Yes We Can!

Elections are funny things. They bring out and the best and worst in people and highlight where we struggle as a nation as we put a giant microscope on our every blemish and open sore. But mainly elections stir passion and enthusiasm in people and cause us to do things we don't normally do --- like wear buttons, put signs in our yards, study the issues, and debate our positions with others.

At the end of an election there is always a winner and a loser. Last night my candidate lost. It's not the first time and it won't be the last. Although the future of our nation and strength of our new President-elect is uncertain, there is plenty of good news that we can be certain about today.

1. 1. An African-American man was elected president of the United States of America. That thought wasn't dare spoken 50 years ago which makes this election monumental. That accomplishment shouldn't be discounted just because he wasn't my candidate. My children are the first generation of Americans who are growing up color blind; I think that's a great sign in how far this country has come.
2. 2. Our next president was elected in a peaceful display of democracy in action. We take it for granted, but there are many places in the world where armed militia guard ballot boxes, citizens are told who to cast ballots for and voters even risk being shot or kidnapped as they walk to the polls. Yesterday, over 44 million votes were cast without a single shot being fired.
3. 3. Florida and Arizona approved a ban on same-sex marriages, and California also voted to override a recent court decision legalizing them. The California constitutional amendment — widely seen as the most momentous of the nation's 153 ballot measures — will limit marriage to heterosexual couples, the first time such a vote has taken place in a state where gay unions are legal.
4. 4. Homosexual couples will not be allowed to adopt children in Arkansas. Measure 1 prevents homosexuals and cohabiting couples from adopting or becoming foster parents.
5. 5. Republicans won enough Senate seats to thwart the Democrats who wanted a filibuster-proof, 60-vote majority in the Senate.
6. 6. Republicans won a slew of House races they were braced to lose.

As with every election, the biggest threat is yet to come because as the campaign commercials disappear and the rallies and debates find their place in the history books, Americans will turn their attention back to their daily life. They'll tune out the details of new legislation, ignore the challenges to our constitution and welcome the seduction of compromise that will promise the gift of unity.

Christians will put their hands over their ears, close their eyes and hope the "other guy" will take action and lead the charge. Complacency and apathy will root in their hearts and they will start rationalizing why they don't have the time, resources, or intellect to stand up for what they say is most dear to them. Instead, they will complain and point fingers and wait until the next election when they'll jump on their soapboxes and declare how the world is going to "hell in a hand basket."

That's not good enough folks. It doesn't fly anymore because the nuts and bolts of our nation are decided in the time between the elections.

Yesterday didn't change our nation. The next four years will. So I ask you to not throw in the towel and sneak off to the locker rooms like the game is over because, actually, the game has just started.

Now is the time to start really paying attention to the issues, what ideas and legislation are being put forth and then taking action. Find one or two issues you're passionate about and resolve to be a voice of righteousness. Know who your governmental representatives are and call or write to express your opinion on issues. Offer solutions. Pray. Help raise awareness by talking respectfully and intelligently with others. Organize a petition. Volunteer. Mobilize other like-minded supporters.

But don't you dare go back to your comfy life and expect someone else to protect your freedoms and liberties. Don't wait until the ink is dry on the legislation to have your voice be heard. Stay involved. Stay focused. Stay engaged.

Can we do it?

Yes we can!

Yes We Can!

http://momnaction.blogspot.com/2008/11/yes-we-can.html