Will it really be over in a week? Doubtful.

Sunday afternoon, I attended a birthday party. When I was invited, knowing that there were people with strong and opposing political views attending, I suggested that perhaps we should make politics a forbidden subject so that we could just enjoy one another's company. I was told everyone agreed with my suggestion, however, when I showed up, there were two people wearing political tshirts, one an unkind and untrue dig at Barack Obama, the candidate for whom I have chosen to vote. I decided to ignore the shirts, because I wanted to honor our agreement and not create contention, but I left feeling disrespected and very sad.

I'm still sad.

In a week, we're going to have a new President-elect. What is going to happen to this country when the smaller half of the voters hates the new guy? The vitriol coming from people reminds me of two verses from the Book of Mormon, in 3 Nephi, chapter 11, verses 29 and 30, "For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away."

One of my favorite Obama stories is that when Obama supporters at a recent rally merely "booed" at the mention of McCain's name, Obama said, "No. We don't do that. We vote." That, folks, is not stirring anyone up in anger.

While I don't think John McCain or Sarah Palin are the right choice for our country, I will not denigrate them. If they are who the American people choose to lead the country, I will support them as such and pray for their success.

In the last couple of weeks, I feel like I've been blindsided by people I thought I knew who have said ugly things about my candidate or questioned my integrity when I stated my political opinions. I even had someone question my dedication to the church.

To avoid further surprise from my friends and loved ones, I state the following without apology and need for defense:

I vote(d) for Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

If you disagree, there is something you can do. Vote. And pray for whomever we wind up with. Our country will need it.

Comments

[Jennifer Robinson]

Very well put. And may I add, I'm glad it wasn't the other birthday party you went to this weekend that put the bad taste in your mouth. ; )

[Zippy]

Yarp... Every President does good things and bad things. They do the best they know how. I'll support who wins -- Obama --and fight for our rights as a country -- Obama -- I would hope all would do the same -- Obama --.....!!!!!
Da Zip

[stacey @ tree, root, and twig]

Last year we moved from Oregon to Texas and I really feel that there was a lot more political diversity within our ward in Oregon. My husband was recently with a group of ward members here, when they started going on about "how can a member of the church be a Democrat and still be temple worthy???" Suddenly they noticed my husband was not participating in the conversation. My husband is a member of the High Council in our Stake, and I doubt anyone wanted to challenge his worthiness to his face. Once they realized my husband might *not* be in total agreement with their politics, the conversation suddenly died. Can you say "AWKWARD"?!

[Laura]

I worry a lot about the polarization this election is causing. How can our government work well if half of the citizens hate it?

Also, don't even get me started on the political discussions in church.

[Zippy]

If you ''hate it'' -? I will support who-ever---Obama... gets elected. As I would If still in - Obama - the U.S. Navy. I have my rights and - Obama - so do you 'Laura'. Vote and hope the - Obama- best man wins.
Da Zip