05/11: Congratulations to President-elect Obama
Category: From the Heart
Posted by: A Waco Farmer
Congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama, who ran the best campaign of my lifetime--possibly the best campaign ever.
Why did we lose this election?
Number One Reason: because we deserved to. Our only argument was that the other guys were going to be even more disastrous than we had been. True enough, perhaps, but not compelling.
As a tribe, we conservatives believe in consequences for bad decisions and poor performance. We failed miserably in our attempt to right this country. It is time to take our medicine. It is time to rebuild on a solid foundation of fundamental principles.
On the other hand, I wish Barack Obama success, for his success will be my success.
In truth, we know almost nothing about him. Four years ago he was an obscure state senator--and he is not naturally forthcoming about his history or his philosophy. Nevertheless, my sense (i.e. fervent prayer) is that he is an intelligent fellow and a good man. Let's hope for the best.
What are my realistic but optimistic expectations for an Obama presidency?
1. I hope that Obama will be a healer and a pragmatist.
2. I hope Obama completes the mission in Iraq regardless of where the credit for success may fall. If the president-elect decides to retain Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense, and David Petraeus as commander of Cent-Com, and allows them to back us out of Iraq in a responsible fashion, he will have my undying gratitude for the duration of his administration.
3. I hope the new president will address the long-term realities of spending and taxes and what is possible and sustainable (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
4. I hope the new president will address our long-term liabilities regarding education (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
5. I hope the president will address our long-term energy needs in a pragmatic way (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
What are my expectations for myself?
1. Realize that much more is at stake over the next few months and years than partisan victory.
2. Realize that the success of the next president is inextricably linked to our success as a nation in a moment in which we cannot afford to fail as a nation.
3. Support my president wholeheartedly on January 21st.
Of course, I will continue to advocate for my core principles, which are the same now as they have been for all of my adult life. However, I will do nothing to tear down this president. I will do all I can to guard against character assassination and Obama Derangement Syndrome.
If he succeeds grandly, we win as a nation. If he falls short, we will be back in time to offer another option--and maybe we will be better equipped to live up to our own ideals then.
May God Bless this President. May God Bless America.
Why did we lose this election?
Number One Reason: because we deserved to. Our only argument was that the other guys were going to be even more disastrous than we had been. True enough, perhaps, but not compelling.
As a tribe, we conservatives believe in consequences for bad decisions and poor performance. We failed miserably in our attempt to right this country. It is time to take our medicine. It is time to rebuild on a solid foundation of fundamental principles.
On the other hand, I wish Barack Obama success, for his success will be my success.
In truth, we know almost nothing about him. Four years ago he was an obscure state senator--and he is not naturally forthcoming about his history or his philosophy. Nevertheless, my sense (i.e. fervent prayer) is that he is an intelligent fellow and a good man. Let's hope for the best.
What are my realistic but optimistic expectations for an Obama presidency?
1. I hope that Obama will be a healer and a pragmatist.
2. I hope Obama completes the mission in Iraq regardless of where the credit for success may fall. If the president-elect decides to retain Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense, and David Petraeus as commander of Cent-Com, and allows them to back us out of Iraq in a responsible fashion, he will have my undying gratitude for the duration of his administration.
3. I hope the new president will address the long-term realities of spending and taxes and what is possible and sustainable (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
4. I hope the new president will address our long-term liabilities regarding education (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
5. I hope the president will address our long-term energy needs in a pragmatic way (as opposed to banal Democratic Party talking points).
What are my expectations for myself?
1. Realize that much more is at stake over the next few months and years than partisan victory.
2. Realize that the success of the next president is inextricably linked to our success as a nation in a moment in which we cannot afford to fail as a nation.
3. Support my president wholeheartedly on January 21st.
Of course, I will continue to advocate for my core principles, which are the same now as they have been for all of my adult life. However, I will do nothing to tear down this president. I will do all I can to guard against character assassination and Obama Derangement Syndrome.
If he succeeds grandly, we win as a nation. If he falls short, we will be back in time to offer another option--and maybe we will be better equipped to live up to our own ideals then.
May God Bless this President. May God Bless America.
an okie gardener wrote: