It was my plan to take a few days off to observe the Thanksgiving Holidays, and instead of blogging, spend some much needed time with my friends and family. Wednesday Night, I met up with some of my closest friends at the local watering hole, and had the best time of my life. On Thanksgiving Morning, my family poured in, and again I was reminded that no one tells taller tales than Texans! We laughed, ate, slept, and ate again…truly an American Experience was enjoyed down in the Texas back country. Friday morning, I carried on the tradition of “left-overs”, and caught up on some much needed “me time”. I took for granted the lack of phone calls, due to “Black Friday” and the first official day that marks the beginning of the Christmas Holidays. Saturday morning changed my feelings about the whole holiday.
As I had neglected to do on Thanksgiving, I decided to read the local news paper and catch up on “local news”. Last Sunday, I was asked by my Pastor to give an overview of my experience while working on the Obama Campaign, and I thought that by tying in local news, and how the election had already effected the way some things are done here at home, my message would be better received. I was not expecting to read a piece of devastating news. One of my dear friends I met with Wednesday Night, died in a fatal car accident as he left our meeting. Because my new number was not published, and I was trying to keep away from communication from people other than family, I was left grasping the fact that I lost a great friend through an impersonal source…the newspaper. Not typically startled, I was totally taken aback, remembering the conversation I just had with him, inviting him to spend Thanksgiving with my family, if he would’ve been lonely or without family. I recalled our “dance moves” in the corner of the packed bar, while waiting for more ladies to grace the smoke filled room. There was no doubt in my mind that he loved me as a dear friend, and that he knew I felt the same way. Sadly, there was no doubt in my mind that I would see him the next day, or the following weekend, alive, well, and waiting for the next big laugh that we both could stand. The latter did not happen.
Adam left a lasting impression on me, that made me glad to consider myself his friend. I wonder, can this feeling be translated into government. Are our representatives truly “Honored” or “Happy” to serve us, and be our Representatives in Washington.
Right now in the State of Georgia, a Senate race is being fought with as much vigor as they had in the “Good Ole’ Days” when the Bull Moose Party was alive and well. This race could determine, whether or not the Democrats efforts to become “Filibuster Proof”, will end a theory held by Republicans. That if Democrats control both houses, and the white house, that America will became a Liberal Hell to live in. But what is Conservative, and what is Liberal. Lately, the lines have been blurred so, that one might be confused, who, or where in the fight you stand.
Abraham Lincoln wrote, that conservatism is “adherence to the old and tried, against the new and untried.” Something odd coming from the man who wrote the Emancipation Proclamation! Liberalism is a broad class of political philosophies that consider individual liberty to be the most important political goal. When reminded of these two principles, one can see a battle between the two methods of thought, that will be an ever endless battle for right…within these two methods. The last election demonstrated these concepts whole heartily. But my question still remains, are our Representatives, who are to represent our places within these schools of thought, thankful, and or appreciative, to have the honor of working for us…the people.
Today in headlines across America, President Bush was reported as stating that he was “unprepared” for war. While at the same time admitting the people voted for Barack Obama mainly because of his communication skills, which apparently is a change from what he has been capable of doing. He stated, “And I’m sure some people voted for Barack Obama because of me. I think most people voted for Barack Obama because they decided they wanted him to be in their living room for the next four years explaining policy.”
North of us, an Alaskan Senator made a statement that truly spoke to the heart of this conversation. “If she wants to be president, I don’t think the way to the presidency is a short stop in the United States Senate,” Senator Murkowski stated in regards of Gov. Palin. I agree wholly. The stop that should be made to any seat whether as dog catcher or the national pooper scooper, is through the hearts and minds of the American People. I feel that Barack Obama did speak to the hearts of the American People, properly articulating his desire to represent us honorably. Sadly, I do not feel as if that “Concept” has “Trickled Down” as of yet. Who knows…maybe I’m wrong.
This week I was introduced to Linda Grover. A writer, battling cancer, and working on a wonderful project called Global Family Day. From the website you can garner exactly what impression we should be having towards one another; ” On January 1, at the start of the United Nations Year of the Planet, let’s all gather at our electronic hearth and celebrate life on earth together. Lets replace hate and hunger with peace and sharing, and begin to unite our global family”. I encourage all of you do visit this website: www.gfday.org, and speak to your representatives whether they serve on a local or national level, and have them adopt the philosophy of this project.
As for Adam, he is in a much better place right now, surrounded by people who loved him and have gone on before him . As for his friends, we are left with fun memories filled with laughter and smiles. The impression he left on us, I would not trade for the world. I feel blessed to know that I was able to play a small part in his Big Life during the 26 years he spent with us. Let us hope that our Representatives can leave us with a similar impression…for they never know, the work that they do today, could be their last impression!
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