WHO REALLY WON ?

WHO REALLY WON ?

DATELINE: NOVEMBER 5TH 2008
“A house divided against itself, cannot not stand” … Abraham Lincoln

Finally the long awaited election is over. After 24 months and countless millions spent, we have a new president elect. To be honest, I try to stay away from politically charged articles on my blog because they tend to polarize people. But in this case I think the damage is already done. So, at the risk of being politically incorrect and insensitive, and possibly pissing off half of my readers..Here I go.
I’m not sure if the recent election served to help unite us, or just to further highlight the vast and deepening division that exists between American values and ideals. To be honest, I wasn’t that enthused with either candidate. Were these two guys really the best, and brightest, America had to offer ?
I can’t help but wonder what percentage of the voters, truly expressed their heartfelt endorsement of the candidate, and what percent cast their vote, only as a protest and to show distance to the last president’s policies. Even worse, how many voted for one candidate because they just didn’t want the other guy as president. (a default endorsement)
Personally, I think it’s important for America not to be driven too far to the left or the right. I also don’t find it healthy for one party to have an over whelming majority in the top offices. (President, congress, senate..it tends to drown out descent and opposing views) For my part, If a politician with an opposing view from mine gets in office, I have learned to grin and bear it. The truth is, as much as I may doubt the experience or capabilities of a candidate, I have rarely questioned their patriotism.
I’ve heard a lot about the word “Change” during this election. It seems, everyone is anxious for some change. I will be interested to see if this is little more than a campaign slogan, that will soon be left by the wayside, or an attempt at meaningful and positive change. Remember, all change is not good change. For the most part it’s easy to talk about change and promise change, but when the full weight, responsibility, and reality of the decision is at hand, sometimes change gets put on hold or is compromised.
Especially in regards to Iraq, I will be interested to see just what changes are actually made. Nobody wants to lose another single man over there, but to pack up and walk out immediately, would be strategic and logistical military blunder. Again, the reality of the situation might require a much more measured approach and timeline. The merits of the war can be argued, but the retreat from it must be a prudent and well planned military decision, not the result of keeping a rash campaign promise. War is not the answer to every world problem, but unfortunately when it is the answer, sometimes it’s the only answer. We need the wisdom and the courage to know when it is politically expedient and when it is unavoidable. I also feel that sometimes it must be pro-active. Hope is not a defense.
I also think we may have to re-think the whole 2 party political system and election process in this country, it’s too divisive. I think the majority of Americans are sick of this. Sick of the name calling, sick of the sound bites, and pre-programmed talking points, sick of daily reports by pollsters’ telling us who is in the lead, and tired of the “anything to win attitude”. I’m not sure we can stand another reversal of election results due to hanging chads or another popular vs. electoral college nightmare. My feeling is that the best possible candidates that the United States has to offer, are avoiding the job, they just don’t want to go thru the mud slinging and personal attacks. They can make much more money in the private sector and don’t have to endure making their lives, and those of their families, an open book.
We need a more inclusive system, and a much shorter election process, where we don’t end up with 50% of the population as being winners and 50% being losers. We need a change of mindset for those who always vote right down party lines from president to dog catcher. It’s been years since the country has stood strongly together behind a major politician or decision. We are too divided as a nation. It should not take a major catastrophe for us to come together as Americans. I want politicians to put America first, “all of America”, not their respective parties.

America is a great country, but we cannot rest on past accomplishments. Each generation faces its own challenges, and we are facing ours. I believe our best days are still ahead of us, but the path will not be an easy one, and there are many trials and tribulations in store for us. For the first time, in a long time, we have our hands full both at home and overseas. I’m confident the economic crisis will work its way thru the cycle after some more painful adjustments, but we are less in control of what other countries might do.
Let’s face it, there are people and countries out there that despise our way of life and mean us harm. To believe otherwise is unrealistic and naïve. Yes we can talk to them, yes we can negotiate, but it should be from a position of strength. I for one, do not want anyone mistaking our political bickering, partisan politics and infighting, for weakness or lack of unity. We should not let anyone doubt the resolve or cohesion of the American people, and to be honest, right now we are throwing off mixed signals.
At the end of the day, I’m kind glad that this only happens once every 4 years. I want to see the election decided by the people, not by the judges, lawyers, courts, media, or the best fund raisers. Our system may not be perfect, and it certainly needs some changes, but when it works right, it’s the citizens “who really win”.
P.I.B.