The election of ‘08 has just ended, and I have a lot of thoughts I want to write down about it. This is going to be full of rambling, but I hope you will bear with me through it.
For some, we got the candidate we wanted. For some, we disagree on policy and the direction things are taking. Some are still just waiting to see what comes of all of this.
Regardless of your political association or system of belief, I still feel this is the time for all of us to come together and built the nation we want so badly. This nation that was built on the back of hope. This system that our ancestors have built. Many of us feel that we’ve meandered from that path, from those ideals. For the first time in many years, I personally feel that we’re moving back towards that path.
I’ve seen more activism on every side during this election than I’ve seen in any election in my short life. That gives me hope. Am I happy with the way things turned out? Yes. Are some disappointed? Of course. We will never agree on everything, but we can still stand together and work through those differences.
This nation was built on dissent. This country was built on the backs of those that may not have believed in the system as it was, but certainly believed in the ideal it was founded on.
Now more than ever, this nation needs to come together. From the passion I’ve seen over the last months, I’m beginning to believe that we can do that. If people are fighting over policy, that means they care. If the people are activated, this country works. Once again, I’m seeing that more now than I ever have.
We are at war. A physical war abroad. A war over rights and ideals at home. A war of religion, faith, belief, and once again - of policy.
Our system will always be flawed. A system this large will always be flawed. It’s not those flaws that define us, it’s our will to strive to overcome them. I’ve recently said that change won’t come in this nation, that the populace are far too content with the bread and circus we have before us.
I’m rethinking that belief. I’m feeling that I’ve been proven wrong. So much activism between so many disparate groups are making me rethink where I’ve been. I’m feeling much less jaded.
An election won’t change our path. The passion I’ve seen devoted to this election can, however. It isn’t over just because it’s November 5th. This is an ongoing procession, don’t grow passive. One president elect will never be a silver bullet that will end our strife.
So I call upon my fellow Americans right now - remain active. Learn more about your local politics. Care. Fight. Strive for something better.
A patriot is not a person who follows the party line. If it was, our great nation would have never come about. A patriot is someone who lives the ideals they want to see in this land. Dissent against policies that you feel violate our rights. Fight with your neighbor over these issues, but realize that they live under this flag with you, and if they are fighting you, it is with the same belief in their heart that you have - even if you don’t agree on the specifics.
Don’t ever back down, don’t ever fear to assert yourself, and don’t ever have too much pride to admit when you’re wrong.
I truly believe that we can build something our ancestors would be proud of. Forget party lines and seek justice as you see it. Remember that dissent and rebellion are different. Work within the system to improve the system itself. Yet still… hold humility in your hearts and open your ears to your brothers and sisters who may speak against what you think is right. There is a middle ground, we have only to find it.
I’ve always been proud of our ideals, and today I am more proud than ever to be an American.
We live under this flag together, and together we can do more than we could ever do alone.
Yes. We can.
