A Nation of Change?

I'm not a political person. I have my views and opinions of course like everyone else, but I don't normally voice them in my blogs. I believe that my vote counts, though, and that when I voted for President Bush in both of the Presidential elections when he was on the ballot, I had made a choice which I felt good about personally, it was also the choice I felt was best for the country. And as President Obama said yesterday, this is what makes a democracy great - the right of our people to chose. Despite the fact that the wars begun during President Bush's first term in office are still requiring my own two soldiers and their little boy to be far apart from each other more times than I care to count, they are not complaining and not questioning the need for their separations and service on foreign soil. And if they don't, far be it for me to second guess this life they have chosen. This is their lives - in more ways than one - and they are together in it whether they are on American soil, or somewhere far away. And every time they sign their name on that dotted line to serve additional years, they know and understand that the sacrifices may be greater than they are bargaining for, but which they are willing to risk.

As voters spoke on Tuesday at the polls, it was clear we are a nation looking for new folks to decide important issues for us in Washington. Since we are not residents of Colorado, we were not eligible to vote, but the results were just as important to us. The Governor's race in NY still held our interest since my pension is resting in the NY State retirement system...changes there could affect our future here. And of course Scott and his family are impacted by NY state government every single day.

The other night I was watching the Giants/Rangers world series game and as in all the previous games, the song during the seventh inning stretch was not 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' but rather 'God Bless America' - a song which always brings tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. As I watched the singers (members of the Armed Forces) trade places at the microphone, the camera panned throughout the crowd and to the players. Hands over hearts, lips moving, and just some folks standing there in respect for our country and for what we stand for. After the singers were done, and the crowd continued cheering, there was a camera shot of both Presidents Bush riding across the field in a motorized cart, saluting to the singers because they were military. And the crowd cheered for both of them as they did for God Bless America, and those who had sung it.

A nation of change? Perhaps we are, yes. And this change is not just shown in elections but rather in the affection and respect Americans have for those who serve. Remembering the disrespect so many of our country's men and women had for the soldiers (and by soldiers, I am encompassing all of our military branches) returning from the VietNam war, it's felt deeply to see the current generation of the Armed Forces being appreciated. Since Ron is a VietNam vet, he especially notices the respect the people of our country have for those who serve...and the thanks our citizens give to those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan....or to those they happen to meet on Anystreet, USA. There are many Americans who do not agree with the wars, but they are giving the respect to those who are fighting them, and keeping us safe at home.

A nice thing, don't you think? As a two star mom, I can tell you it's a wonderful to know that although my children no longer serve in a time of peace, they serve a nation who is thankful.

Blessings my friends,

Sue