On this night, I have to say I am proud to live in this country. Regardless of who you voted for today, we live in a country that allows us so many freedoms. The freedom to worship, to elect our government, to choose our own paths... whatever they may be.
Tonight was historic in so many ways. I feel humbled and honored to live in a day when our country can look past one's race, and elect them as the leader of this great country. It speaks volumes on how far this country has come. If we look past all the political differences for just a moment, and embrace the unity that occured tonight, it is monumental. It is huge.
I thought McCain's speech tonight was gracious, and I think it would benefit us to take his words to heart. Barack Obama will be the new President of this country. There is honor in that. He ran an honorable campaign, an admirable campaign. I would hope and pray Republicans and Democrats can put aside their differences for the benefit our country, and move forward. I would hope that those who have spoken evil against Barack Obama will see the good in him, and move forward.
I have no doubt that God still watches over this country. I have no doubt that Barack Obama was born to be a leader. The leader of this country, and at this time in history. I have no doubt that he is a good man, a man of integrity, and that he will seek the best interest of America. I know there are many who may not agree with me, but I hope that they will have hope, that they will pray for their new leader as I will. I have hope for this great country, that there will be positive changes, that we will be able to reach out to the world in a manner that will allow the gospel of Jesus Christ to move forward, and penetrate all nations, kindreds, tongues and people...
25 comments:
Callie, you are so articulate and I love that you claim the US as your own. I was absolutely sobbing tonight at the historical significance of this win. It makes me reflect on the blacks receiving the priesthood and how emotional and huge that must have been. And I love what you said about Obama being born for this. I hadn't thought of it, but of course Heavenly Father knew he would be president and has been preparing him. I think all of us would certainly benefit from collective prayers on his behalf.
I was a sobber last night, too. It was a very emotional night, and I couldn't help waking up this morning thinking we are better off today as a country, then we were two days ago. Obviously, many will argue against that, but I don't buy it.
Obama has so much work to do, so much so, that it is sobering. He needs the prayers of this country, and he needs everyone's support, regardless of party.
Callie and Emily
I share in your excitement for the election of Barack Obama for many reasons. It represents momentous progress for our country in terms of race.
I wouldn't approach as you do, however, that Obama's victory is the will of God. Does that mean George W. Bush was the elected because it was God's will? What about Hitler? He was elected legally. We are responsible for who we choose as our political leaders. Our job is to vote based on our values. Obama didn't share some values that are very important to me.
I also don't think that Obama was the best choice for the country at this time. Many complain about the human costs of war, but what about the 50 million abortions which occur in the US every year. Barack Obama wants to pass the Freedom of Choice Act as soon as possible, which will essentially remove any and all restrictions on abortion. I doubt that is the will of God. I've already expressed my opinions about his socialist tendencies.
However, while I do wish that Senator McCain had won the election, I do recognize that God knew beforehand what would happen and will assure that his plans are carried out for his followers. I do agree with you that President-elect Obama needs our prayers--in my opinion the nation really needs our prayers now ;).
I hope that in some measure you are correct that Barack Obama has been prepared in some way. From where I stand it looks more like people moving away from the values taught by the Restored Gospel. But, that is just my opinion--I could be wrong. I do agree with you that Obama is a man of integrity who wants to do the right thing, I just don't agree with everything that he sees as right.
I don't agree with Obama on a few key issues, either. It is hard to agree 100% with any candidate. It was not an easy choice for me to support Obama, especially being conservative. It is always a moral struggle when moral principles are involved with politics. I had to decide based on ALL the issues at hand. For me, Obama was that choice.
I do believe, however, that in order for the Lords purposes to be fulfilled we do need to reach out to the world and improve relations internationally. I believe Obama can be very instrumental in this. He may not share the same intrinsic values that we do, but I think it is judgemental to suggest it makes him unworthy to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord, or that it wouldn't be God's will to have him serve this country in this capacity. The Lord is just as interested in Barack Obama's path of life, as He is yours and mine. The Lord may use Obama for good, He may not. We don't know, but we can hope! The Lord has always dealt with imperfect people when bringing to pass His purposes. People who are humble, and teachable. I see a more humble nature in Barack Obama then McCain, and definitely more teachable.
I don't believe this country is moving away from moral values by electing Obama as President. I believe this country is interested in being united again. If Americans were blind to morals, Prop 8 and 102 would not have passed today (one in a heavily liberal state). I agree, we are most surely battling against the moral decline of America, but I think the majority of Americans are still God fearing people, and yes, I do think that God has a great interest in this country, and that includes its politics, and Presidents. I am not saying that God Himself chose Obama as President, but I do not doubt He knew he would be President, and that He can influence our leaders. They may not always listen as proven in the past, but they can be instumental in God's purposes. There have been good Presidents in the past, and not so good...there have been Presidents who have listened to the people, and those that have carried out their own agenda's. I do have hope that Barack Obama will be a President who will listen, and serve this country well.
Unfortunately, our country faces many, many issues right now. Abortion's have gone up under a "conservative" government. Abortions have gone up due to lack of education, and poverty. If we can improve some of the issues that contribute to abortions, then perhaps it will not be such a grave concern. I do not know any decent, moral man, including Barack Obama who WANTS to see abortions happen. His views stem from what rights women should have, which we may not agree with, but I don't believe he has evil intentions.
Regardless of what we feel, we will have a new President come January, and my point in the beginning was that we need to have faith and hope that good can come out of this change, and that both parties need to come together for the better of America.
I'm sorry but unfortunately I do not agree with you at all Callie. Doug and I were deeply saddened last night by our country's decision. You will see change, but I don't think it will be for the better. Of course God knew what would happen but I don't think Obama was prepared for this by God's hand. Obama is not a savior, as many blacks and minorities relate him to in many blogs, posts, and articles. Our country, as well as the world is most definately moving away from the values taught by the restored Gospel and what the Lord would have it be, but then we expect this, it has been prophesied that this will happen. God is not the only force that uses people for his purposes and sometimes God sits back and allows the wicked to make choices that will ultimately bring about their destruction. The battle for morals is waging high and needs to be at the forefront of what we choose in terms of our leaders in my opinion. Many, many consequences can come from it's degradation. Last Sunday we had stake conference and I think all the stakes in Arizona had a broadcast from Salt Lake emphasizing the importance and dangers revolving around the gay-rights movement and the propositions on the ballots in certain states. President Packer spoke to us on our times and stated that many bad things are coming and how we need to follow the counsels of the prophets in preparing for hard times. He of course concluded that we need not fear if we are living righteously, but this did not speak to me as hopeful for our country (I think regardless of which candidate won this would be the case) and really I do not know if McCain would have been all that much better in this position, but I do know that Obama is not what our country needs right now. Of course I will still pray for our country and for Obama to be influenced for good. I pray that you prove me wrong on my feelings about him and that he does turn out to be a force for good change. I can only hope.
Dear everyone, all Callie has done is express her feelings of hope and faith. I personally thought it was beautiful and appropriate. Please let's not squash the woman's hope and faith, shall we?
Callie
I really enjoyed your reply to my comment. You mentioned some of the best reasons I could think of for supporting Barack Obama--namely foreign policy issues. And I do agree, that a lot of people voted for him out of a desire to unite the country--which has some benefits to it.
Emily
I wasn't trying to squash Callie's hope and faith--maybe I was just feeling sad that my hope and faith were feeling a little squashed by the election results.
Jarad
Callie
One more point regarding Obama and abortions...Look more closely at his record. He is one of the most pro-abortion, not pro-choice, candidates to ever make a serious run for president.
His actions and statements as a state legislator in Illinois do not match his latest campaign rhetoric regarding abortion. He has worked extremely hard to push back the any and all limits on abortion.
I do agree that the situation didn't get any better under a conservative president. He didn't do much to push the issue and I don't think McCain would have either. But, I do think that the moral decay on this issue would have been slower under McCain than it will be under Obama.
Despite all my disagreements with Obama on certain policy issues, I do think he has the potential to make some major, positive changes. I'll pray, watch and see.
Jarad
Emily:
Oh please. She did not just express her feelings of hope and faith and of course you thought it was great, as you are of the same opinion. Because someone is of a different opinion than you does not mean that they are squashing others or out with evil intent to diminish someone elses views. Callie is a great person and I know where she's coming from and respect her for her opinions, but I can express my own without being judged or attacked as well. But then again, you have the right to judge and attack me all you want - just do me a favor and look at the mote in your own eye before you judge mine. I agree with Jarad that Obama has the potential to make positive changes, as to whether or not he does will be forthcoming in the next 4 years. I will stop "chasing the snake" and refrain from posting contrary or possibly contentious causing views on other blogs but my own. Sorry if I offended you Callie. You know I love you! And I'm sorry if I offended you as well Emily. I was just expressing my own opinion.
Regardless of if McCain won yesterday, we would most likely continue to see the moral decline of America. I agree with Didi that we need to concentrate on being prepared for harder times. I do not agree with the notion that Obama is an evil man, or because he does not share all the values that we do, that he is not valuable in office. I do not condemn those who vote for moral reasons, I would like to consider myself a moral person...however, for myself, in this election there are many, many issues I was concerned with. I looked at the whole picture, and my conclusion was that Obama would be a great unifier at this time in our country's history. A president who could bridge the gaps (socially, politically and economically) not only within our country but across the world.
Last night WAS a triumph of the human spirit. It was a pivotal event in our nations history. It is huge to see an African-American man elected as President of this country. For anyone to say they are "deeply saddened" by last nights events, deeply saddens me. If we can't put aside our political affiliations for one moment in history, to acknowledge and appreciate history in the making, then this country is furthur divided then I ever hoped.
Didi, I'm sorry that you feel attacked. I have felt attacked myself once or twice lately, and it stinks.
Callie, I forgot to say that I liked the last sentence of your post. I somehow missed this from General Conference, but reading President Monson's first message in the Ensign, he told us to pray that the gospel would be allowed to enter more countries. I need to remember to pray for that. Also, Steve liked your last comment.
Flip, I think you're smart.
When did I ever say it was not a pivotal event in America's history? I am not looking on the race of the man, but on the whole picture of what he stands for and against. I'm glad that this country has gotten to a point where race and color are not so important of a division that we couldn't consider someone of color to be the president. Yes, that is a huge thing to see an African American elected president. I agree with that - that is not what deeply saddened us and it is not what I implied. I'm sorry if it appeared that way. We have been discussing with our children today on how now that the election is over, regardless of whether we agree with everything Obama stands for, we need to now support him as the leader of our country and we should not talk bad about him (there has been lots of talks with friends and parents views have been obvious on both sides). I appreciate the monumental significance of the election of an African American president in America, but I don't have to be happy about who he is or what he stands for. Okay. I mean it this time. That's all I'm saying. :)
That was my point from the beginning...to look past all our differences, and embrace the possibilities that lay ahead. To move forward as a country, we have to work together and have hope that Obama can and will do good things.
We may not see the moral and traditional America depicted in Norman Rockwell paintings any time soon, but like Emily pointed out in President Monson's talk...perhaps during this Presidency, if we are prayerful, we will see doors opening across the world, accepting the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Thank you Emily for making me feel good.
Thank you Didi for sharing your thoughts, and standing up for what you believe in.
And thank you Jarad for being smart. :)
I will readily admit that I am in over my head here but I do like reading everyone's thoughts. Thanks, Callie! I am impressed with your eloquent thoughts.
After reading through the post and the comments again, Callie, I apologize again. I am humbled by you and Emily's comments - as I was focusing too much on the outcome of the election and disregarding the main point of your post being to move forward the gospel and the hope that with our new prophet and new president that maybe more doors will be opened in that area. I too will remember to pray for that. Thank you for your posts Callie. You truly do have eloquent thoughts.
Wow! What an interesting sequence of posts! ;-) Everyone very well said! Callie, thanks for sharing your insightful thoughts...I love your positive, hopeful outlook. I think that's what we all need now. "Flip", I think you're smart too! ;-)
Thanks Didi, I truly appreciate that.:)
and Mel...:)
Wow what an interesting blog! Flip side I wish I had more friends like you, maybe even just you as a friend! Callie, I always appreciate your personal feelings even if I don't agree with all of your choices! Just so you know I don't dislike you and like you as a friend as well. For the record, I don't agree with Emily in some areas either but I respect her and like her as a friend. I appreciate you both for standing for what you believe even when it isn't popular and doesn't make sense to me of course. I respect and appreciate all the comments that have been made so enough of the praise of men thing here.
I am glad that we can show the world that we can overcome prejudice in this country to yet another level in the eyes of the world. This election has done more for women to help pave the way for the first female president someday too!
What I am seriously concerned with today is the fact that the rising generation, those under 30 in California voted FOR homosexual marriages 2 to 1 in California even though it didn't pass! Fortunately, they weren't the moral majority of voters yet! Obviously this is a deep and greivious concern that perplexes me.
What is in store for the future state of our nation in the upcoming elections if this trend continues? You know, when the youth have been so media influenced to this level that they are without natural affection, (maybe that is kind of harsh) lack proper morals, ethics, fortitude and things like our founding fathers stood for? How long will the Lord stay his hand? We are in for hard times with moral decay.
The issues, moral issues are of the greatest concern and should always lead above the rest not after the fact nor secondarily. Stand on higher ground!
Obamas election seems to follow a pattern common in US elections though, he is kinda young(youth over age and wisdom), kinda good looking(McCain wasn't) and speaks well even when he doesn't know. COuld have some merits for the position when talking to anti Israeli and Anti-American leaders.
I will support the President in all the moral decisions he makes and say shame on you if he doesn't in order to keep a unified front with other nations. My heart he will never have do you know what I mean?
FYI, I would have voted for Collin Powell without much of a question at all and liked the choice if he had made it in rather than go away feeling like I did in this and many other elections, the lesser of 2 evils was my vote!
Did I say before that Doug extremely lacks in his grammar and thought to writing skills? Love you honey, but that FYI is an extremely confusing run-on sentence. He told me that what that means is he would have voted for Collin Powell and walked away feeling good about the vote, and not feeling like he had to choose between two evils as in the last two elections.
Thanks for clearing that up Didi, I have to admit, I was scaratching my head over that!
It is interesting though, that those who would vote for Colin Powell, would be voting for a man who endorses Barack Obama.
Perhaps, Colin Powell, too, saw and still sees the benefits of an Obama Presidency. He is a prime example of someone who despite their politcal party and ideals, has reached over the aisle and embraced a Presidential candidate from an opposing party. I have to admit, the fact that so many Republican leaders endorsed Barack Obama instead of McCain spoke volumes to me on the current state of the Republican party.
I am afraid though, this could open up another can of worms...
And BTW, if anyone should suggest that Colin Powell solely endorsed Obama due to race, I don't buy it. To suggest that would belittle Powell's experience and wisdom.
I would have voted for Colin Powell too if he were the Republican candidate. The big deciding factor there is the moral stands again, along with personal gut feelings, the extreme liberalness of Obama coupled with his upbringing, questionable associates, and other concerns. If I had these concerns resolved sufficiently in my mind by those who know factually than I might have been swayed to go with Obama even though the liberal and moral issues are HUGE for me - the premise being as you said that we can influence the moral issues on a state level. Your thought has extreme merit though regarding so many republicans "reaching over the aisle." I saw a LOT of that in this election and I am hoping that means they knew more than I did and our country DID choose the better choice. I am certainly open to being wrong. Only time will tell, as you have said.
Colin Powell would have made a much better president than Obama and probably better than John McCain. Powell's problem, from the perspective of each party, is that he is lukewarm. He is very moderate, if such a thing is possible. Republicans wouldn't approve of him as a presidential candidate because of his stand on many social issues. He is pro-choice, pro-affirmative action, and a little closer to the Democrats on other social policies. The Democrats wouldn't have supported him due to his affiliation with the Republicans and the fact that he snubbed them at the beginning of the Clinton administration. Historically, he has also fallen on the side of the Republicans in terms of foreign relations. Of course, that changed with the Bush Administrations approach and execution of the war in Iraq. Today, his foreign policy views are a viewed as a little more moderate in light of what's happened over the last eight years.
Basically, Powell is driven by, of all things, common sense and not just by political ideology. Party politics demands at least lip service to party ideology. He hasn't done too well at it. Besides, he never planned to run for president. His wife was smart enough to tell him she would not be supportive of such a step.
As far as why Colin Powell endorsed Obama. I think he did it for three primary reasons. First, to take a smack back at the Republicans for his treatment while Secretary of State. He was treated terribly by the Bush Administration and many in the Republican Party. Second, because he seriously disagrees with the foreign policy path that the Bush Administration has been following. Third, he sees some hope in the energy that Obama is carrying with him.
Jarad:
Once again you prove how little I know about certain political issues and candidates. I guess I should've done my homework. To reiterate, thank you for being smart. :) Doug and I agree that we still think he would have been better than either of the candidates. Of course, we know he wasn't running but I didn't know why he didn't consider it until now. Smart woman.
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