Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Hail to the chief!

I'm changing my tune. I support our president, whoever he may be.

I just have to believe that the inspired foundation upon which this nation was built is greater than any harm or benefit any one administration could bring to it. I'll do my best to contribute to the ideas and implementations that I believe will best preserve the principles that have made our nation great for over 200 years. I admit Obama's proposed methods of pursuing these principles differ from my belief of the "best methods" for pursuing them. Regardless, the solemn oath he will take on January 20th of next year is this:

I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

If he honorably keeps this oath to the American people, my concerns about his policy will be minimized. After all, he will be the President of the United States.

--an aside: I don't know if it's just my perception, or reality--but as soon as G.W. Bush was elected (both times) and throughout his terms in office, I don't recall ever hearing any kind of expressions of support or even respect for his office articulated from those who weren't from Bush's political party. . . Just fear, negativism, and even hate. I think this reaction divided our nation at an emotional level that must now be approaching that which existed around the time of the civil war. As broadly and vehemently as I disagree with the policy I anticipate Obama's administration will bring to our nation, I must tell myself that he sincerely has the interest of the Good of our nation at his heart. I have to tell myself that the rhetoric he espouses is sincerely motivated by his desire to bring positive benefits to our country. Under these assumptions, I will support him as president.

One other note--I'm not trying to appear 'holier than thou' [or the democrats] on this; rather, I'm expressing a hope that our nation will do what it takes to respectfully bring about the Good. I think, for now, division and derision of our leaders will not bring about the Good. -It certainly didn't help during Bush's presidency.

So, yeah. Here's hoping for the best. Congrats, Mr. O!