Monday, June 9, 2008

That "Proud Democrat" Part

Sorry, Dear Reader(s), no pretty pictures today. For those of you not interested in politics, you may be excused, I guess, but please don't bury your head in the sand so far as to be uninformed when you go to vote. I have been struggling for months with the Democratic primary race. The Clintons are important to me. I was just a kid when JFK was elected, and a freshman in college when he was killed, so Camelot was short lived for me. My President was Bill Clinton, and my ideal of a First Lady was Hillary Clinton. I agreed with their politics and was thrilled to be out from under the Reagan years, a man who's mystique I never understood. I was then, and still am, impressed with Hillary's intelligence, knowledge and activism. I was appalled and angered by the constant attacks on them by the conservative right, the experts in divisive politics. I rejected the so-called Moral Majority, who's actions spoke louder than their words of hatred. Morality is so much more that one's sexual activity. I consider the Iraq war to be the height of immorality. So I dreaded the prospect that Hillary might run for president because it would bring all that evil and hatred out of the woodwork again. At the same time my admiration for her kept me in her camp and I went to our local caucus as her supporter. When the signs were obvious that she would not be the candidate, quite some time ago, I had such mixed emotions. I wanted her to be the first woman president! But I was also fearful that those very strengths that make her so admirable might also be her downfall in the male dominated world of politics, since Hillary often knows more than most of them and is not easily talked into compromise. I was also just barely hoping that Barack Obama might be able to pull off the change he was promising, that he might be able to usher in a new era of politics, where government provides stability and cooperation internationally and help to those who need it at home. You know, it has always amazed me that so many who call themselves Christians don't seem to remember the words of Jesus, words about love and brotherhood, when it comes to voting. Now the campaign is over. I listened to Hillary's speech Saturday, and when she finished, I had tears in my eyes. I still admire her greatly and believe in her goals for this country. She is a fighter and would not be talked into quitting until everyone had their chance to vote. All those male pundits who had called for so long for her to quit never understood what this race meant to her, and to many women like me. Of course I will support Barack Obama, but right now I want to honor Hillary Clinton for her inspirational run for the White House, and to rejoice in the fact that she will still be in Washington fighting for those causes in which I also believe.

4 comments:

  1. Way to go Linda. I love your personal version of political commentary. And hasn't it been fun to finally have a political campaign to even be interested in?
    I've been a Barack Obama supporter all along, though I have great respect for Hillary. And I'm sooo impressed that we live in a time when a woman would be such a serious contender.
    I think I've just been intrigued from the beginning about a person running from outside the traditional political machine. And his background is so interesting -- so much a reflection of our nation's diversity. Plus I think he is incredibly articulate and inspiring; to have young people really involved in his campaign is a huge step in the right direction. And involvement of lots and lots of people is the hallmark of his organizing style; I'm hopeful that would be true when he is President.
    What fun to have this chat with you!!!
    Stef

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  2. I'm glad you're back online after being so busy with your happy family. I really enjoyed reading your blog. I'm very interested in what everyday Americans are feeling outside my little sphere of people. They said that you tend to live in areas with people who think like you. Therefore, it surprised me when Mr. Bush won. Reading other blogs has shown me how others are thinking and that's good. I do respect Hillary also but I am voting for Barack. I like what I've read so far about his willingness, openess and desire to hear from real experts first before making a decision. Ah yes, he is from Hawaii like I am and he is the senator from Illinois where I live now. :-)

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  3. Well sister I am a proud American but not either a proud Democrat or Republican because either are too limiting and neither are all that I want to have represent me so in the end I will vote for the person and not the party that will in my opinion make the best leader for the US. Both parties are playing similar political games and anyone who believes they have it all figured out doesn't. It isn't as easy as picking sides but choosing the right direction on a multitude of issues. Not any one party or anyone person can do it all. We need to all work together and publishing one sidedness is not getting us there. Love you Laurie

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  4. Love your blog Linda, and agree wholeheartedly with your political comments, what a wonderful way to keep in touch with everyone. Your garden is beautiful. Your cousin-in-law, Nancy Mohr

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