A Quick Post-Election Wrap-Up (Then I'll Shut Up About Politics For A Long Time, I Promise!)

Well, since I haven't done such a great job blogging so far this November (this will "only" make me 5-of-8 for blogging in November...oops), I thought I'd share a few quick thoughts on our latest presidential election, which was held just this last Tuesday.

from usmagazine.com

In many ways, the 2012 presidential election was historic; it was a Mormon millionaire/ex-governor (Mitt Romney) up against an incumbent mixed-race president (Barack Obama). For the record: I'm very happy we live in an America where one's religion and skin color is no longer a determining factor in whether someone is "fit" to run for president. Also historic: there was a crazy, unprecedented amount of fundraising on both sides; this meant that much of the country was flooded with robo-calls, attack ads, mailings, and more. For political junkies like my husband (and me, to a lesser extent), this is an intense, exciting time of year. For many less interested people, it is a crushing wave of unwanted solicitation. Regardless of what type you are, you will still probably be glad when the election is all over...finally, some relief!

I am relieved the election is over, but I am mostly disappointed with the results. I chose to vote for Republican Mitt Romney, but the incumbent president, Barack Obama, won a second term. Presumably, he'll continue to unleash his interesting theories of growing the economy on the country for four more years. So far (in my opinion, and in that of many others), Obama has been...shall we say...less than successful at determining what makes companies tick, and at creating new jobs for the many Americans out of work.

 For the record: I am a registered Independent but tend to be vote right of center. I used to be a registered Republican, but finally dropped out when I realized that the crazy religious/social fundamentalists had taken over the party. Over the years, I've found myself slowly tipping leftward on many social issues, but I remain fiscally quite conservative. That's why I chose to vote for Mr. Romney; he has a proven business track record, experience which I felt would be vital in restoring economic confidence in a recession-wracked country. He was a Republican governor in a very liberal state (Massachusetts), which made me think he would probably govern as a moderate who would reach out to both sides. Plus, I felt Romney was a decent, generous human being (he often came across as a sort of jovial "stake president" type to me), and it would be nice to see that kind of thing in the White House.

Well, I was initially depressed and concerned when Obama won reelection. While I think he is a great orator, I'm not convinced he has a whole lot of great work experience in the "real world," and unfortunately he has become quite full of himself over the years due to the crazy adulation some people shower on him. (To be fair, though, "arrogant and cocky" probably describes most prominent politicians...including Romney to an extent I bet!). While I believe he is sincere in his desire to help the poor and disadvantaged in America, I strongly disagree with the methods he wants to use to achieve his goals. I don't think he has an answer to the imminent collapse of American entitlement programs (Medicare/Social Security). And while noble in intent, his national health-care system is likely going to become an expensive, bureaucratic nightmare that will overwhelm doctors, raise prices, and depress quality of care for everyone over the long term.

I know, I know...doom and gloom. Sorry! I sincerely hope none of this comes to pass. I have had a wake-up call, though. After the election, I had an unpleasant realization about myself; part of me had been actively hoping for Obama to fail, so he would be voted out and the "madness" he'd unleashed could end. After some thought, I realize that such desires are not just pointless but dangerous. Actively wishing for someone to fail is a sign of a small mind and spirit...not the example I want to set to anyone, and not the proper way to live my life.

So have I changed my mind about Obama's policies? Not at all (I realize some of my more progressive/liberal friends may be disappointed to hear this, but I assume they'll forgive me). However, I have realized that I need to change my focus and find ways for my personal goals to dovetail with the political/social realities around me. I need to find ways to share my beliefs in a non-threatening way, while doing my part to help the community and those around me. I need to lead by example, and do the very best job I can with the opportunities that are given to me. I must never judge or engage people in a hostile way, even if we don't agree on all the issues. I need to respect opinions that are different than mine, and do my part to achieve reasonable compromise when necessary.

When I worry about the future of our country, I must stop fretting about things I cannot change, and rely on my faith. This is not Obama's country, in the final analysis; this land and all the people in it belong to our Father In Heaven. I believe this with all my heart! I also believe that the vast majority of people (all sons and daughters of God) are genuinely loving, caring beings who want the best for the country and everyone in it. Our Father loves all of us equally...no matter our station or deeds. I have faith that our goodness (even in the face of much conflict and opposition) will be the mark of our eternal success. So, I need to pray for our president...whether I voted for him or not! I may have to hold my breath sometimes when he's pushing through legislation I disagree with, but I do want our president to succeed in his job. I want our country to recover from the hard times it's been through (fortunately, I think the economy is slowly improving; let's hope it continues!). I want America to become a stronger, more successful, and more loving place. I will pray fervently for all these things to happen.

(Incidentally, I also hope Mitt Romney sticks around. Not as a presidential candidate, obviously, but as an influential public figure. I still believe that he has the influence, money, and power to do lots of good in the world, and I hope he finds ways to improve the lives of Americans, even if he doesn't do it from the Oval Office).

And (worst-case scenario, of course) if the country fades? If disaster strikes? Then I must not waver in my desire to choose the right and be a shining example. I have faith that things will proceed as they should, and that He has a plan for each of us. All I can do is keep my part of the covenant I've made with Him, no matter the odds.

Okay, sorry for the "heavy" political talk; I realize this usually isn't *that* kind of a blog. But I've had this stuff on my mind a lot the last few days, so thanks for bearing with me. Perhaps I've even gotten it all out of my system now, and can move on with my life! We'll see as we try to finish painting the downstairs this weekend...