Sunday, November 9, 2008
Several days later
I sit here, waiting for the coffee to finish brewing, on a colder wet Sunday morning. The NYTs in front of me, glanced through, but not read. Thinking, in the quiet, about what this week has just brought forth. And considering why I am happy to a degree, but not thrilled; optimistic about some change, but still deeply disappointed with the options that exist. An interesting situation to find myself in, after eight years of hoping for something very positive to happen, that will change the course of history for the US.
I've been keeping abreast of several lines of thought among the blogs I frequent, over the days since the election. I can share in the positive vibe that comes from electing a Democrat, even one I remain skeptical about. I am proud that we as a country see change as a necessary step; and believe that Obama does represent some change. I am looking forward to seeing what a "post-racial" presidency might mean. And I relish the loss of position by Libby Dole and John Sununu, and what may come to be the loss of Norm Coleman from public life. These prehistoric narcissists deserve to be put out to pasture.
I mourn deeply that California proved to be a disappointment, however. I wish I could say that I was surprised by the outcome, but the writing had been on the wall. Reading Pam Spaulding, I am reminded that this is a failure by the gay and lesbian communities, as much as it is a war on equality by such hypocrites as the Mormon, fundamentalist christian, and Roman Catholic minions who listen to their church leaders without thinking about the meanings of their actions. Joined in such hatred now with Florida and Arizona, California's populace reminds me that disrespect remains a strong inclination among many of my fellow citizens; and sadly, to see such short-term consideration from members of minority communities, even taking into account the failure to reach out to those communities, reminds me of the long road ahead for civility and respect in this country. As a Gay man, I can only hang my head in sadness right now. And then work with my peers to determine how to help others marginalized by this situation to reach out and convince families and peers that disrespect for others diminishes your professions of hope and change.
What I am most troubled by, however, is that our newly elected Black president feels that expediency overrides respect, as well. Separate but equal is not equal. And I am appalled that he likely knows this, but believes it unworthy of regard. Much like he allowed his campaign to engage in misogynistic and counter-racist rhetoric, and said nothing in turn. These, among other examples of narcissistic expediency and disrespect, leave me feeling far from accepting of this individual as true purveyor of change. Sadly, instead, I find myself wondering if we have done nothing more than elect the Democratic version of the previous self-involved president; someone who professes to care when in reality, he does not do so very much.
I remain cautiously optimistic that there are going to be representatives and members of the cabinet being developed who will serve as guides for this unexperienced man; advisors who will remind him that his election was dependent on a risk taken by many, who look for clear change to occur. But I stand back now, with only a modicum of hope (which is far from an audacious emotion, Mr. Obama), wishing that things will be different but not really expecting so much. In all honesty, as much as I wish otherwise, I admit that I don't anticipate a new FDR or even a new Kennedy; I do wish however for a man who can move outside of himself and see that this country has much to do, and hope that he begins to recognize that respect comes from the top. But we'll see, won't we.
I've been keeping abreast of several lines of thought among the blogs I frequent, over the days since the election. I can share in the positive vibe that comes from electing a Democrat, even one I remain skeptical about. I am proud that we as a country see change as a necessary step; and believe that Obama does represent some change. I am looking forward to seeing what a "post-racial" presidency might mean. And I relish the loss of position by Libby Dole and John Sununu, and what may come to be the loss of Norm Coleman from public life. These prehistoric narcissists deserve to be put out to pasture.
I mourn deeply that California proved to be a disappointment, however. I wish I could say that I was surprised by the outcome, but the writing had been on the wall. Reading Pam Spaulding, I am reminded that this is a failure by the gay and lesbian communities, as much as it is a war on equality by such hypocrites as the Mormon, fundamentalist christian, and Roman Catholic minions who listen to their church leaders without thinking about the meanings of their actions. Joined in such hatred now with Florida and Arizona, California's populace reminds me that disrespect remains a strong inclination among many of my fellow citizens; and sadly, to see such short-term consideration from members of minority communities, even taking into account the failure to reach out to those communities, reminds me of the long road ahead for civility and respect in this country. As a Gay man, I can only hang my head in sadness right now. And then work with my peers to determine how to help others marginalized by this situation to reach out and convince families and peers that disrespect for others diminishes your professions of hope and change.
What I am most troubled by, however, is that our newly elected Black president feels that expediency overrides respect, as well. Separate but equal is not equal. And I am appalled that he likely knows this, but believes it unworthy of regard. Much like he allowed his campaign to engage in misogynistic and counter-racist rhetoric, and said nothing in turn. These, among other examples of narcissistic expediency and disrespect, leave me feeling far from accepting of this individual as true purveyor of change. Sadly, instead, I find myself wondering if we have done nothing more than elect the Democratic version of the previous self-involved president; someone who professes to care when in reality, he does not do so very much.
I remain cautiously optimistic that there are going to be representatives and members of the cabinet being developed who will serve as guides for this unexperienced man; advisors who will remind him that his election was dependent on a risk taken by many, who look for clear change to occur. But I stand back now, with only a modicum of hope (which is far from an audacious emotion, Mr. Obama), wishing that things will be different but not really expecting so much. In all honesty, as much as I wish otherwise, I admit that I don't anticipate a new FDR or even a new Kennedy; I do wish however for a man who can move outside of himself and see that this country has much to do, and hope that he begins to recognize that respect comes from the top. But we'll see, won't we.
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