Spring Break
Not everyone wanted Obama
Paul Dexter
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: Opinion
On Jan. 20, 2009, the first African-American President in the history of the United States took office. This is such a symbol of how far we have come. Only 50 odd years ago, whole swaths of our country would not even allow blacks the right to vote; yet on this day our mighty military, our vast federal government, and all of the immense powers vested into the executive came under the command of a black man. It is a testament to the greatness of our nation, and our ability to progress toward the fulfillment of our ideals. As a citizen, this makes me proud, yet on this day so many thoughts and feelings accompany my pride.
As I think about how patriotic I feel concerning the Inauguration, I had envisioned it would be different. On Jan. 20, I thought we would be celebrating the swearing in of Sen. John McCain. Feelings of great disappointment strangely accompany my pride. This election, I worked hard and voted for Sen. McCain because he is a war hero and one of the greatest living statesmen in America. He is one of those rare politicians that are truly in it for the right reasons. I still believe he was the right choice, and I still very much look up to him as a role model in public service. His center-right policies and bipartisan record would have made for an effective administration. However, I must accept that the majority of the American people did not feel this way.
As a Republican, I will support my new president when I feel he is right and vigorously oppose him when I feel he is wrong. The dismantling of anti-terror measures, the forcing of the military to engage in an overly speedy withdrawal from Iraq, the passage of national debt multiplying "bailout/stimulus" packages and the nominating of liberal, pro-abortion judges will force me to stand against these policies. Myself and other Republicans should guard against engaging in mindless opposition. This will not lead us back into power; it will only keep us far from it.
Finally, as I ponder all of these thoughts I feel almost duty bound to unite behind my new president. It comes from a sense of patriotism instead of political loyalty. We have such a great country, and I do not believe Obama's election makes us that much greater as a nation. The greatness of our country is in us, the people. We are a great country regardless of who is elected president. Our story is of a people who constantly faces challenges and meets them. The challenges we face in this time are enormous. President Obama has been entrusted to lead us in this time. I pray for him. I hope that his administration is filled with much success, and I hope God continues to bless us as a people.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
As I think about how patriotic I feel concerning the Inauguration, I had envisioned it would be different. On Jan. 20, I thought we would be celebrating the swearing in of Sen. John McCain. Feelings of great disappointment strangely accompany my pride. This election, I worked hard and voted for Sen. McCain because he is a war hero and one of the greatest living statesmen in America. He is one of those rare politicians that are truly in it for the right reasons. I still believe he was the right choice, and I still very much look up to him as a role model in public service. His center-right policies and bipartisan record would have made for an effective administration. However, I must accept that the majority of the American people did not feel this way.
As a Republican, I will support my new president when I feel he is right and vigorously oppose him when I feel he is wrong. The dismantling of anti-terror measures, the forcing of the military to engage in an overly speedy withdrawal from Iraq, the passage of national debt multiplying "bailout/stimulus" packages and the nominating of liberal, pro-abortion judges will force me to stand against these policies. Myself and other Republicans should guard against engaging in mindless opposition. This will not lead us back into power; it will only keep us far from it.
Finally, as I ponder all of these thoughts I feel almost duty bound to unite behind my new president. It comes from a sense of patriotism instead of political loyalty. We have such a great country, and I do not believe Obama's election makes us that much greater as a nation. The greatness of our country is in us, the people. We are a great country regardless of who is elected president. Our story is of a people who constantly faces challenges and meets them. The challenges we face in this time are enormous. President Obama has been entrusted to lead us in this time. I pray for him. I hope that his administration is filled with much success, and I hope God continues to bless us as a people.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 19
Dirty Politics
posted 1/26/09 @ 2:53 PM EST
I thik it is pretty shitty how people are using Barrack Hussein Obama's rise to the top as some sort of stepping stone for themselves. As in, "now that he has become president, it just goes to show that we can do anyting we put our minds to. (Continued…)
Rachel
posted 1/27/09 @ 1:17 AM EST
This is one of the best articles I've seen in the TEC in a long time. Even if I don't completely agree with your sentiments, I appreciate the well thought out, articulate reasons for your argument. (Continued…)
Sinjun
posted 1/28/09 @ 12:29 AM EST
have you noticed that the Messiah has spoken against Rush Limbuagh and now his faithful flock to attack. What i wonder is this: How long will it be before the Messiah does more than just talk out about people who he percieves to be his enemies? How long until the Messiah does his best to silence them from the airways altogether?
elizabeth
posted 1/28/09 @ 10:20 AM EST
Hey R, it's called freedom of speech. Rush can say whatever the hell he wants.
PS-I hope he fails too. He's a socialist prick who thinks he is better than everyone. (Continued…)
Sinjun
posted 1/28/09 @ 4:19 PM EST
To R:
like many people you fail to see exacally what Rush Limbaugh said. He said interms of Socialism he does indeed want Obama to fail, why would he want Socialism to socceed in our country. (Continued…)
Obama won
posted 1/28/09 @ 5:24 PM EST
because McCain made the most rediculous VP appointment in history. I voted for McCain/ but most of my friends and family are moderates and after hearing Palin speak they were turned off. (Continued…)
Sinjun
posted 1/28/09 @ 6:52 PM EST
are you then telling me the love affair the left wing media has with Obama didn't turn them off either?
You'd be amazed how sexist this last camaign was and i see quite a lot of people blame gov. (Continued…)
NB
posted 1/29/09 @ 3:07 PM EST
This was a decent article but its hard for me to really say I wanted to see that happen on the 20th, I wanted the inaguration and I have been kept up to date on everyone that Obama elected into critical roles and my big thing is. (Continued…)
I love
posted 1/29/09 @ 8:07 PM EST
the high minded discourse at ECU.
Even the people with a modicum of intelligence cannot resist being idiots.
That, by the way, was a bipartisan attack. (Continued…)
suzie
posted 1/30/09 @ 3:01 AM EST
Paul Dexter is my political soulmate.
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