While I never planned to do any political blogs on a sports site, I thought that it would be prudent to share some thoughts on this very historic day. I have been incredibly busy lately, and unfortunately was not able to watch the inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama today. I was deeply saddened by this, but I hope to be able to watch the entire address online at some point tomorrow. President Obama is one of the greatest orators that I have ever heard, and there is nobody that I enjoy listening to speak more than the President.
Sports are great for one reason. Sports in general is the only platform that can bring together folks from all different backgrounds and political affiliations and unite us all on one common ground. I'm sure that there are those on this site that I happen to like very much, but we wouldn't get along very well if we were to talk politics. Without trying to give the impression that I am throwing him under the bus, I will use Bigalke as an example. I have a feeling that if he and I were to talk about politics, we would get into a heated argument. However, he is one of my favorite users of this site. Sports can do that.
As a little bit of background, I come from an agricultural family. We own a feedlot (or "Factory Farm" or "Confined Animal Feeding Operation [CAFO]", if you prefer), and have for nearly 90 years. I am a registered Republican in the state of Colorado, and I tend to fall on the conservative side of the legislature more often than not. In fact, I voted almost straight Republican in the elections of this past November. This was the first election that I was able to vote in, and I was very excited to go to the polls during the first week of November (I voted early, which is quite common in the state of Colorado). There are a lot of things to be excited about when you vote in your first Presidential election. I filled out my sample ballot, and strode to the voting computer confidently, as if I had been there before. Now, I mentioned before that I voted nearly straight Republican. The key word is nearly. As I reached to touch the screen for my first official vote, I hesitated. My first official vote couldn't be for a democrat, could it? I laughed to myself a little bit, and then I reached and touched the screen. I cast my only democratic vote of the election in a contested office. I cast my ballot for Senator Barack Obama as President and Senator Joe Biden as Vice President.
I can't really explain why I voted for Obama. There are a number of reasons, but it's difficult to put into words. The way that he can captivate an audience certainly affected me. I, too, felt that a distinct change needed to be made. One of my sisters was in Germany when President Obama won the democratic nomination, and the headline in a German newspaper the next morning read, "A President For The World". If the rest of the world can be that excited about an American Presidential candidate, shouldn't we, as Americans, be more excited? Whatever the reason, I am proud to say that I voted for President Obama in my first election, and I am proud to call him my President. As an American, I feel that it is my duty to pray for the President every day. I feel that it is my duty to support him, but I also feel that it is my duty to criticize when criticism is necessary. It remains to be seen what he can do for our nation and our world. However, today is a great day for both. America will never be the same. God bless President Obama.
Jessica Gomes
Jarah Mariano
Did You See That?
College Football Top 25 Review
Comments (13) Add A Comment
Believe it or not I too am a conservative. Enjoyed your blog very much and I too am hoping President Obama succeeds. Obama's Presidency occurs during very turbulent times, hopefully he is up to the challenge. Oh, and I almost forgot.... Hey President Obama, legalize Da Ganj Mon!
Mondo Jay
Fan Nation, HQ
Total Comments (11193)
Great Blog. You will be very pleased, if not moved, I was, with the President's' address.
auldone
Gig Harbor, WA
Total Comments (546)
Well written, mate.
I didn't vote for anybody (coz I can't) but if I could, I'd be worried if McCain died & Palin was un charge.
Obama is so popular, he could be voted into the NBA All-Star Game.
eylesy
Total Comments (141)
It's true... in most political matters, we would most likely be diametrically opposed to one another. You are a pretty strong Republican; I, on the other hand, did not vote for one Republican OR Democrat (Obama/Biden included). The key, going forward, is not to dwell on personal beliefs, but rather to think in a utilitarian sense about what would best serve the whole of the American public. In the end, despite my vote going elsewhere, it appears that of the two big-box candidates, Obama has the best shot at finding that non-partisan, unified voice. However, I have every intention in my Upton Sinclair sort of way to remain skeptical... for that is what politicians of all stripes require. Here's what I penned in my journal as Obama was speaking following his oath of office:
"It is easy to rant against government, to rake the muck, when it is a largely-unpopular ruler in power. But it is far more important to delve deep and dredge unpleasant facts when a ruler is in office that most people want to see succeed. These are the times when the media is apt to try sweeping the dirt under the rug..."
We can all take pride in how far our country advanced yesterday... but we must all realize that even the best politicians are defined not by the best of what they accomplish, but the worst. We won't remember Bush for his laudable work bolstering PEPFAR; we'll remember Guantanamo, Katrina, and the financial collapse. In the same vein, when we invoke Clinton's name it is a string of mistresses that trips off the tongue. Bush's daddy? "Read my lips"... and so on through history...
Enjoy this moment... because it is certainly worthy to instill pride in every American heart. But the 20th of January 2009 has given way to the 21st and the rest of this presidential term. Stay vigilant, everyone -- a watchful eye and a little tempered trust is essential in these troubled times...
Thanks for the piece, wtnelson. Quality writing and a relevant message... even if it can be found on a sports site... for politics is perhaps the most cutthroat sport of all...
Bigalke
Springfield, OR
Total Comments (22305)
Well written. As a US vet, and a republican, I did not vote for Obama. I did vote Dem in my state for GOV, and senator. We also voted in the first Native American (Indian) to run the states Education department.
Even in a large state, small on population, and large in conservatism, you could feel the winds blowing in change. I am tired of the mistrust and the negativity that surrounded our president in the last 3 years. We need to support our new President, but we need to make sure he stays in check, for we see what happens when we don't.
Montana Herigon
Great Falls , MT
Total Comments (15)
A common quote is "Politics makes strange bedfellows." I suspect that the sports model you mention is a better way to measure friendships than the political model.
I did not vote for either Obama or for McCain. But I respect them both and wish both of them the very best. I am prepared to support President Obama's initiatives in dealing with our national and international issues.
And, yes, I do believe that Barack Obama deserves his nitch in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Appleseed
Detroit, MI
Total Comments (947)
I voted for McCain but have the attitude that either candidate in this last election would be better than what has been in there these past eight years. Good luck, Mr. President. You seem to have already healed some of our damaged reputation abroad. One Canadian gentleman sent me an email yesterday that said, "Welcome back America, we missed you." If that doesn't speak volumes I don't know what will.
G-MEN 2007 CHAMPS
Total Comments (80)
Just look at one of the oddest political friendships in history: Pat Buchanan and Hunter S. Thompson...
Bigalke
Springfield, OR
Total Comments (22305)
Shhhhh...don't let the Prez hear you say that!!! LMMFAO
Seriously, I'm an independent who didn't pull the lever for EITHER one. But, I'm willing to give B.H.O. a little leeway to start off his Presidency.
(Until he screws up ROYALLY, that is.)
DC Sports Nut: Nats,…
Total Comments (2558)
Excellent piece, wt!
As a Canadian, I will very likely never have the right to vote in an American election. However, I was pulling for Obama the whole way. His entire road was very inspirational to me, along with his message of change and the willingness to do so. He's 100 times better than any candidate my sorry parliament can muster up.
Once again, great job.
Redwing19: retired
Halifax, NS
Total Comments (35151)
What a score!
We have ourselves TWO blogs in ONE!
As a Canadian, I certainly am interested what happens in your country as it has such an economic effect on our own.
I do think that Obama is the right guy at the right time. However, his legacy will remain to be written and he definatley has his work cut out for him. Too many people in the populous have made this election into a win for the black man. I only hope it's so much more than that.
Baun-ded=PUCKHEAD
Total Comments (5387)
Very true and more than a little ironic in that the previous administration asked people to vote on their "moral values" often at the cost of their - and the country's - economic well being.
It's always wise to remain, if perhaps not skeptical, then certainly vigilant when considering our politicians but I personally am very optimistic about Obama's presidency and his ability to move an agenda forward in a more inclusive manner.
Seabird 56
Total Comments (1660)
Almost forgot lol, Another great blog, WT. And I hope you don't throw Bigalke under the bus - tire tracks never look good on anybody.
Seriously, I think you captured the spirit of this election very well. As per usual, nice writing!
Seabird 56
Total Comments (1660)
Comment
Remember to keep your posts clean. Profanity will get filtered, and offensive comments will be removed.