Even as I opposed the Democratic Party and Barack Obama, I understood the feelings of my African American neighbours who saw the progress that an Obama candidacy represented to them. Standing in line with my neighbours to vote, I tried to imagine what some had seen in their lifetimes. Many come from young nations in the Carribean. They have seen colonial flags lowered and the new flags of their respective nations raised. Others have experienced the brunt of statutory segregation. I do not underestimate the joy in the hearts of those denied the right to vote when An African American is elected to our nation’s highest office. It translates approximately as “Blessed are You G-d, who imparts His majesty to flesh and blood. I have little doubt that there is a Greater Hand that guides us in our collective search for betterment.
There is a Jewish saying that the heart of a leader is in the hands of G-d. There is a blessing that is said when seeing a leader of a country .
I can not pretend that I am disappointed. I will continue to function as a critic of administration policy. I have voted against people who subsequently proved that my opposition to them was in error. I hope Barack Obama will prove to be such a candidate.
Every human philosophy has its strengths and weaknesses. Criticism is the guard rail on the highway of life. It may be jarring to bump into it but it is ultimately a life saver. I intend to offer such criticism when called for in the years ahead. I am happy for my neighbours and empathise with their pride in our nation’s first African American president. I am looking forward to spending the next four years as a member of the loyal opposition. A lively free press is an integral part of our democracy. It is an important responsibility. I look forward to playing my own small part in this capacity.
I congratulate Barack Obama on his victory. My prayers are that G-d guide him and impart to him the wisdom needed to lead and guide our country. G-d bless our President elect. G-d bless
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The evening ended early. Barack Obama will be our next President. I have seen people I voted against win elections before. I fought against Hillary clinton becoming a Senator. She proved to be a capable representative of New York's interests. I have voted for local representatives and been pleasantly surprised by the manner in which they grew in office.
A Morrocan Jewish friend once told me of the anxiety when the late King Hassan came to the throne in Morocco. The Jewish community thought he would be a harsh, bad leader. He ended up becoming a friend of the Jewish community. Conversely, there have been those who exceeded our worst expectations.
Part of our democracy is criticism of the elected leadership. Wise leaders welcome it even as they set on their chosen course. I hope and pray that G-d guides President elect Obama to the proper manner of leading our nation in these difficult times. Our enemies will not rest and our problems will not disappear. May G-d guide and strengthen us in the days ahead
1 comment:
Yes, may God protect and guide Barack Obama and the regime he'll install.
But given his pretend-Christianity act, one wonders will he act, if he hears? And will he hear at all?
May God touch all the hearts of those in Congress, too.
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