To Blog or not to Blog

I don't know how to blog and I feel embarrassed to be a blogger. I hate to sound like Andy Rooney but "blogging" seems obscene to me. Really, in our entire language we couldn't come up with a better term for keeping a personal web log than a blog? How about a webichle (web + chronicle)? or a wost (web + post)? OK, these aren't that great either but it seems like there must be something better out there than "BLOGGING". Even still, I have decided its time, as the scriptures say, "to keep a record of this people" and so I will blog! Despite the ickiness of the term, I hope you enjoy it!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Election 2012

On November 6, 2012, Barak Obama defeated Mitt Romney in the presidential election.  A stunning blow.  Ryan was out of town leaving Pace and me to watch in horror as the election results came in.  When the announcement came, I could not believe it.  I waited for the news to change, a mistake to be announced.  It did not come and Governor Mitt Romney gave his concession speech followed by an acceptance speech from President Obama.

I cried buckets; there was no consolation.  I could not see a more bleak future for America.  Pace too, was upset.  At 8 years old, I'm sure he was only upset to see me upset but he exclaimed, "How could Baraka Obama win?"  I had no answer.

Sleep did not come for me.  I tossed and turned and worried all night long.  Miserable.  Two days later, I still find myself sighing intermittently and I remember.  The United States of America that I have loved, that I have been so grateful to live in, that I have spent my life studying, is no more.  I wonder and dread what the future holds.

The next morning I thought about Pace.  He had told his schoolmates that he was supporting Romney.  Not many others at school agreed with him.  Even his teacher, Mrs. Pedersen, told him she was voting for Obama (Why did she share her political views at school?).  I worried that he would face ridicule and felt the need to prepare him.  During our morning routine of breakfast, scriptures, and prayer, I began.
"Pace, when you go to school today, you might . . . " my words trailed off; I didn't know what to say.  To my surprise, he finished my sentence.
"I might get teased. I might get teased at school because my choice lost."
"Yes", I said.  I continued, "What will you say?"
Pace paused.  Then, in his usual happy-go-lucky way, he said, "Oh well.  If I get teased because my side lost, I'll just ignore them and go on with my businesses."
And that was that.  He took a bite of toast.  I could have avoided an entire night of misery if only I could do that!  "And a little child shall lead them".  I really am blessed to have Pace in my life and I love him beyond my ability to articulate.  

And yet I have faith in Heavenly Father and know this was meant to be.  I am so grateful Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan were willing to fight the fight.  I know they and their families were dragged through the mud in the most negative campaign in history.  I know is cost them billions of dollars.  I know they gave everything they had to give; they gave their all.  I am actually relieved for Mitt Romney and his family.  They can go back home and get out of the public eye; they deserve peace.  Paul Ryan was re-elected to the Congress in his home state of Wisconsin and continues the fight.  I will be forever appreciative for their willingness to serve.  I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

I have struggled to articulate how I feel.  The following are two completely different posts that I composed for two different sites.  I record them here to remember my thoughts.

Facebook:
Today is a sad day; the beginning of many more. However, we have Senators, Representatives, Governors, and half the country who are still willing to stand up every day. Don't sit down and give up, get up and stand with them. I imagine this is how it felt to be a patriot at the beginning of our country; now it's our turn. If you're standing on the right side and you don't lose hope, you need not fear. Be sure your choice is one you are willing to defend to posterity; they will be the ones who have to live with the outcome. And, take the advice of a wise 8-year-old who shall remain unnamed; "Oh well, if they tease me at school because my side lost, I'll just ignore them and go on with my businesses".

Comment at the end of The BlazeTV article entitled: "The Republican Presidential Field of 2016":
The majority of the electorate voted for the cool guy-it was a popularity contest. A man with an agenda to “fundamentally change” (destroy) America won the election for a SECOND time because he presented as a rock star. Plant 18-year-old conservative minorities into the entertainment industry; pick the one who is skyrocketing in 2016, run him/her with ANYONE, stage a cross-country tour instead of a campaign, don’t mention issues-throw out pleasing clichès, then watch him/her soar into the White House thronged with glassy-eyed acolytes and a screaming, triumphant cacophony. This is the best chance we have in a country where the corps d’elite is clamoring for Shark Week. And, agreeing with other comments, all this if we even have an election in 2016. We need a new electorate, an unbiased media, and a miracle. Or, we could offer $100,000,000.00 to one lucky person, legal or not, selected from the voters of our candidate. Sigh.

I remembered a clip from Star Wars III.  Queen Amidala watches as the Republic is lost. So fitting.
Click on the YouTube Video link below:
So this is how liberty dies . . .


Positive and Negative.  I feel both.  However, I will focus on preparedness and take one day at a time. I love America.  I love the principles and foundations it was built upon and I have great respect and gratitude to those who risked everything in this American Experiment. Its my turn and I will do whatever I must to sustain the Constitution of the Untied States of America.

President Ezra Taft Benson wrote in "The Constitution: A Heavenly Banner", 
"We, the blessed beneficiaries, likewise face difficult days in this beloved land, 'a land which is choice above all other lands.' It may cost us blood before we are through.  It is my conviction, however, that when the Lord comes, the Stars and Stripes will be floating on the breeze over this people.  May it be so, and may God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives and fortunes that we might be free."