I couldn’t let as historic a day as today pass without noting what’s in my head at the moment. I was at work and unable to watch the entire day’s events, but I did peek into a conference room that had a TV at one point and saw Rick Warren’s prayer, the oaths, and part of Obama’s speech. I am more at peace than I had thought I might be, and more optimistic than I had thought I could be.
I hope that he can deliver all that he has promised to do, although I feel that it would be naive to think that he can. There are a lot of people who poured their heart and soul (and votes!) into lofty thoughts and dreams over the last two years. Some of those dreams will happen, but those of us who are realistic know that the promises probably far outweigh what will be accomplished.
That’s not altogether a terrible thing, because hope and faith can breed positive results. But it has to be tempered with realism and judging from many, many comments out there, lots of people are way beyond realism. All they know is “Yes We Can.” Well, “yes we can” what exactly?
I am happy that today the rest of the world thinks positive things about the U.S., but I am sad that we put so much emphasis on what other people think. (There will probably be a whole other post about that). While we all have to live in this world, we shouldn’t feel obligated to steer in the direction of what others approve of. This is our country, our needs, our priorities. Yes, I care about our relationships with other nations, but I care more about our doing what is right.
I am apprehensive about the economy. I vote Republican almost always, but I am at heart a fiscal Republican, not a social one. Well, that’s not entirely true. I lean right on social issues, but I do not vote that way if other issues don’t line up for me. I am at heart a capitalist, and I believe that we all have opportunities to make great things for ourselves. The government does us no favors by removing the motivation to succeed on one’s own merits. I don’t want something for nothing. I want to earn it. I’ve been well-off and I’ve been dirt poor. I didn’t get to be either of those because of someone else. My own decisions and actions determined my result. I think that’s good enough for everyone. I’ve watched people talk about how with Obama as President, they won’t have to worry about finances anymore. That scares the daylights out of me.
But I will say this: I have reservations which are founded in my own beliefs and principles clashing with what is now our leadership. But he is still my President. I don’t care what he does that I will disagree with and I’m sure there will be plenty. He is still my President, and deserves my prayerful support. He’ll get it. And I have heard nothing but the same sentiment expressed throughout my conservative circle and beyond. I’m proud to say the next 4 (8?) years will be different than the last 8 in precisely that way. We’re taking the high road, and this country will be better because of it.
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