November 14, 2006 7:29 AM
About the election
Politically I am a conservative. I vote based on my values and beliefs - which has meant that since my conversion from the radical left in 1987, I've voted Republican simply because the Democratic candidates where I've lived are seldom pro-life and small government.
So, yes, I was hoping that we would not see a Democrat victory last week. I lived in California for 30 years and have seen up close and personally the havoc wreaked by Democrat political control.
And who knows what might have happened if the media was not so involved in systematically brainwashing us. I was in the doctor's office with Sophia yesterday (ear infection) and picked up a copy of Time's pre-election issue with a cover shot of Bush slouching off the page and a screaming headline/list of all the reasons why Americans are supposed to hate him. I haven't bought a Time magazine for years because they no longer even make a pretense of reporting the news with any objectivity (the same issue also had an article slamming Christians for passing their beliefs onto their kids).
I used the opportunity to discuss media bias with Sophia, showing her the cover and asking, "Do you think the media reflect public opinion or shape public opinion?" All conservatives should be having these discussions with their kids, preparing them for the real world and building their capacity for critical thinking.
Anyway, yes I am a little sad at the outcome of the election. On the other hand, I feel that Republicans - as they so often do - squandered their opportunity for real change and instead transformed themselves into the party of big government. They never appreciate their conservative base and instead remind me of middle school nerds who in their desperation for acceptance by the cool crowd become carbon copies. This is why I don't identify myself as a Republican - they don't always take the conservative course. They're too concerned with what people think.
I am sad because the shortsightedness and self-centeredness of the American people - coupled with the endless barrage of media negativity - has blinded them to the fact that it has been Bush's War on Terror which has kept us safe since 9/11. Instead of being credited for our security, he has instead been vilified. I see that so often in national and local politics - that those who do good pay a heavy, heavy price. And yes, there is a biblical precedent for it, but it still hurts when you're walking through it.
I don't often talk about politics here because I prefer to stick to our common ground as mothers. And I don't want to get into a big debate with those who may disagree. Such debates are pretty pointless as no one seems to listen much to the other side. I don't want my blog to be like one of those TV talk shows with the shouting heads.
I prefer to keep the heart connection with my readers. We are all mothers (and some fathers) and we have one thing in common: wanting the best for our children.
The bottom line - and what I thought the morning after the election - is that while whatever is happening politically does impact our families in some trickle-down way, our real lives go on at a more humble level where we are called to give our best each day to make the world a better place.
For me that translates into being as gracious and kind as I possibly can to anyone I meet, looking for ways to serve, rejoicing with those who rejoice and mourning with those who mourn. And above all, continually learning to be a better mother. That's the journey I want to share with you here.
As for the Republicans, I am reminded of something G. K. Chesterton said:
The purpose of Christianity is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.
It's never a good idea to get so comfortable you forget your true calling. Hopefully some years of discomfort will restore the Republicans to their former vision. Until then, as a conservative, I really have no political home.
But I will always be at home when talking to mothers about the things that matter most of all.
Posted in Current Affairs | Permalink
Comments
I agree, Barbara. I agree.
Posted by: holly | November 14, 2006 9:25 PM
I really have no political home.
I hear ya there!
I'm sorta on the opposite end. I'm a pro-life Dem. We are growing in numbers, but I'm not comfortable calling myself a Dem. I don't want the label that most people would see (liberal)
I'm hoping that both parties start reflecting the people instead trying to put people in their boxes.
Personally I think it's important to have different parties. Even though I may not agree with one or the other, they do work to temper each other. I don't like to see either one with too much power. (California being a great example)
Posted by: whimsy | November 15, 2006 10:22 AM
I agree too!
Posted by: Spunky | November 15, 2006 4:31 PM
