I sure picked an important two weeks to be out of the country, first the World Series then the Presidential Election.
Good and unexpected news on all fronts. Americans were faced with un-popular ideas - first the underdog won the World Series. The Curse of the Bambino is broken, and the Evil Empire got knocked over in their path. I couldnt have scripted a better ending to the baseball year.
Secondly and obviously more importantly - the most unpopular idea of all - George W. Bush for another 4 years. And that's where I end my sarcastic tone in this post - I truly think we're watching the plan of God for our great country unfold. It only makes sense in my mind. America learned nothing from the last four years except how to show hatred and disrespect to the one elected official we should all support. Support doesn't mean complete agreement, no one is ever going to completely agree with anything, period. Support doesn't mean fear and submission, it means communication. Support also sure as heck doesnt mean veiled negative remarks and a closed mind. Support means looking at the facts and seeing a bigger picture - whether or not it's all roses.
Another take on this picture comes from the fact that I was indeed out of the country when it all went down. Watched election coverage on the Sky news network, listened to conversations around me in foreign languages, and spoke with Israeli's, Arab's, Canadians, Austrailians, and Brittish folks either in brief elevator conversation or as a tourist taking in their culture, or as a fellow world citizen concerned about the way America shapes the world at large. And I have to tell you, one thing is always clear in foreign cultures - Americans are a bunch of cry babies. Our President is widely respected. On a personal note - recently my grandparents travelled to Greece and didn't feel comfortable with their last name. We travel to Israel and Switzerland and get glowing remarks about how we were "elected" (lil airport security humor) and I saw nothing but the utmost respect and service. One or two remarks about how it must be hard to have my last name, and how that is all just silliness too.
Either way - a few articles that nicely sum up how I see this picture can be read here:
Boston Globe: Big Loss for Bush Haters
UK Times Online: Life Did Not End on Tuesday
and a quite well-written Open Letter to My Fellow Americans from Perplexio.
For me, and as the election results show - for Americans as a whole, hatred is a turn-off. The reactions exhibited throughout the last four years did nothing but divide us further and give the so-called majority what they thought they wanted least. I've read so so many negative reactions along the lines of 'must move to canada', 'america, why do you hate me' etc. Makes me sad.
The most heartening piece of news I've seen in a long time were the words spoken by John Kerry in his concession speech. He was the picture of gracious and forward looking. If Americans can take confidence in anything it is that moment. I sure do.
I realize I've also continued to just make myself even more un-popular by putting out a voice that may sound in favor of one side or the other, but dearest friends - realize that isn't the case. Just as I would never tell you how to vote or cast a negative shadow on your opinion - don't read my blog through that same shadowing. please.
plain and simple - you rock, abby. thank you for this insight and balanced approach to our country's direction for the next four years. for sure, god's plan is at work here. love you!
Posted by: delara at November 7, 2004 10:05 PMWell Done !!! As a guy named Bush, who answers phones on a Nationwide phonebank for a living, I have had to tolerate a large amount of spewed hate. One lady from Alabama told me my name was just plain evil. As it is said in Scripture - Man plots, God plots, God verily is the best of plotters." For all we know this is America leading the world spiritually.
Posted by: Jack at November 10, 2004 04:15 PM