My grandfather, affectionately known as "Poppy" is the most conservative man I know. Probably not the most open-minded (but I think at 80 years-old he's earned that right) person in the world, but definitely one of the most honorable. He fought in WWII in the Navy, and as a Marine in the Korean War. The Korean was fought over communism, and trying to stop it. He put his life on the line so others could have the same freedoms we enjoy in America. He lost friends. He saw horrific things that I cannot imagine. To fight for freedom. To stop socialism.
I called him today. He simply sounded depressed. He told me he has never been more disappointed in his country. I was surprised at how sad his voice really sounded. It wasn't a joking, light hearted, oh boy we're in trouble... it was disgust and disappointment. After we hung up I started to think about it. About how this is personal to him. How to him it probably doesn't seem that long ago he was fighting in that war to stop communism. And now his country has elected a leader who is wanting to "spread the wealth".
Maybe this should be a post for my "Choosetheright.wordpress.com" blog. I usually keep politics out of this. But really I just feel for the 80-year-old man.
Your Grandpa is a hero - and I hope we all appreciate him and his service. I am concerned too... I didn't like either of the candidates, but watched America celebrate a man who is going to take freedoms away. It was a worrying sight!
ReplyDeleteHi! I'm a friend of Lachelle's. She sent me the link to this post as we were chatting about politics and I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your words. You said exactly how I feel, but in a much kinder way than I am feeling it!! :D I've been trying to write a post for my blog regarding the election and its hard. I'm scared, I'm angry and I'm uneasy... and all that comes through in my writing right now!
ReplyDeleteI think you did a great job of putting my feelings into words without being offensive to anyone. Thank you for sharing! And please tell your Poppy "thank you" for me.
Thanks so much. I appriciate the kind words and I did pass along your thanks because I knew he'd love to hear it.
ReplyDeleteI know this isn't your political blog, BUT...Obama is not going to take away our freedoms. Even if HE wanted to, which he doesn't, there are 2 other branches of the government that kind of have a say in what goes down over there in DC. This never was nor never will be a government in which one man rules, especially against the will of the people (well if you don't count the last 8 years anyway. Talk about taking away rights...ever hear of a little thing called the Patriot Act? There is nothing more dangerous than taking away our rights under the false pretense that it will "protect" us. To quote Ben Franklin, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." But now I'm going off on a tangent, lol..)
ReplyDeleteAnd for those of you who are scared of the Obama presidency that will begin in January, John Mccain himself is not and was not scared.
"But the nominee went out of his way on four occasions to call for respect. When an audience member said the prospect of an Obama presidency scared him, Sen. McCain replied, "I have to tell you he is a decent person and a person that you do not have to be scared of."
If the man you supported can give him the respect that his office deserves, and at least give him the CHANCE to lead, I don't think it's too much to ask of anyone else.
No one knows how Obama's presidency will fare, but at least give him the fair shot he deserves --- that he so overwhelmingly earned this Tuesday. Trust me, it can't get any worse than good old Dubya.
Now post more cute pics of that adorable little baby girl!!! :-D