Thursday, November 8, 2012

One More Thing...

I wasn't planning on writing anything else election-related, but on the day after the election I came across three things that I felt were worthy of space on this blog.

First, Romney's Concession Speech.
I was moved by the words he spoke - words of thanks to his supporters, unity among all Americans, and support for the President - to his supporters on Tuesday night. I will use Romney as an example as I continue to teach my children to work hard for what they believe in and how to graciously accept defeat when that hard work does not translate into victory.

"At a time like this we can't risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work, and we citizens also have to rise to the occasion...We're counting on you to invest, to hire, to step forward, and we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics.

I believe in America. I believe in the people of America...Like so many of you, Paul and I have left everything on the field. We have given our all to this campaign...I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader, and so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation. Thank you and God bless America. You guys are the best. Thank you so much."


Second, Obama's Acceptance Speech.
I didn't stay up late enough to hear either speech live, but I heard the end of Obama's speech while I was huffing and puffing on the treadmill at the gym the morning after. Obama's tone was of course different than Romney's, but his speech included, as Romney's did, words of thanks, unity, and support and made me proud to be an American. This election and Obama's victory will allow me to teach my children that our country's political system is messy and complicated, and that even in times of great controversy and confusion, it's alright to believe that we are one.

"America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunity and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.

I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America.

And together with your help and God’s grace we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on Earth. Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States."


And third, A Bad Lip-Reading of the 2012 Debate Highlights.
It's very funny, folks, watch it if you need a good laugh.

No comments:

Post a Comment