I’ve now voted in five presidential elections. And the candidates I chose to support have lost three out of those five. Yet I’ve never once lost my pride in this country. Sure, I’ve been disappointed in its leaders (from both parties, thank you) at times and scratched my head at certain policies. Vocalized my support or opposition to others a bit more vocally. But regardless of what Bush did or Clinton did or Obama might do, this is my home. And I’m thankful beyond measure that I was born here. That I didn’t have to either discover its goodness or flee some tyrannical regime to taste its sweet freedom.I’ll admit that I haven’t traveled extensively overseas. My wife and I spent two weeks in Italy that I’ll never forget and I’ve done a bit of production in Toronto. But that’s it. Still, while I know many people abroad – especially in Western Europe – wonder what the heck we’re doing over here, I honestly don’t give it a lot of thought. I don’t want this country to be more European. More secular. More socialistic. And I suspect a decent number of Europeans don’t want their own countries that way, either. Or hate us nearly as much as Europe’s media (which makes our own seem to be paragons of objectivity) insists they do. After all, both Germany and France voted in pro-American leaders in their last elections. But when it comes down to it, I want America to be America. I want to be free to speak, worship and vote as I choose. I want the government to do as little as possible, for both practical and philosophical reasons. I want us to help other countries both out of our own self interest and our benevolence. No other country in the history of the world has helped elevate the human condition more than ours. And if you think I’m wrong, well, I’m sorry you’re blinded by some sort of ideology I’ll never understand.
I didn’t vote for Obama. Frankly, I think he’s just a repackaging of ideas that have proven unworkable in the past. Nonetheless, he will be my president. So I will support him in his efforts to lead this country’s government. I will pray for his safety. I will pray for his judgement. When I disagree with his positions, I will say so.
And then I’ll go about my life.
Because my hope and happiness aren’t tied to a man, a political party or what the government says they can do for me. It’s tied to my faith, my family and my friends. And I’m forever grateful this country makes it so much easier for me to enjoy these things.
God bless America.
Fox
Fox,
Now that a few days have passed and my disappointment has subsided, I find that your summation fits my mood perfectly.
I have made a personal commitment not to be a ‘hater’ of this administration, in retribution to the Bush vitriol. It would be easy to spend the next 4 years taking shots at the ‘redistribution of wealth’ model – but I don’t want to be that guy (or woman, in my case).
Emulating your loyalty to country, and yes, President is my new optimistic mindset. Right or wrong, I won’t mimic (celebrity) threats to abandon my homeland in response to policies and decisions made. If I disagree, I will do so with letters to my congressman and other appropriate channels.
Thank you for addressing what is most important in this country – our right to the pursuit of happiness.
You’re a good American.
Cheers,
Joanie
Well said Mr. Fox. I’ve had difficulty finding arguments in recent months that carry any weight with my left-leaning and liberal friends. In the near term, I’ll simply point them to your blog.
Thanks
Rodney
Very well said. If I win the recount here in MN, I’ve promised everyone in Minnesota a free dozen of Krispy Kreme (trademark) doughnuts. I will send a coupon your way.
Yours,
The White Shadow
Thanks, everyone. Except you, Al. I hope the recount shows you lose by even more votes.
You seem like a good guy, albeit kind of confused about economic history (you should thank FDR every day for saving this country from unfettered capitalism. Our hybrid system is still the best in the world.) This might help:
http://www.slate.com/id/2201641/
Make sure you get to the end, and Dick Fuld’s (Lehman Bros) comment before Congress about the role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in the mortgage meltdown.
Cheers, and keep up the entertaining entries.
Sorry, not going to thank FDR for spawning 70 years of government over-spending and bottomless social programs. Of course we still have the best system — I’d like to keep it that way.