I have been an Obama supporter from the beginning of the primaries. I have donated, phone banked and canvassed in 3 states for him. My support comes from a strong desire to see this country change it's image in the world, change the way we treat the poor, minorities, women, the LGBT community, each other and to secure a better future for my two sons. I have spent money I really don't have, I have travelled to states with time I could have been working...and I do this because I truly believe our country is way off the track and I fear for our children's future.
Having said that, I was a violent Hillary Clinton opposer. I would demean, degrade and disrespect the woman...I had convinced myself she was selfish, a dirty campaigner and a liar. I believed she thought she was "entitled" to the nomination because she was a Clinton.
However, I finally saw the light. I cannot pinpoint an exact time when this happened...it could have been when she kept on fighting when everyone said she was finished, it could have been when she exhibited what a policy wonk she is, it could have been seeing my sister getting involved in politics for the first time because of Hillary, it could have been the meaningful discussions I have had with Clinton supporters on mydd...but one thing is clear to me, Hillary wanted to make America better and had the plans to do so. I would have been disappointed if Obama would have lost the primary but I would have been more than happy to work my tail off for HRC...but it would have taken time.
I don't know how long it would have taken me to get over my grieving period about Obama. What I do know is at this very moment I have the utmost respect for the Clintonistas for Obama (C40) crew. It had to be heart-breaking to see their very capable candidate lose such a historical, hard fought and emotional primary contest. I think of all the time, energy and emotion I put into Barack and how devastated I would have been if he were to lose...but it didn't happen...it is much, much easier to be a gracious winner than be gracious loser. I respect and admire the C40's for that...I don't know if I could have done the same.
The C40's are caught in an awkward position...a Catch 22 or No-Win if you will...and I am tired of seeing them being portrayed as "Betrayers" or "Concern Trolls". I do not envy them.
First off the C40's have all stated they will vote and work to get Obama elected. Second, they have written pro-Obama diaries, anti-McCain diaries and published them here, Dkos and their own website (which I encourage people to visit). But folks remember, Obama was not their first choice (maybe not their second, third or fourth) so of course they are going to have differences about where Obama stands on certain issues or how he is running his campaign...They are allowed to express concern or frustration and deserve respectful feedback from the people in this community.
The C40's have branched out on their own, separating from some very die-hard Clinton supporters who will not support Senator Obama under any circumstances. These were people with whom they developed strong and meaningful relationships with...It can not be easy. Many PUMA's have made it their mission to seek out C40's and harass their former comrades buy calling them "sell-outs", "traitors", "unloyal", etc. The C40's have made a noble decision to support Obama because they see what turmoil the USA is in and recognize we cannot afford four more years of Dubya or the Republican Party, and because they are Democrats.
C40's must be given the respect they have rightfully earned, and all disrespectful comments towards them must be called-out in a forceful manner from members of the mydd community. There will be no tolerance for over-zealous Obama supporters or members of PUMA.
sricki, atdnext, canadian gal, psychodrew, zcflint05 and all the other C40's I want you to know that your efforts will not go unrecognized anymore. There will be much more empathy, respect and good-will in regards to your comments and thoughts. My two boys and I would like to thank you in your efforts for getting a Democrat into the White House and ensuring a better future for us.
|
|
|
Permalink :: 194 Comments :: Post a Comment
|