I finally watched The Speech. Without a TV, I am thankfully isolated from a lot of the psychodrama swirling around the election. I’m DEFINITELY interested- but it’s something like an addictive substance- the more political garbage you ingest, the more you need. So, I’m trying to limit myself. I would have watched the speech live, if I’d had a TV, though.
Jon and I disagree about Obama. Not about whether or not he would be better than McCain. Obviously. But we disagree about whether or not he represents a change from the establishment. I think there is something different about Obama- something that is allowing him to inspire hundreds of thousands of people into thinking that things can get better- and that their future is brighter than the present, if only they work hard both individually and collectively. Jon sees him as a mainstream, cynical, establishment politician- perhaps with brighter and shinier marketing- but one who ultimately still wishes to satisfy the demands of the powerful elite, not the actual “little people” he says he speaks for.
Maybe it’s just that I really, really want- hope- that he is something different. I want to believe the advertising that tells me that the president we elect actually matter- and that embedded systems of power will not continue to run this country in a direction that is counter to my own- and almost everyone else I know- interests. I think we all need him to be the real deal. Only time will tell if he is.
No related posts.
Personally, I think you’re both right. Obama is a different kind of politician than has run for the presidency in a very long time, but he’s a politician. That means he has to compromise to get things done, he has to make decisions that are going to be unpopular with someone or other, and he has to get elected (or re-elected in four years). No matter how new and shiny he and his ideas are, those simple truths are the same for anyone who runs for public office.
You’re not alone. I, too, need to believe and so I do. Obama can’t solve all our problems but his candidacy has awakened us. He speaks to a real need for something else, something more. If we want more from our government then we’re going to have to step up. It’s easy to stand back and complain, be critical and point the fingers at our leaders, but our leaders are leading somebody- us. What are we willing to do to move this country forward?
Me, I’m committed to making changes no matter how small in my daily life, in my political actions, and acting on my fundamental beliefs. I’m recycling and committed to not driving two days a week. For the first time, I’m signing up to work as a volunteer in a campaign office. I’m setting aside time and gas to drive 45 minutes one way to Quaker Meeting because when I connect with others who share my faith, I am renewed and ready to face a new week extending my hand to my fellow brothers and sisters.
It was just a line for me. It’s not about Obama. It’s about us. He’s just a messenger.