Confessional

Are you there, Reagan? It's me, Jamie. I have a confession...I'm glad that McCain lost. Forgive me.

Remember when I said I had a revelation at the DNC? Here it is…I think when you have different ideas, and then get politics and power involved, things get way more competitive than they have to be. I have some fierce friends on both sides of politics who cannot begin to grasp how the other half thinks, which is a very sad, very extreme and blinded place to be. Understanding both sides doesn’t make you weak, doesn’t make you a flip-flopper—it just makes you better informed and may even help you to be a better person. It doesn’t mean you agreee—it just means you can see where your brother is coming from and can therefore treat him with respect.

I admit to being flabbergasted by the lefties once in a while, but as I watched Obama’s speech accepting his nomination, I mostly watched the crowd. I understood that they really, honestly, with all their hearts believed that he can do what he says he’s going to do. And he says he is going to do mostly good things. These are things that everyone wants—life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness (those are inalienable); equality, health, education, opportunity; I understand. There are very few people in the world who do not agree on the ENDS of our government. I think the disagreements come about the MEANS—about the government’s role in accomplishing the ENDS.

My idea is that the large federal government is unweildy and unable to address the needs of Americans on an individual and community level. I believe that I can do so much more for my community as a neighbor, friend, and servant than the President, or even my senator. I would rather work closely with my state and local government to solve problems than sit and wait for someone acroos the contintent (who has made a career of politics—don’t get me started on THAT) to come to our aid. I also believe in personal responsibility, and that most Americans will be more responsible with their own tax dollars (I am, thanks to THIS) than the federal government is (and the evidence of this truth is practically insurrmoutable—hello, Katrina?). However, I can clearly see where the idea of having a huge governent and welfare system can be attractive, too. It’s quite ideal, but unworkable due to the ever-present non-contributing sector of society. Fairness, sadly, is way out of our hands.

Anyway, as I watched the convention, and again as I watched Obama at Grants Park, I had the feeling that it’s worth a try. I think that the fierce idealism will be tempered by reality, and what’s wrong with a little fierce idealism when the country’s in the crapper? It's like letting a 9th grader run for Student Body President with the promise of A's and college admissions for all! Go for it, Sparky! The energy I saw and felt can certainly lift us out of the hole we’re in, and in two years we can elect people to ensure that we don’t dig ourselves another, deeper pit. Ya gotta love checks and balances.

I find the Obama story fascinating, riveting. His poor Grandma dying just adds to the drama. My heart really went out to him as I watched him speak Tuesday night—he was definitely sober, and seemed oddly alone (it’s a heavy mantle). I kind of look forward to watching the next few years unfold. But that may be because I face them like a spectator, from the log porch of my mountain home where I am mostly insulated from the craziness of Washington and Wall Street, with a basement full of food and guns. I have the luxury, if you will, of watching an experiment knowing my life won’t totally explode if the experiment fails. So count me in, peeps. I can’t deny there is magic in the air, so let’s roll with it. And git yer Welcome Jesus shirts on.

Another confession: there is something about Michelle Obama that I really like—as in, I bet if we knew eachother, we’d be friends. She is strong, accomplished, funny and still feminine, and regardless of politics, those are qualities I like in a friend. My hubby can’t stand her, so I like to annoy him by watching her speak, and then remind him, “Better Michelle than Hilary,” which is something upon which we all agree.