From the Inside Out

You’ve probably heard it a hundred times by now, but we witnessed a historic moment as the people of the United States elected their first African American President tonight. It demonstrates how far our country has come since the early days of the civil rights movements led by Martin Luther King in the 1960s.

I am proud to live in a country that can move beyond racial discrimination — a country that can judge people by their beliefs, capabilities, and experience rather than the color of their skin. However, I am not proud of the country’s decision to elect Barack Obama. His political and moral beliefs are in direct opposition to my own. For example, I want to be responsible for taking care of myself, acquiring healthcare, and planning for my own retirement. I don’t want the government to do it for me and mandate how it’s done. I don’t want to live in a socialistic country that redistributes wealth to those who are unwilling to work. There should be fairness and equality for everyone regardless of how much they earn; the so-called “wealthy” should not be penalized for their success, dedication and hard work. We need less government involvement in our lives and fewer taxes — and don’t even get me started on the moral issues at stake.

Unfortunately, the lots have been cast, and we’re stuck with Barack for the next four years. I just hope he doesn’t do too much damage before we can replace him in 2012. Please keep our country and its new leaders in your prayers. They have major issues to tackle (economy, war on terror, foreign relations, to name a few), and they will need God’s guidance to make the right decisions.

Truth is not determined by majority vote. ~Doug Gwyn

We have plenty of confidence in this country, but we are a little short of good men to place our confidence in. ~Will Rogers

Here’s one more reason to vote on Tuesday.  Starbucks joined the list of companies giving out free products on election day.  So after you stop by Krispy Kreme to get your free donut, you can pick up a complimentary cup of Starbucks coffee to go with it. 

Even though I didn’t pick up an “I voted” sticker when I voted last week, I’m going to get my free Krispy Kreme donut anyway thanks to some faithful blog readers who donated their stickers to Gary and me. 

Gotta love it!

As if choosing the next president of the Unites States wasn’t enough incentive to vote, here’s another. Krispy Kreme will be offering a free donut on election day to anyone wearing an “I voted” sticker. Each “voting” customer will get a special treat on election day only — a star-shaped doughnut with red, white and blue sprinkles.

“We can’t guarantee that your candidate of preference will win on November 4, but we can guarantee that your right to voice your choice will be rewarded with a patriotic doughnut that will remind you just how tasty freedom really is,” said Krispy Kreme’s Chef Ron Rupocinski. “Krispy Kreme encourages everyone to take part in this historical election and vote.”

So, after you vote, remember to grab a sticker on the way out. I voted on Saturday and didn’t see any stickers at my polling place. I didn’t think it was a big deal a the time, but now I’m bummed. I missing out on a free Krispy Kreme! Don’t make the same mistake. Get that sticker!

Seth Myers and Amy Poehler do a bit on SNL’s Weekend Update called, “Really? with Seth and Amy“. When I heard that John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his running mate, all I could think was “really?“.

Really, McCain? Do you really think women voters are so dumb that they will vote for any ole’ female who is trotted on stage? Really?

Did you really think it was a good idea to pick a running mate that has been a governor for less than 2 years and has no foreign-policy experience? Really?

I mean you’re 72 years old. What if (God forbid) you have a heart attack, and she has to assume the duties of the President? With only 20 months as governor of Alaska and two terms as mayor of Wasilla, Alaska (a town of 6,500 where the biggest issue is controlling growth), is she ready to lead the country? Really?

Do you really think the promise of change and new politics outweighs knowledge and experience. Really, McCain…really?

Do you want to win this election? Really?

Some praise McCain for his decision, but as you can tell, I’m really skeptical. The election process is an interview for the most important job in our country. When I’m interviewing people, I don’t make decisions based on empty promises of change, witty words, and a “maverick” reputation. I decide based on qualifications, skills, and experience.

It baffles me how the masses can be so easily swayed by affluent words. For a decision so important, how can they not delve into the issues, weigh the experience, and investigate the voting history of candidates? Seriously, if you’re going to vote, know the issues and do your research.

Okay, I’m digressing into what could be another entirely separate blog topic. Back on point…it surprises me that McCain would make this type of a decision. It makes me question his judgment. Unfortunately, I can’t support Obama’s political beliefs so I’m stuck with McCain and Palin. It’s scary, and all I have left to say is:

Really?

Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama battled tonight in a tense debate televised on ABC.  It is six days before their showdown in Philadelphia.  As each day passes, the pressure is mounting for both candidates.  They have been fighting it out for over a year.  Each one is fiercely campaigning in city after city with no clear winner emerging.  It continues to be a long, hard fought battle — one that will probably continue raging right up until the Democratic convention in August.

Frankly, I was beginning to get tired of it all — the political bantering, jabs, attacks, and talk show discussions — until I received a disturbing call from one of my employees.  This call reminded me how lucky I am to live in a country where we have the freedom to express our beliefs and vote according to those beliefs without the threat of violence or bloodshed. 

During the call, I learned that this individual grew up in Kenya.  His parents still live there.  That is, they did until a few short months ago.  After the elections last year, extreme violence erupted.  Hundreds of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have fled the country to escape the violence. 

His parents escaped, but they left everything behind — their home, their business, and their lives.  They are living temporarily in India with friends.  Thinking the violence would die down quickly, they had originally planned to be away for only a couple of weeks.  It’s been months since they left, and they are still frightened to go home.  Nothing has improved.  In fact, four more people died yesterday. 

These people are the same age as my parents.  They are stranded with only a few belongings, not knowing where to go or what to do.  They can’t return home, and they can’t stay in India.

I can’t begin to imagine how horrific that must be.  Instantly, I felt ashamed for taking my freedom for granted.  We live in one of the greatest countries in the world.  Sure, it’s not perfect, but we can express our beliefs.  We can participate in a democratic election process and have confidence that our country will not falter or be subjected to extreme violence resulting from elections. 

No matter what you think of the election process or the candidates, you should remember how lucky we are to have the freedoms and security we enjoy today.  Don’t take it lightly.  Don’t complain.  And don’t take it for granted.  There are hundreds of thousands of refugees who would gladly give everything to switch places with us.