election yesterday:

"I heard Colin Powell wept as Obama made his acceptance speech. I wept too, but for a different reason. I wept because I witnessed how desperate Americans really are. I wept because I now know how many people want the government to make decisions for them and support them throughout their lives. I wept because they cast a vote for a man they don’t know, who they did not research. I wept because we voted for a man with questionable friends instead of a true patriot who loves and has fought for America. I wept because the media won."

It is so weird to me to see all these people filled with hope for America's future all of a sudden... people that apparently didn't have any hope until Obama came along and swept them off their feet. Did they not believe in this great country until just now? Do they think Obama has a magic wand that he will wave and somehow save us from our woes? I am mystified!

On another note, I am curious why race has been such a big deal to so many people in this election. I keep asking myself, how would I feel if a woman were elected president? To be honest, I don't think I would feel proud or be excited about it unless she represented the values and political views that I believe in. So I have a difficult time relating to people who are just thrilled to have a president that is black, regardless of any other factor. Maybe it is something that I just can't understand because I'm white. Who knows.

ON TO THE BEST NEWS OF THE NIGHT!!!! (In my humble opinion)

Prop. 8 passed in California! And so did the similar proposition in Arizona and Florida.

I realize that the war will never be won (at least not until Jesus comes again), but we won an important battle. What a cause to celebrate. :)

If you are still reading this post, you must be a good friend. So, thank you!

Vote Baby Vote

Two beautiful quotes to inspire you this election day:

"Posterity, you will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in heaven that ever I took half the pains to preserve it." - John Adams "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

Political Madness

As we close in on the end of this presidential race, you may notice the increasingly frequent political ads on T.V. Should we be surprised? It happens every 4 years. The attacks ads always become more vicious as election day draws near. And without fail, every four years, we hear a bazillion comments like, “Americans don’t want to hear these juvenile attacks. They reveal a candidate that has nothing of substance to say. Americans like a positive message… yada, yada, yada.”
Yeah, right.
If attack ads are so counter-productive, why do presidential hopefuls from both parties consistently use them?
Anyway, I have barely begun, and already I am side-tracking myself. I don’t care if political commentators choose to voice their disapproval of attack ads, even though it is painfully obvious that they only use that line when it benefits their candidate.
What is making blood shoot out of my eyes tonight (as Glenn Beck would say) is what Americans should be OUTRAGED by, and yet are not. Recently Sarah Palin has started talking about Obama’s connection with William Ayers – the known terrorist who would be rotting in prison right now were it not for an unfortunate technicality that let him go free all those years ago. While most of the political pundits are again touting their brainless mantra about Americans despising such attacks, I am wondering if anyone is awake. I am wondering if maybe all the bright lights have begun to affect the brain function of those that spew this crap.
Honestly, is anyone awake?
While there are many real issues that concern Americans, did it ever occur to anyone that a valid attack could actually highlight a REAL issue? Call me crazy, but I view the tight connections Obama has had throughout his life with people who overtly hate America a very real issue!
Even if I sincerely believed in his socialist economic policies as many Americans do, I would be extremely hesitant to vote for someone that does not love their country! I am not blind to this nation’s imperfections. I believe there is more corruption in high places than we know. But I do love America. I love capitalism. I don’t love the government, and I want its involvement in my life to be as minimal as possible.
I am truly astounded at the indifference people have shown towards Obama’s multiple long-term, close associations with radicals and criminals. How can these facts not deeply trouble every American? I am in awe, but I guess I shouldn’t be. Many people are indifferent to their eternal salvation too, which makes even less sense.

Madness, I tell you. Pure madness.
I don't know whether that bumber sticker makes me angry, or just want to cry. I had to include this picture. It somehow reminds me of a Norman Rockwell painting. Doesn't it just make you smile? I had to end on a happy note after all.