I have no idea when I became addicted to politics, seems like it's just always been there. I was taught those elected to office were elected to serve, with their first priority being for the good of the country and it's citizens. That was then and this is now.
I'm a real sucker for pomp and circumstance. Makes me feel proud to be an American when I watch it. I love all things related to the White House and all the history represented in that building.
These days though I'm keeping my focus on the Democrats. I'll let the Republicans take care of the inauguration and what comes afterward. Have to say I'd much rather be a Democrat today than a Republican. I'll gladly take the Democrats' problems over what the Republicans are facing. I listened to President Obama's farewell speech but to me it was no farewell speech, it was the first speech of a new commitment.
I've been reading and watching what's going on with Democrats lately and am greatly encouraged. I've even come so far I can say this election might well have been just what the Democratic Party needed, a good jolt.
I've settled down about Supreme Court appointments. It takes 60 votes to confirm a new judge which means the Republicans are going to have a hell of a time appointing a strong right wing judge. They don't have 60 senators for a party line vote.
Voting apathy is a huge problem in America, and Democrats biggest weakness. Whatever you think of Barack Obama the young people who worked with him are committed and loyal. They are beginning to give up their day jobs and come back together to join him in rebuilding the Party. He has said that after he takes Michelle on a nice vacation and gets his head around his writing projects he'll be ready to get to work on the future of the Party.
I smiled this week when I read this article about former staffers coming together to start a new media company. Jon Favreau was Obama's chief speechwriter for about eight years. These young people were severely shaken by the election and have banded together to save the Party. They're renewing their contacts across the country.
Obama has asked former attorney general Eric Holder and some others to take on the issue of gerrymandering and redistricting. The NYT had a good article about that issue.
I just need to keep my eye on these happenings and block out a lot of the unpleasantness of the days to come.
The first amendment gives the president-elect freedom of speech. It also gives me the freedom not to listen to his speech. Until such time as it becomes apparent he has developed respect for the office he holds I'll be off listening to other voices. I have too much respect for the office of President, and too much self-respect, to listen to the vile things that some out of his mouth. He may not respect me but I respect myself enough not to subject myself to that behavior.
