Election 2012 - My Thoughts Tonight

I thought President Obama's acceptance speech was very moving.  I am proud to have voted for him and to have voted for my convictions - even when it was definitely not the popular vote around me.  If he had been giving a concession speech I would be saying the exact same thing and would be congratulating President Romney – although I do realize it would be a different speech.  ;-)

I am also proud that my kids are being raised in a house where their dad votes one way and their mom another.  We talk openly about our differences and discuss both sides of many issues with them.  I hope that they continue to realize what a privilege it is to have the right to vote when so many across the world do not.  It is heartbreaking to me that my six year old has come home from school every day for the last week talking about what a ‘bad man President Obama is’ and how ‘he hates the flag and won’t say the words (pledge) to the flag’. I hope they grow up appreciating the blessing of self expression and feel comfortable finding out for themselves what they believe in.

Two of my favorite parts of President Obama’s speech tonight…

 “That’s why we do this. That’s what politics can be. That’s why elections matter. It’s not small, it’s big. It’s important. Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won’t change after tonight, and it shouldn’t. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never forget that as we speak people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.”

 “And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you, I have learned from you, and you’ve made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead. Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual.”

I just hope as he returns to the White House that he will realize and remember mistakes he has made in the past and will look toward the future.  And I REALLY hope that both sides will make a concerted effort to work together.  Because the divided nature of our country today is depressing as hell. 

(President Obama's Acceptance Speech - Full Transcript)