Change...
Sometimes I feel really fortunate that I'm able to work from home. Today was one of those days. I enjoyed having the TV on and catching bits and pieces of the inauguration of President Obama. The history of the event is overwhelming and inspiring.
I like Obama. I like his youth, his philosophy on family, and the ability that he can speak coherently... but... to be completely honest, I didn't vote for him. I thought about it long and hard, but felt it was too soon. That McCain's experience and life-long dedication to service would do us proud. I thought McCain was an older version of Obama, who still had an ethical vision and strategy for America, but his vision had been tested and strengthened by experience (both failures and success).
But, again, I am still very proud of my new President and of our country for electing him... even though I cannot truly participate in the afterglow of the inauguration.
With this background, I'm a little peeved with American media and coverage of the event. This has been bothering me more and more since the election. Specifically, I take offense with the statement that "America has overwhelmingly demanded change". That our prayers have been answered and an end is near to the failed regime of W. Bush. That we will again take our leadership position in the world. Huh? The popular vote was separated by 7 percentage points. I realize not super close, but not a thrashing. The country was split between Midwest and the coasts. This wasn't a 20 point beat-down that Nixon or Regan enjoyed... or even a 10 point victory that Clinton enjoyed. With a president with the lowest rating in history, wouldn't a declaration of change been trumpeted differently?
While I was capturing these thoughts, Tom Brokaw actually echoed this point, which made me feel a little vindicated. He mentioned two sets of buttons seen on the streets of the inauguration... both worn by people who were enjoying the event and supportive of Obama. He noted buttons that declared, "Yes, we did!" joined by buttons that answered, "Yes, we know!"
I like Obama. I like his youth, his philosophy on family, and the ability that he can speak coherently... but... to be completely honest, I didn't vote for him. I thought about it long and hard, but felt it was too soon. That McCain's experience and life-long dedication to service would do us proud. I thought McCain was an older version of Obama, who still had an ethical vision and strategy for America, but his vision had been tested and strengthened by experience (both failures and success).
But, again, I am still very proud of my new President and of our country for electing him... even though I cannot truly participate in the afterglow of the inauguration.
With this background, I'm a little peeved with American media and coverage of the event. This has been bothering me more and more since the election. Specifically, I take offense with the statement that "America has overwhelmingly demanded change". That our prayers have been answered and an end is near to the failed regime of W. Bush. That we will again take our leadership position in the world. Huh? The popular vote was separated by 7 percentage points. I realize not super close, but not a thrashing. The country was split between Midwest and the coasts. This wasn't a 20 point beat-down that Nixon or Regan enjoyed... or even a 10 point victory that Clinton enjoyed. With a president with the lowest rating in history, wouldn't a declaration of change been trumpeted differently?
While I was capturing these thoughts, Tom Brokaw actually echoed this point, which made me feel a little vindicated. He mentioned two sets of buttons seen on the streets of the inauguration... both worn by people who were enjoying the event and supportive of Obama. He noted buttons that declared, "Yes, we did!" joined by buttons that answered, "Yes, we know!"
posted by Big Dave @ 2:42 PM
1 Comments:
At 8:35 AM,
Ckreifels said…
Well said! I agree with your sentiments and actually felt much the same as I watched the media coverage. I do not feel we should put Obama up on a pedestal until he actually deserves to be there. I truly pray he changes the country in the ways he promised but he has four long years ahead of him...
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