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I know that I'm falling into the cliche practice of writing about Obama on the day when he not only takes office, but many other bloggers - both in support and in opposition to his policies - are doing so as well.
Walking to my car from work this afternoon, I realized what an unbridgeable chasm exists between myself and those who voted for Barack Obama. Enthusiasm for his presidency is as unappealing to me as music I dislike, or some distasteful fashion fad that catches on with the general public, and the logic behind its success remains elusive to me. I know that the Obama presidency is the result of voter exasperation with the Bush administration. I know that the American people weren't drawn to Obama, but repelled by George Bush and his catastrophic decisions which took this country - if not the world - in a very dangerous and intricate path. But my goodness, was Obama really necessary? There are many things I find wrong with George Bush. But never, EVER, did I imagine we would replace him with someone who, in some aspects, is significantly worse .
In the streets of Washington, D.C. tonight, and in other parts of our country, people celebrate like it's the second coming of Christ. The man whose persona they have already mythologized and have infused with messianic qualities, has finally been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. And in some cases, people celebrate not because Obama the man took office, but because a race they feel a special kinship to did as well. How shameful is that? To vote or advance someone because of his or her race is as wrong as to debilitate them or deny them the respect they deserve because of their race.
Let us pray for a speedy four years.
Walking to my car from work this afternoon, I realized what an unbridgeable chasm exists between myself and those who voted for Barack Obama. Enthusiasm for his presidency is as unappealing to me as music I dislike, or some distasteful fashion fad that catches on with the general public, and the logic behind its success remains elusive to me. I know that the Obama presidency is the result of voter exasperation with the Bush administration. I know that the American people weren't drawn to Obama, but repelled by George Bush and his catastrophic decisions which took this country - if not the world - in a very dangerous and intricate path. But my goodness, was Obama really necessary? There are many things I find wrong with George Bush. But never, EVER, did I imagine we would replace him with someone who, in some aspects, is significantly worse .
In the streets of Washington, D.C. tonight, and in other parts of our country, people celebrate like it's the second coming of Christ. The man whose persona they have already mythologized and have infused with messianic qualities, has finally been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. And in some cases, people celebrate not because Obama the man took office, but because a race they feel a special kinship to did as well. How shameful is that? To vote or advance someone because of his or her race is as wrong as to debilitate them or deny them the respect they deserve because of their race.
Let us pray for a speedy four years.
6 comments:
I didn't expect to make a political post, I rarely do but I did do so today on my luminousmiseries.ca blog. I echo your thoughts.
It is all a bit lonely on this side of the pond too, if you are deeply skeptical of Obama and his rhetoric.
I'm just so reminded of Tony Blair, and that is very unpleasant.
Well, Tom, I couldn't agree with you more!
How true Mark - and Rita too. That is what I thought too when I read about Mr Obama's victory. And the same thing has happened in Australia now.
Regarding your last paragraph I couldn't agree more. Here in Germany it is the same. Everyone is carrying on about the new President of America and what a victory for the people in voting for someone of a different racial background but no one is saying anything about policies etc although I did see this morning that the prison at Guantanamo Bay is going to be closed.
I think all the people who watched the inaugaration with tears in their eyes will have tears for a different reason when they understand just what they have done. Hey, Tom, wanna move to Canada?
Tom: Superb post. I've been depressed all week-for many reasons, but the election is one.
You nailed it in your last paragraph. The same folks who praise his election for his race fail to realize that they have compartmentalized him, not seen him without his race (as affirmative action proponents tell us that legislation is supposed to do!).
I'm scared. Really. Scared.
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