Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Bringing it together

I know the Cannon family just narrowly supported Obama, but I hope all of us watched our president-elect's speech last night. What has always drawn me to Barack Obama is his goal to unite a partisan nation, to work together with all citizens to fix what affects all citizens. I really appreciated Senator McCain's speech, "I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that." I am grateful for the peaceful transfer of power, something unheard of until our country began its own political system (thanks to Mark for that book). I am grateful for the popular vote and for a system of checks and balances so that even majority cannot rule. We are so privileged to live here and participate in government.
On CNN last night one of the commentators remarked how electing Obama will immediately change our image internationally, in a way he thinks has never been so monumental. And that, I believe, is the beginning of what will be a good change for America. I am excited about the prospects ahead of us, it will certainly be a bumpy road, but there is a lot that can be improved. What a great nation we live in.

"There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand...
"Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too."
-President Obama (ok, not quite yet)


(And if prop 8 is passed- which it looks like it may be- then election day is even sweeter)

4 comments:

MomCan said...

Thanks for the post Wynn. I respect that he has been elected by the majority of the people and know that now is the time to support the office of the Pres of the United States. I only hope he has the ability to do what he promised he would do. Time will tell. Go prop 8.

Playa!!! said...

Great post, Wynn.

Playa!!! said...

Also, I'd like to point out that actually, McCain won with Cannons (2 out of 3) hahaha

James said...

I have felt throughout the campaign a great amount of hope that has allowed us to rise above the cynicism of the past. Barack Obama and Joe Biden can accomplish great things as we have faith in and work with their presidency. His speech showed humility and an understanding of the tasks ahead of him. I get the feeling he knows his strength lies with the support of the American people and is dedicated to ruling with the voice of the people. I am proud to be an American!