Relationships - President-elect Obama; Reflections from a McCain Supporter

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President-elect Obama

Reflections from a McCain Supporter

By Sarah Smiley

Election Night, 9:00 P.M. EST

My 7-year-old son, Ford, falls asleep with his book of United States Presidents tucked beneath his chin. The moment before his eyes fall shut, he asks, "Mom, will our country be different in the morning?"

Election Night, 10:00 P.M. EST

It looks like Sen. John McCain will lose Ohio and therefore the election.

I hop on Facebook to see what friends there are buzzing about, and I am suddenly -- immediately -- overcome by the realization that a good majority of them have changed their profile pictures to reflect the Obama-distorted-American-flag logo.

I think about Ford's question -- Will our country be different in the morning? -- and I know that it will. It has been changing all along.

Election Night, 11:00 P.M. EST

Sen. Obama has clearly won the election.

There was a time in American history when a candidate like John McCain would be a no-brainer. He is a war hero with decades of experience in Washington D.C. and foreign policy. He is patriotic. A true defender of the Constitution and what it represents.

So how can it be that we have just elected someone who has repeatedly called our country -- our Constitution -- fundamentally flawed? How can it be that we have just elected someone who still won't use the word "victory" and likes to believe that America is not exceptional among other nations? How can it be that we have just elected someone who will punish capitalism, the very thing that the "American Dream" is made of?

Why have half my friends on Facebook chosen the Obama emblem for their profile picture?

And why -- WHY? -- do I feel timid about putting an American flag on mine? Why is it considered unpatriotic -- unfashionable, even -- to support the war hero?

The election of Barack Obama is historic and proves that America has changed in many positive ways, most notably in issues of race. But the election of Barack Obama has me worried that perhaps our country has changed in a fundamental way. Maybe we have become tolerant of race, but intolerant of American patriotism?

November 5, 12:23 A.M EST

Sen. McCain has delivered a gracious and sincere concession speech, and now President-elect Barack Obama has wrapped up his for acceptance.

My partisan feelings from the hour before have faded somewhat. I am relieved that Obama, in his speech tonight, seems more moderate and "to the center" than he appeared to be during the entire campaign.

I am overcome with emotion for this historic event, a true testament to America. And I am perhaps a little annoyed with myself for feeling.....well, hopeful. The people have spoken. This is what makes us America, the greatest country on Earth.

I won't agree with Obama's policies and positions most of the time. But I respect and admire what he has accomplished tonight. I am relieved that the elections are over, and I am disappointed that my candidate lost his fight. But the American way, in all of its perfection (yes, perfection) always prevails.

Yes, the country will be different tomorrow, Ford. And I hope it will be better.

Blending Beautifully
I Do – Now What Do I Do?
Beyond the Yellow Ribbon
Romancing the Word
My Vote for Obama

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Lisa	11/5/2008 6:54:30 PM
Thank You Sarah Smiley for describing very eloquently how I feel about McCain's loss in the Presidential run. I am very disappointed. But, I do not believe Barack Obama is "moderate" or "in the center". I believe he is an extreme leftist; he proved that today when he selected Rep. Rahm Emanual as his White House Chief of Staff. (it is not clear whether Emanual has accepted the position) I ask the same questions you asked concerning HOW is it that Obama was elected knowing that he believes "our Constitution -- fundamentally flawed? How can it be that we have just elected someone who still won't use the word "victory" and likes to believe that America is not exceptional among other nations? How can it be that we have just elected someone who will punish capitalism, the very thing that the "American Dream" is made of?" Today America is different. It is no longer the America that our Fore-Fathers dreamed of, that previous soldiers have died for. It is an America that is willing to accept Government Bondage as a way of life. The cycle is complete. What comes next? Prayer and turning back to God. Then Revolution for freedom from bondage.
hanklovesliz224	11/5/2008 7:31:00 PM
I agree with you 100% except I truely am afraid of what this may mean for us, military personnel.
Lawyer Mama	11/5/2008 9:18:40 PM
Sarah, I admire your faith in the system despite your candidate's loss, but I think I can explain some of your confusion. First, the Constitution is a flawed document. No document written 200 years ago could possibly be perfect. Our interpretation of the constitution evolves as society evolves, even those of strict constructionists. No one would know that better than a constitutional law scholar, which Barack Obama is. If you listen to his FULL remarks, he wasn't criticizing the nation or our system of democracy, but the very real problems with the document itself that arise with social change. Would anyone argue that only white men should still be able to vote or count as full people? Um, no. Second, we should never, ever question the patriotism of someone without cause. To do so is, frankly, the biggest insult you can make to any American and it's beneath all of us. Barack Obama has spent his life serving his country, he just chose to do it in a different way.
TLCESQ	11/5/2008 9:22:39 PM
Why are you so afraid? Wait and see; the world is a better place with Sen. Obama's election. People will see us for the real Americans we really are -- not the theocrats or idealogues who have spent the last 8 years ruling this country. We are the better for the election. Celebrate!
chrisandjennv	11/5/2008 9:28:59 PM
It is just plain ignorant to state or insinuate that the election of Barack Obama that the country has become intolerant of patriotism just as it would be ignorant to assume that because someone is a way hero that they are the best person to lead this country as president. While I think that this country would have been lucky to have John McCain serve as our president, I do not find it acceptable to make statements that have no factual basis whatsoever and that just serve to promote fear for political gain.
Amyln	11/5/2008 9:35:34 PM
I couldn't have said it better myself! I am very upset that McCain didn't win and even more upset that my husband will be headed into Iraq in January when Obama takes office! I am afraid of what this means for our military. I am even more angry that their votes are not even counted unless it's a close election! I believe in my heart that McCain was the better choice for America. He was a veteran and I know that he would have done what was in the best interest of the troops and the country. How is it that someone with such little experience is elected the "President of the United States?" I agree that America has spoken but it must feel like a real slap in the face to some of those men and women serving our country too! This man is going to change America. I pray that it's not going to be as bad as I expect it to be. As far as feeling like you can't have an American flag on your face book that's something that you need to get past. I will never stop being an American!!!!! I have always flown an American flag off my deck and I have an entire room in my house that is Americana. If that offends anyone then don't come to my house! My husband fights for our freedom and I support him and all those who serve or have ever served this Great Nation Under God. What all of these people neglect to see is that our soldiers are happy to fight for our country. They chose this line of work and I consider it a great honor to be married to such a wonderful man. I pray for his safety and all those who serve daily but they all took an oath to serve our county and they all knew what could happen when they did. Before my husband and I were married he asked me a question. He asked me if I could handle being second to our country! He told me that he took an oath that he would protect our country and that came before everything else! That was my chance to run but I didn't. We married in 1995 and I couldn't be more proud of him. I can't talk politics with anyone in my family because they are so narrow minded and are easily swayed by the Media. Just this morning I got into an argument with my mother about the election. She has never voted in any election and says that our votes don't matter anyway. I told her that if she didn't register to vote and didn't vote she had no right to speak about either candidate. She thought it was funny that Obama won and I was a McCain supporter. She called to rub salt in my wounds. It is okay for American's to be happy that Obama won if that's who they voted for but it's not okay to rub it in someones face. Especially when you know that it will greatly offend them. I will never be an Obama fan. I will eventually except him but I will never feel as though I can't be an American!!!!!!! I will fly 500 flags if I want to. Currently I am flying 13 in my garden, 1 on my deck, and multiple red, white and blue bows on all the bushes. I also have up a yellow ribbon for my husband. Don't back down on what you believe in. It is your god given right to have a flag on your face book. If that offends your friends then ask yourself if they are truly your friend. Is our Constitution fundamentally flawed? Are we supposed to stop dreaming about a better life? Just give in to popular demand? I say No Way! I will never stop fighting for what I believe in. Nor will I stop dreaming the American dream. This too shall pass. God Bless America and all who defend her.
Elizabeth	11/5/2008 9:57:03 PM
God Bless America!! We certainly will need it.
Lyle	11/5/2008 10:01:23 PM
I was so disgusted to have a flaming liberal elected to the White House that when Senator McCain announced he was withdrawing - I went outside and took down my flag - raised it back up - but upside down - As I am sure that our government is on the verge of something terrible. Tax the rich to pay for the poor - take away our right to bare arms - we might even see an extension of the main stream media and their intollerance of anything to the right of the number 2 man on the liberal side. I do believe we may lose a portion or all of our first amendment rights - especially religious freedom (it's almost gone already - no Merry Christmas, no Happy Easter - and God forbid the mention of a prayer at a school).
Diane	11/5/2008 11:34:18 PM
Many thanks Sarah for your insight and comments. I always reading your columns .. keep them coming. I am so dissapointed with the outcome of this election. It seems like our country is filled with a bunch of kool-aid drinking zoombies that only get there information from Obama-vision versus true news sources. Help us once these 52% recovers from their kool-aid induced hangovers to realize what a foolish mistake they made. God bless our great country and let's pray that our President-elect takes great care with our military.
kungfuscribble	11/6/2008 12:11:54 AM
As a Obama supporter, and a prior McCain supporter back in the 2000 race, and as a AZ native I did feel a bit sad for the Mac, but in his own words he stated the failure was his and this I believe is not just on him, but on all of his supporters and the one and only Sarah Palin. You have spewed hate, fear, lies at us, about us, about our patriotism, our enthusiasm, our resolve to get people involved and excited about politics while doing it in a positive, hopeful, and inspiring way. SHAME on you all. Lyle, you stand behind the flag, for the flag, but when you don't get your way, you insult 3/4 of the population of the country by turning it upside down? Who are you people? I just cannot believe you exist. Some of us stood and held our breath, cried, bit our tongue during the current administrations bungles, crimes, and atrocities that were committed under our flag. Hell, people were scared to say anything against Bush for fear they were being listened to by the government. But I am sure that as most of McCain’s current supporters just vote based on party line,(thanks for hijacking the GOP back in the late 90's) and thus ushered in Bush as your ”one”. How’s that working out for you? You hide behind your God with fear in your hearts... I have even heard some McCain Palin supporters say Barack was the antichrist... Why be afraid if that is the case... isn't your God Mighty? Aren't you saved? What is the problem? As a preachers kid, I was never, ever raised to spread hate. I was taught to love and to show the love of Christ and I am pretty damn sure you're not showing it now... So don't accept the outcome, just sit there in your own venom, but don't spread it. For God sake... and Yes Ford... today is a new day and it does look different, and remember this above all... hope, pray, honor and respect your fellow countrymen and you are surely to be blessed.
Kristie99	11/6/2008 1:19:50 AM
The comment "mabye we have become tolerant of race....", makes me so sad to see or hear. The definition of tolrating something is to put up with it. The fact that you feel we put up with other races is sad and digusting at the same time. A man should be considered by his character and not anything else. The American public wanted a change in Washington from the last eight years and saw our new President as the man who had the character and values to do so. I only hope that as your child grows up, he will look at people and judge them by their character and values, not just tolerate them because they are a diferent race!
Michele	11/6/2008 7:44:10 AM
Sarah, I knew when I read the title of your article that we would have similar feelings. I too supported McCain. First, I wish to state that I do support President Elect Obama, as he is our next President voted by the people. Second, I too realize that we will disagree on many issues. Third, I still fear his too far left view point and his backers. I too have a son, 8. On election day, he worried about who would win. I reminded him that God truly has the decision. We said a prayer asking for God's guidance in this important matter. He was upset that McCain's loss the next morning. I reminded him that he was voted in by Americans; deserves respect due to his office; deserves a chance and, finally, the historical aspect of this election decision...the first black american President. Thank you Sarah for writing this. A Supporter of our President, A Republican, A Christian, A Medical Professional, An Army Wife, A Mother.
KRD	11/6/2008 8:12:19 AM
Sarah, please have the compassion and the humility to understand that those who support Barack Obama for President, including so many of your fellow military spouses, are patriotic, consider their support for Obama patriotic, and love this country as much as you do. Patriotism has not become unfashionable. Entertain the idea that Barack Obama loves this country as much as you do. You distort his words, perhaps as presented through partisan sources, but he has repeatedly stated that he believes America to be the greatest country on Earth. (As for capitalism being part of the American dream - yes but: our country was founded on small 'r' republicanism, and the idea that each of us much contribute to self-ruling - the founders considered excessive wealth and love of luxury a threat to democratic republicanism. Materialism or unfettered capitalism has never been what the American Dream has meant). For those who believe that God's will is manifest on Earth, and who would have attributed John McCain's election to God's will, consider that there may be grace in Obama's election. Many of us who supported Obama respect and admire McCain, and respect his supporters. I appreciate the openness with which you end your commentary. After all, patriotism includes supporting your president.
Trank72	11/6/2008 10:52:45 AM
Sarah, I am sorry that you feel that being "patriotic" is decided by your political party. My husband is engaged in the same wars that yours is and serves the same Commander-in-Chief, my children miss him just as much as yours miss your husband when he is gone. In fact I am constantly reminded by my husband that part of the reason he chooses to put on his uniform every morning and do his part to protect and defend this country is to preserve the right to one's own opinion and the right to voice them. I think Senator McCain is a good man, I used to think I would vote for him, but I just think his plans for the future of this country as articulated by his campaign are wrong. I feel his voting record on veteran's concerns is abominable for a man whose main self-identifier is as a war hero. My vote had nothing to do with "fashion" and everything to do with a belief that this country is headed in the wrong direction and that Barack Obama has a vision of a better America to get us back on track.
kungfuscribble	11/6/2008 1:35:48 PM
Here is what the bible say's: 1) Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2) So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3) For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4) The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5) So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6) Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7) Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Romans 13:1-7 NLT And I also again say why fear... isn't your God Mighty?
Doodles	11/6/2008 5:41:24 PM
Lawyer Mama, I think YOU need to listen to his FULL comments. I have read every transcript, every word on his webpage, and listened to every speech that I could and he makes my stomach sick that such a person could be elected to the Presidency of our great nation. I compare him to the "Pied Piper".
SF WiFe	11/6/2008 7:08:56 PM
I wasn’t a very political person but this election has opened my eyes and mind to many things. At first I really wasn’t thrilled with either candidate but America has spoken and America wanted a change and that’s why so many Americans were willing to take a chance with Obama than take a chance with someone who was such an avid supporter of Bush. America is afraid to take a chance and continue with the way things are going. I agree with kungfuscribble on the their statement that some of the comments I read were disturbing especially the kool-aid thing that’s just something used for a lack of better words I suppose and the other one that read that we are tolerant of race need I remind some people of history that if you are not Native American you or your ancestors have migrated here from other places so for an American to say we are "tolerant" of race NO that’s wrong. America is what it is because we grew in KNOWLEDGE and understanding and acceptance of everyone not tolerant. That’s one of the reasons America is so great cause everyone is suppose to have an EQUAL chance no matter what RACE or Religion you are and that is my friends is the American Dream! For the comments made about Obama not using the word victory what is victory no one will say what victory is. No one in Washington will define what victory is because not even they know what it is. Like the way they didn’t know that the war was going to take this long how everyone was so confidante it would be a short simple in and out war, 6 years later and 4,000 Americans dead where is the victory what is the victory?! For comments made about our guns being taken away it can happen regardless because with the current administration if ever there is a time where martial law is implemented, all our constitutional rights are suspended and that is exactly what happened when Katrina hit. All the people were being forced to hand over their guns and they were taken away. People don’t know how sever martial law is and they think it’s so far away from reality but just do some research please cause knowledge is power. They have the right now to listen into our conversations and believe it or not they have designated "speech zones" where there you have the right to freedom of speech. Too many people are not aware of the fact that we already have been stripped from so many rights and we don’t even know it for the lack of knowledge. The patriot act is one of the biggest dismantlement to the U.S Constitutions for the people who were talking about it. Do you think our fore fathers meant for the government to have the right to go into homes without any reason or to listen in to our conversations or to declare you a terrorist and not even have to prove it? The government likes to use the FEAR FACTOR into where we submit into them without questioning them or standing up for our rights just like after 911. Now I’m not anti government but I believe the government should be regulated and for the government not to trample all over our rights like this past administration has. Lastly for the comments being made about Obama punishing capitalism come on he is not punishing the people who do well he is taxing the people who steal from us without hesitation. We are talking about Exxon & Shell, and every gas station in the country that has taken advantage of the American people whether it is because of a war or a storm. Without hesitation they jump on the opportunity to jack up the prices for gas, every major company that thrives off of Americans as soon as something happens. From my own experience when the hurricane hit in Houston who were the first to make big bucks the gas stations cause they put up the prices as high as they could cause of supply and demand Corporate America DOES NOT CARE ABOUT US... Us the average hard working Americans another shameless example of that was wall street and the bailout plan so my last thought is let’s not harshly judge our new president without looking back at the people who put us in this position to begin with. To the people that left us with no hope, and let’s not blame the first man that stood behind that podium and gave Americans a little hope back.
joss	11/7/2008 5:58:36 AM
Fox News is not going to get replaced with Al Jazeera just because McCain lost. Take a deep breath. I don't think that people have become intolerant of patriotism. Perhaps they define it differently: serving one's country (community service, military service) versus empty, check-in-the-box gestures like wearing a flag lapel pin, flying the flag from your porch, and sticking a few more on your car. Perhaps people did get tired of it being a weapon, of all the charges of this or that person isn't patriotic. Perhaps people felt the term had been hijacked and turned into shorthand for unquestioning, uncritical obedience and enthusiasm. I want patriotism to mean more than "go shopping to keep America rolling." I want the American people to have a higher pain tolerance. I know one of McCain's guys got into trouble for getting quoted as saying that we're a nation of whiners, but I think he was right. Our tolerance for discomfort is very low. People are sick of the wars and so they want them to be over, regardless of whether or not that is sound strategy. People freak out over the economy and losing their local Starbucks, so that becomes the number one issue to voters. I want people to reclaim a sense of personal responsibility and let go of their selfish need for immediate gratification.
jancarr	11/7/2008 2:16:23 PM
I agreed all the way ,I was upset that McCann didn't won this election,I even got sick over Obama wining this election.
talamieka	11/10/2008 2:46:14 PM
I am so disappointed in the threads on this post regarding the election. As a country that is supposed to be land of the free and home of the brave, I am appalled by the fear and ignorance that leads this conversation. As a spouse who's husband is currently engaged in battle I would not want to see him lead into a war with no clear exit strategy, which is of course the deck of cards being handed to President elect Obama. And as I've sat and watched our military leaders make numerous blunders over the course of these wars, I wouldn't want them running my kids ice cream stand let alone the country, especially John McCain who graduated only 5th from the bottom of his class, was shot down because he failed to pay attention in those studies to begin with. ENOUGH with this war already, I want our boys home, and I want a commander-in-chief who will be as careful getting us out of this mess as our current commander was careless getting us into it in the first place, and it seems as if the majority of Americans overwhelmingly agree.
Drinkie Drinkie	11/14/2008 10:33:41 AM
As I read your article I was struck mostly with the reteric you used about this country not electing a 'war hero', or that Obama won't ever use the work 'victory' (you know that how? if he does will he be called a flip-flopper and thus be denegrated?), or that he doesn't believe that America isn't an exceptional nation? He knows all too well how exceptional this land is - he just became a historical part of that. For those who seem to think that this America is now no longer what our Fore Fathers dreamed of or soldiers have died for, then I suggest you look inward and ask yourself - how is it not? Your first commentor ended by asking "What comes next? Prayer and turning back to God? Then Revolution for freedom from bondage." I'm not sure if that person was racist or an atheist! You know, I am not only a Navy wife, I am a veteran. Obama was raised with a grandfather who served during WWII - he may not have first hand experience in the military but that certainly doesn't mean he doesn't understand it. There are fundamental differences between every branch of the service, though they all serve the work for the same goal and yet people say that someone who has served is the best choice for our country. Says who? Isn't that why the President has the Joint Chiefs of Staff to rely on. Evey war is different and because someone has served doesn't make them a great choice for the head of our country. I admire John McCain immensely but he made huge mistakes in his campaign. I believed in when he withdrew his bid for the presidency in 1999 that he would have been our President this go round if something extraordinary didn't happen. I would have voted for him (I don't think he would have choosen Sarah Palin either). I admired his concession speech. I was emotional during Obama's acceptance speech. This wasn't just about a man who had a black father becoming our 44th President - this was about change, hope and a renewal of spirit. I know, too, that there will be hard times we, as a country, will have to endure because of where we are economically (most speficially) but Obama didn't put us here - I'm only hoping he can help us get out of it.
Lisa	11/25/2008 1:12:47 PM
I am certainly not an atheist, quite the opposite. And I'm not a racist...I believe everyone should have the same/equal opportunities as the next person, that it does not matter what is your skin color. I do not understand why my comment would provoke such a question. Below, you will find what I was referring to when I stated "What next..." About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh , had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier: "A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government." "A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury." "From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship." "The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years" "During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence: 1. from bondage to spiritual faith; 2. from spiritual faith to great courage; 3. from courage to liberty; 4. from liberty to abundance; 5. from abundance to complacency; 6. from complacency to apathy; 7. from apathy to dependence; 8. from dependence back into bondage" Professor Joseph Olson of Hemline University School of Law, St. Paul, Minnesota, points out some interesting facts concerning the 2000 Presidential election: Number of States won by: Democrats: 19 Republicans: 29 Square miles of land won by: Democrats: 580,000 Republicans: 2,427,000 Population of counties won by: Democrats: 127 million Republicans: 143 million Murder rate per 100,000 residents in counties won by: Democrats: 13.2 Republicans: 2.1 Professor Olson adds: "In aggregate, the map of the territory Republican won was mostly the land owned by the taxpaying citizens of this great country. Democrat territory mostly encompassed those citizens living in government-owned tenements and living off various forms of government welfare..." Olson believes the United States is now somewhere between the "complacency and apathy" phase of Professor Tyler's definition of democracy, with some forty percent of the nation's population already having reached the "governmental dependency" phase. My personal opinion is that our nation has reached the apathy to dependency stage, and we are fastly headed into the dependency to bondage stage. Another $500billion Government payout anyone?
ILive4Him	6/10/2009 11:13:25 AM
I am wondering now, since we are so far into this new administration.. how do some of these people think or feel, who cast their vote for Obama. Are the changes he is making worth it to you? Are you proud of your choice now? Is this the AMERICA you are proud to be a part of and want to raise your family in?

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