Wednesday, November 5, 2008

i'd like to say...

Watching the Obama supporters last night, with tears streaming down their faces, their screaming, clapping, dancing and fainting, I have to admit I was a bit emotional myself. I appreciate what this means to African Americans, you could see it on their faces. Juan Williams cried through his whole commentary. And, as opposed to an Obama presidency as I am, I still hold dear, and respect and value the Office of the Presidency, the symbolism of that office. These kinds of things make me weepy, as does the National Anthem. I can't help it. And, although many of you might disagree, I am not bitter, or angry. I am just interested, opinionated, and involved, and I supported and voted for someone else. But as much as I can understand what this means to his supporters, it is unfortunate that what this year meant to those who supported Hillary Clinton or John McCain and Sarah Palin, wasn't understood.

I'd like to say that I think Obama transcended race, and is truly a new kind of Politician. But, then I remember the number of times people who opposed him were called racist. I can't forget the Clinton's painted as racists, her supporters, then Palin, and McCain themselves, as well as their supporters. I can't forget the number of times I was called racist on my blog, or online from the very first day.

I'd like to say that as I watched Michelle on stage last night, that I felt pride that she will be our first African American First Lady. But, I can't forget the times she said she was for the first time, proud of her country. A country that afforded her an Ivy League education, a country where her family prospered and excelled. I can't forget her saying that America is a mean country. I can't forget when she said that she would have to think long and hard before she would support Hillary, should she be the nominee. I can't forget when she said that *if you can't run your own house, how can you run the White House*, such an affront to women everywhere.

I'd like to say, as I watched those adorable two girls on the stage last night, the opportunity that lies ahead of them, and all young women. But then I couldn't help think of the attacks on the children of Sarah Palin. I couldn't help think of the attacks on her, her 17 year old daughter, and Hillary Clinton, and her female supporters. I can't forget the public acceptance of the effigy of Sarah Palin, or the Clinton Nutcrackers, or the Sarah Palin is a cunt t-shirts, or the many, many sexist attacks. I couldn't help remember the nasty comments coming from the left that she should have aborted Trig.

I'd like to say, as I watched the supporters, running through the streets celebrating, that they deserved it, that they worked hard, and put up an honest fair political fight. That they just wanted it more. But then I couldn't help think of the personal attacks on me, from the day I typed *I support Hillary*. I can't forget the anonymous personal attacks, and death threats and worse, left on my blog, for discussing the race. I couldn't help but watch the crowd, and think, "are they someone who called me a whore or a racist c*nt?" I can't forget the caucus fraud that was witnessed all over the country in the primary. I can't forget the attacks on African Americans who didn't support Obama. I can't forget that someone told Soldier4Hillary that they hoped she died in Iraq, because she supported Hillary. I couldn't help think of the Black Panthers I saw, in Philadelphia standing in front of the polling place, threatening voters. I can't forget the death threats on Tavis Smiley for criticizing Obama. I can't forget the Super Delegates who received death threats for supporting Hillary.

I’d like to say as I watched Hillary and Bill cast their vote yesterday that I believe they supported Obama. But, I can't forget what Hillary said during the primary, questioning Obama on Rezko and Ayers, and Wright. I can't forget the constant insults from Obama about the Clinton presidency, and Hillary personally, and professionally. I can't forget Biden, Edwards, Dodd, and more, tell the American people that Obama is not ready, and not tested. I can't forget his refusal to release his Senate records, his college transcripts, or his passport.

I'd like to say, as I saw Obama standing there last night, in front of a wall of American flags, giving his speech, that he truly loves America, and is a man of his word. But I can't forget his excuse for not wearing the Flag pin, and then his political expediency in wearing it. I can't forget the photo of him not placing his hand over his heart during the National Anthem. I can't forget the photo William Ayers standing on the American flag. I can't forget his refusal to release his birth certificate, something that was demanded of Mccain.

I’d like to say, as I watched Obama vote for himself as President yesterday, that I appreciated what an out of body, overwhelming experience that must have been, the pride and excitement he must feel. But, then I saw William Ayers go into the same polling booth, as did Farrakhan. I was reminded of what Obama did early in his career, to get to this point, who he considered appropriate to associate with, to befriend, and to partner with to further his political career. I can't forget how he exposed his opponents in Chicago, and personally attacked them, to get them removed from the ballot. I can't forget how he ran his Chicago Districts and his dealings with Rezko, and the state of despair his districts are in. I can't forget that he didn't leave that church.

I'd like to say that I watched him walk to the podium, to give his acceptance speech that he worked so hard, and that he earned this. But I can't forget what little he has actually accomplished. Yes, he ran a good campaign, he campaigned longer then he has ever held a job. I can't forget all the articles I have read, about his start in the Chicago Senate, and how he was handed bills, to further his career, how his mentor carried him, made himself a Senator. I can't forget the articles I read how Obama would catch Dodd or Kennedy in the halls and cling to them as they went to present bills, and adding himself to their accomplishments. I can't forget that he has campaigned longer then he has actually served in the Senate. I can't forget how he himself said, in 2004 that he was not ready.

I'd like to say, as I saw him standing there, that the people have spoken, and the best man won. But, I can't forget the thousands and thousands of fraudulent voters registered, the buses of homeless and drug addicts that were driven to the polls. I can't forget the Obama supporters who have been caught voting twice, the people on the streets saying they voted multiple times, the overseas ballots that have been tossed out. Those four delegates. I can't forget the actions of the DNC and how they treated the Clintons. I can't forget the efforts to shove Hillary Clinton from the race.

I'd like to say that as I saw him standing there, and even as I listened to him, and was moved to tears, that he deserves it. I couldn't help think of the man that did not win. A man who has courageously served his country since he was 17 years old. A man who fought, and almost died for his country. A man who spent five years in a prison in Vietnam, at the same time one of Obama's neighbors and friends was bombing the Pentagon, and Capital. I couldn't help remember that Obama gave a book review to Ayers, whose other book was dedicated to the man who killed Robert Kennedy.

I'd like to say that, although my candidate lost, I trust that Obama will follow through with his promises. But I can't forget the broken promises he has already made, and the lies that he has told - looking into the eye of the American people. I can't forget the sliding numbers for his tax cuts.

I'd like to say that as I was watching McCain give his concession speech, that he lost after a good fight. But I can't forget that McCain couldn't even fight. His every move, every attempt to put up a good fight was chastised in the media, screams of racism were thrown at him. Even having to fight his own party. As I watched Sarah Palin standing behind him, I couldn't help think how close we were to having a woman in the White House. As I watched her fight back her tears, I couldn't help think of all that she has accomplished in her life, being only two years older then me. I can't forget all the disgusting insulting attacks thrown at her, and how she stayed strong. I can't forget all of the attacks coming from so called feminists, and how far this election has set us back, as women. And apparently, we really have not gone that far. I can't forget members of her own party calling her a cancer. I can't forget the attacks on her and her family, a sitting Governor who has served the people of Alaska, who was asked to join the Republican ticket. The respect I felt for McCain and Palin standing there, moved me to tears. He is a true American Hero, and his service to his country should never be forgotten. I can't forget the attacks I have read, from the left, on his service.

I’d like to say that Obama is truly a man who was supported by the American people. But I can't forget the broken promise to accept campaign finance. I can't forget the millions of dollars of overseas money he as illegally accepted, the millions he has had to return, the unchecked prepaid credit card donations. And his refusal to release the donor list. I can't forget the millions he has raised and spent, and the promise he broke to get there.

I'd like to say that Obama will be for all people. But can't forget the personal attacks on Joe the Plumber and anyone who opposed Obama. I can't forget his pandering to Christian Conservatives in some states, including the gay bashers, his opposition to gay marriage, or his refusal to speak out against the sexist attacks on Clinton and Palin. I can't forget that Obama pays his female employees less than the men. I can't forget his double talk regarding Israel. I can't forget his is associations with Farrakhan, Wright, Khalidi, Meeks, Moss, Dhorn, Ayers, ACORN.

I'd like to say that Obama will help the economy. But I can't forget his share of the responsibility in the collapse of Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac. I can't forget all of the experts telling us how his spending and proposals are going to add trillions in more debt. I can't forget that he is second only to Dodd, in his two short years in the Senate, for taking money from them.

I'd like to say, as I watched the members of the media praise him, and talk about what a great story this is, that I think it is. But I can't forget the attacks that they launched on Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, their supporters, and Bill Clinton as well. I can’t forget their utter failure to do their job, to report the facts, not to create the story. I can't forget their complete and utter bias. I can't forget their cover ups, and failures to vet this candidate. I can't forget their personal attacks on an average citizen.

I'd like to say that this proves that America is not racist. But I can't forget that 95% of the African Americans voted for Obama. For half of the country, their opposition to Obama was not about race. It was his judgment and his character. It was his policies. And for conservatives, it was everything he and his party stands for. White Americans, Democrats, embraced him. He won cross over votes. But those who didn't vote for him didn't do so because of his skin color. But those who did?

I'd like to believe that when Obama said that *out of many, we are one* that were true. But for those who did not support him, from the first days of the primary, were told to for example *keep the fuck out of my country* were treated anything but.

I do understand what this means to his supporters, to African Americans, and to people around the world. I do. As I said, I could see it in their tear streamed faces. And it saddens me that I can't share gleefully in this moment in history.

As much as I want to welcome this idea of change, this new age of politics, this giant step for mankind, this great leap of faith, this huge movement forward in race relations in America, I just can't forget how we got to this day.

Will Obama live up to *the promise*? As they say, time will tell.


And as far as the DNC now controlling all three branches?
Gird your loins my friends, gird your loins.

12 comments:

Martha said...

You have so eloquently put together what I'm feeling right now, thoughts that I can't express to most people I work with because they are so blissfully happy about the election results.

I don't understand how voting for one ticket rather than the other means that you're racist, but voting for the other ticket doesn't mean that you're sexist.

I hope that we can move forward with grace and dignity, and I certainly don't want to be embittered, but a lot of pride has to be swallowed. I can only hope that the "honeymoon" period will be over soon enough and that the media and the rest of us will be able to scrutinize the new president the way he ought to be scrutinized.

As to the DNC controlling all three branches---OUCH. That truly is a scary thought.

sol. said...

Sarah,

Please don't stop your excellent commentary now that the (s)election is over. You've been first on the
feminist blogosphere over and over with important news. Sometimes I don't know how you do it from so far away. But then I remember how much clarity I had, living overseas, in the land of real news and deep thinking, so maybe it is easier than being here, where most people don't think too much and unaltered news is hard to find.

Your blog and clarity are so important. And we radical feminists need somewhere that feels like home.

american girl in italy said...

Thank you both very much. That truly means the world to me.

What a ride this year has been.

I will probably take a day or two off, do some housework (haha) regroup, and then be right back!

we have a lot of work to do.

Linda said...

I feel exactly the same way. Very eloquently written.

Colleen said...

Well done, Sara. Your blog(s), candor and passion have impressed and inspired me. You go Rebel-girl!

una mamma italiana said...

The way that you put everything in this post ubelievably captures my sentiments about the election. I can appreciate the fact that history was made...but I can't help but remember all that you pointed out. I just hope that the things that Obama got away with while campaigning will not be overseen while he is president. I hope that our country can come together to actually work towards positive improvement. I know everyone is sick of far right policies but how is far left EVERYWHERE the answer? I hope Obama bridges the gap...regardless we're in for four years of this....I want to carve your words in stone so no one ever forgets. My fear is not that questionable Democrat man is now our president, my fear is that the American people have willingly chosen to wear blindfolds when looking at their country...

Bobbie said...

Hi,

I have been reading your blog for a while now. There are a few out there in the blogosphere who have been able to convey their feelings about this campaign so succintly, and yours is one of them. I commend you for that. I too am truly disappointed in the outcome and fearful of where we could be going. I can only hope that Obama keeps his word the next four years. I appreciate all that was said about Sarah Palin. I am from Alaska and have felt horrible about her unfair treatment during the last few months. Not just in the "lower 48", or abroad, but here in my own state!
Obama would be wise to include members from all parties in his cabinet. Then we would really know he is all about "change" and fairness. Please keep up the good work. There is always 2012.

insightanalytical said...

Very eloquent. One of the best things I've read in the aftermath of this election...

We must keep our inegrity. I heard Donald Trump tonight explaining how bad things were, that all the bailout money the banks have gotten is not being used...But, we will never hear of ACORN and the Democrats refusal to monitor the system again???

Down the memory hole...but it is up to us to remind people...

Jack Tar said...

Extremely well said. Your posts never disappoint. As a previous com mentor mentioned, I hope you continue to write, as you have a genuine gift for it.

You've also shown me that I have (to my chagrin and my wife's amusement)common ground with a feminist. Turns out I'm not a MCP after all.

I hope you continue to write, I'll most certainly continue to read your work.

D~ said...

Well said! I've enjoyed reading your blog through the election.

JWM said...

Terrific post.

I quoted, commented and linked.

http://johninnorthcarolina.blogspot.com/2008/11/puma-wants-to-believe-but-girds-her.html

John in Carolina

lucretia54 said...

Wow, I feel like I've found my long lost little sister!
I came to this post by way of your piece on No Quarter, which blew me away because it could have been me talking, except that I haven't been able to put it into words...strange things have been coming out....bit by bit.
I fell in love with a young retail salesman when he told me confidentially that he wrote in Hillary Clinton. He was 23! I said, "You must have some woman in your life who influenced you to do that!" He said, "No, I don't pay much attention to politics, but that seemed the right thing to do!"
So slowly, we will remember that despite all the deception, there is a lot of good out there. I am trying to express myself a bit now- you may want to visit my attempt at a blog, at least my piece called "Jesse's Tears" @ http://peaceisthewayaimoo.blogspot.com/
I hope to get out more of these post election blues/shock/balance finding state of being feelings!
Your two columns are spot-on!