Here in the United States, there's a strict separation of church and state. But the line between politics and religion is a lot fuzzier.That's been especially true under the Bush Administration, which has embraced the Religious Right over the last eight years.
The religious right's power had been growing before that to the point where it seemed to overshadow -- or even knock out -- any relationship between the religious left and the Democrats. And Democrats like Leah Daughtry, the CEO of the Democratic National Convention, takes exception to the idea that the religious left had ever left politics. But if that's the case, then why do so many people -- faithful and otherwise -- still associate being religious with being a Republican.
When I first heard his last name four years ago, and then his middle name a little later, I figured there was no way someone with those names could ever be elected president. I'm pleased to be proved wrong (probably). Mind you, I'm voting for Obama not because of his names but because I generally agree with his positions, and because of the way he's conducted his campaign.
all of us out here in the rest of the world probably feel that almost as much is riding on the outcome for us as it is for the US itself. We've had 8 years of the US turning its back on us and treating us all as potential threats (I stopped travelling through the US the last few years, because I hated the border experience so much). So let's hope a few bridges will soon be mended.
Robin Williams makes a hysterical yet poignant point on security vs. the illusion of security in the film Man of the Year.
Friends, no matter what your party preference is, what candidates you voted for or what issues led you to your decision; the fact that you are showing support for your country and your beliefs by exercising your right to vote has been unprecedented and amazing this time around.
I am proud and happy, whatever the outcome, to have been part of this historic event.
...I think it's better that the President and the congressional majority be different parties. Bad things happen when one party has too much power.
So that's how I voted.
However, if it doesn't work out that way, I am not going to whinge and complain about fraud. I will support whoever is elected, because he is the President of MY country, and that alone demands my respect.
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