A Change Will Do You Good
Well, my friends. I am breaking every rule in my book today. I’m going to talk politics. And I’m going to talk honestly about politics (something else I hardly ever do). If you agree or disagree, if you think I’m right or wrong, if you voted red or blue, I hope you will put these differences aside, as I am learning to do.
I am a Republican. Living in Connecticut, that is like announcing that I am a leper. But try as I might, I can’t hide the fact that my value system is based firmly on the Republican platform of less government, less taxes, less foreign affairs. In a nutshell, I believe the government should really keep me safe from harm and that’s about it. I don’t want them in my doctor’s office, my small business, my classroom, my family, or my church. These are the principles that make me a Republican.
In the past 8 years, it hasn’t only been living in Connecticut that has me hiding my Republican philosophies. It has been shame in my party. The governing authorities in power for the past 8 years are not the ones I elected. True, I checked the box and cast my vote for them. But their agenda was not the agenda that I voted for. And for a long time I thought that this meant Republicans were wrong. This was our President. This was our party. This was our platform. If I didn’t agree, then surely I was wrong.
But we all learn as time marches on, and I have learned that I am not wrong. I may not be right, but I am not wrong. The Republican party that I know has strong values, believes in the vitality and independence of the American worker, respects privacy and the decisions of individuals, acknowledges working classes in ALL pay brackets, and, above all, is proud of its country and its leaders. I’m sure if you were to put this list of characteristics in front of any Democrat, they would describe this as the fundamental of their political platform as well.
In the simplest of senses, we all want the same thing. We all want a country that keeps us safe, but we want more than that. We want a country with values and ethics, great potential and the resources to realize that potential. We want a country who is proud and noble without being judgmental or dominating. But there are a thousand different ways to reach these goals. Republicans have one path. Democrats have another.
I had truly hoped this next generation would see the pride and honor of the Republican party that I know. And I had hoped they would experience this through the next President, John McCain. By as early as 8:30 last night, I knew that wouldn’t happen. And I’m not frustrated. I’m not disappointed. I’m actually quite hopeful.
I’m hopeful that I am wrong. I’m hopeful that the ends we all desire can truly be met by a variety of means. I’m hopeful that the nation will respect viewpoints of all different platforms, nationalities, races, genders. And while at this point I am a bit skeptical and doubtful that we have elected the change everyone is so desperate for, I am hopeful that we have.
I am a Republican, and I didn’t vote for the man who made history last night. But I will support him. Because he is going to be my president and because he has inspired so many Americans to see the good in their country again. I will support him cautiously, but confidently.
I wanted change from a different source. But in lieu of that, I’ll take change. Onward and upward can’t begin until we are all on board.
And I am.
15 Comments
Emily
Sometimes it kinda freaks me out cause I think we may share a brain.
Vandy
So refreshing to read that from you! I think we may share a brain, too! I am determined to be positive for the coming years and be a gracious citizen in the country I love. Not to succumb to Obama Derangement Syndrome, as so many around me have had nasty, ugly cases of Bush DS, and more recently Palin DS. Hope you feel better soon, you’re almost through the sicky prego portion and it gets so much better and more amazing every day from here on out!
Grandma
You have so cleverly written this article that I don’t
think I will have to re-write the will! I am so proud that you have such an interest in politics and our country. Love ya.
aowenby
Hey brother, I think you might enjoy my post on this same topic. It’s time to build a new party…
Cheers.
http://aowenby.wordpress.com/
maureenlynn
Last night my boyfriend and I had a very long conversation about politics, religion, the meaning of life, natural disasters, etc., and it left me feeling rather depressed. Reading this made me feel better because it shows optimism and hope for the future, even if things didn’t turn out exactly the way you wanted right now. I hope others who read it will feel the same.
Betsy
Amen!
paintedpants
I am a very liberal Democrat who spent 28 years living in the Democratic north only to move to the very Republican south, so I too have felt like a leper. It’s been difficult standing up for what I believe in when most people here don’t agree with my particular views (someone actually ran over my Obama yard sign with their car last night and it went missing from my yard twice!) But I think all of us want so new leadership and a new direction, no matter what party you happen to be affiliated with.
JerseyGirl
IF those are the principals that make you a Republican, I can tell you with heartfelt sincerity, that I share and value those exact same things as a Democrat. Very cool piece!
Ginny
Couldn’t agree more… you’re so wise.
AmandaG
I think it’s very cool of you to be able to say what you said. I wish many others felt the same way. Great post!
nigel
I agree with you, even though I’m a liberal-leaning Independent. However, not all of CT is liberal. If you were to go down to Fairfield County or up to Litchfield County, you’ll see that those two areas are much less liberal (and in Fairfield County, very conservative) than the rest of the state. Overall, I’ve found that CT is a center-left state.
It’s good to be able to read something that’s so well written.
Mom
We may all be guilty of becoming so “politically” involved these days that we forget that love of this great country and the freedom it affords each of us far outweighs our differences. I’m licking my wounds, too, following this election – but when its all said and done….I’m still living in the greatest most democratic nation in the world. Your post helped remind me of the greater good. Thank you.
Mom
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Naomi
I wish more people thought the way you do.