You sound like a nice and sincere guy. For that reason I’ll thank you for taking the time to share your ideas and observations, especially knowing you’d be inviting upon yourself the fury of a ton of angry FReepers. You know how it feels to be disappointed by the results of an election...thanks for not kicking us when we’re down.
That said, I wish I shared your excitement about the upcoming Obama administration. Unfortunately, I do not. I think we will all find out, sooner rather than later, that he has duped his followers. There are so many unanswered questions about who he is, what he believes and what he has/hasn’t done in his life. It seems that it is unacceptable to ask those questions, though.
I think the thing that bothers me the most is the outright worship of this man. Sure, conservatives LOVED President Reagan (still do), but he proved himself first. And even then, you didn’t see people crying or fainting in his presence. You didn’t see his face splashed across his campaign signs. People loved him, but understood that he was simply human. Thus far, Barack Obama has done nothing of note but deliver several well-written speeches full of airy-fairy promises and feel-good rhetoric. I have not been able to figure out the hypnotic effect he’s had on so many people, particularly given his thin resume of achievement. It’s pure idolatry, and more than a little disturbing.
Let’s face it, the expectations on Barack Obama’s presidency are astronomical. He has no realistic chance of keeping all the promises he made while campaigning, which is why his camp began attempting to lower those expectations shortly before Election Day. Those who have pinned their hopes (and perhaps their very lives) on this man are sure to be the most devastated when he falls (and he inevitably will, as would any president). Some heard only what they wanted to when listening to him speak. They are counting on him to solve their every problem. They seem to believe that they’ll never have to work again and all their bills will be paid by the government. The problem with the unprecedented hype around this man is that he has nowhere to go but down.
I fear the kind of “change” Obama will try to bring to America. I have family living in a socialist nation. You don’t want to get them started on the “foolish” Americans who blindly support these ideals...Americans who’ve never actually experienced socialism for themselves. It’s easy to read about, or even visit, a country that embraces socialism and to romanticize the concept. Living there is quite a different matter. Ask those who’ve shared a MASH-type hospital “room” with 9 other people. Ask those who’ve had to wait an entire year to get home telephone service (only to have their phone numbers changed from time to time and without any notice). No, I’m not too excited about the changes Obama may have lined up for us, but I have committed to praying for him daily. For his wisdom in the decisions he makes, for the counsel he keeps, even for his safety and that of his family and staff. I trust God above any man. I hope Obama does, as well.
I fear you are in for some real surprise and disillusionment, but I do appreciate your perspective and your offering it in such a gracious manner.
TXBlair
Great post!
I agree expectations are just too much to ever be met. But, Obama probably did enough in the “hope” department for most people by being an African American elected, and by being a democrat elected after Bush. We’re all just hoping he’s one better than “doesn’t suck.”
And I’ve never met anyone who campaigned for, donated to or voted for Obama who thought Obama was going to give them handouts, so that they won’t have to work or pay bills. Nobody - ever.
I mean...what about Oprah? She’s like a super capitalist. Does anyone think she’d accept socialism?