It is Quite Cool: A Final Election Post

October 30, 2008

A Final Election Post

If I lived in Colorado about 120 years ago, today would probably be the latest I would be getting any election news before I sent my husband to the polls on his horse. (Remember, I couldn't go, just send the breadwinner with exhortations.) So, I'm closing out my political series for a while. I decided to close with the lyrics to one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs (if you don't listen to him, start now. He still rocks.) When I was singing along with this song on my walk yesterday, I realized that it contains all I have left to say about this election. Perhaps, if we could all sing this song, this time of year would be a lot easier.

I Am A Patriot

And the river opens for the righteous (5 times)

Someday

I was walking with my brother

And he wondered what's on my mind

I said what I believe in my soul

Ain't what I see with my eyes

And we can't turn our backs this time

I am a patriot

And I love my county

Because my country is all I know

I want to be with my family

People who understand me

I've got nowhere else to go

And the river opens for the righteous

Someday

And I was talking with my sister

She looked so fine

I said, "Baby, what's on your mind?"

She said, "I want to run like the lion

Released from the cages

Released from the rages

Burning in my heart tonight"

And I ain't no communist

And I ain't no capitalist

And I ain't no socialist

And I ain't no imperialist

And I ain't no democrat

So I ain't no republican

I only know one party

And it is freedom

I am, I am, I am

I am a patriot

And I love my country

Because my country is all I know

And the river opens for the righteous

Someday

And the river opens for the righteous...(repeats)

I want to run like the lion,

Released from the cages

Released from the rages

I said what I believe in my soul

It ain't what I see with my eyes

Someday (repeats)

3 comments:

Gypsy said...: i'm really disappointed in your lack of a response.
i hope you get out there and vote (for Obama).; October 31, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Amanda said...: Gypsy--I have been trying to craft a response both literate and moderate. I suppose I thought of this post as a response. I believe that Sarah Palin has a right to be treated fairly, just as Obama does. If by one of THEM, you mean someone who grew up on a family-owned ranch who looks seriously at a candidate's stance on agricultural issues and the death tax, yes I am. If by one of THEM, you mean someone who has traditionally voted Republican, then yes, I am, as they are the party that typically supports agriculture and small farms and ranches. (I tried earlier to name a recent Democratic candidate from a western state. I failed.) If you mean one of THEM as someone who tries to carefully and fully consider each candidate, yes I am. To be honest, I have not yet decided who to vote for. My very intelligent father prefers McCain for his stance on issues important to him. I also have intelligent friends voting for Obama. I am torn--I am inspired by the rhetoric and hope of Obama, but disappointed by his stance on some of the issues (and Biden, as a VP choice, disappointed me. Plagiarism to an English teacher is not a good thing.) I do agree with McCain/Palin on many issues, but am disappointed with the negative attacks. I guess what offended me the most by your comment (and I was grateful for your flattery and enjoyed your fantasy ads), was the idea that intelligent people can exist on only one side. I believe John Adams and Thomas Jefferson to both be fiercely intelligent, and yet they also disagreed and felt a degree of hate for each other (and belonged to different political parties.)

Ultimately, my vote is my own decision, whatever fairness I've tried to communicate. Whether I turn out to be one of THEM, or one of YOU, I will continue to love and support the U.S.; October 31, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Dan and Lynn said...: Well said Amanda!; November 3, 2008 at 9:33 AM