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I know a lot of people are going to think that I’m happy as can be that Obama won the presidency. After all, I think most have figured out by now that I favored him heavily during the campaign and lean left on most issues. However, as pleased as I am with the outcome of last week’s election, I am also filled with apprehension.

During the past eight years, it’s been easy for me to blame the current President for many of the ills of our nation. Right or wrong, I’ve taken the “blame Bush” route many times in the past for problems our country is facing. Now that a candidate I like is heading to the white house, I have to decide how I am going to respond. I will promise one thing about my attitude towards President-elect Obama. He’s not going to get a free pass from me on anything. I think it is the duty of those who support a candidate’s bid for public office to be the first ones holding them accountable when they make a bad decision, and understand those who oppose said candidate’s reasons for distrust.

I don’t believe that you have to blindly support the President whether he is right or wrong. I certainly did not do that the past two terms, and as much as I might want to be a cheerleader for Barack Obama, it would not be fair or right to do so. I am going to hold this President to a very high standard, expecting him to deliver on the promises made during his campaign. If he does not hold true to the ideals he set forth during his bid for the highest office in the country, I’ll be quick to criticize and even vote against him during his second term.

I will not do what some supporters of President Bush have done to me over the last eight years. So many times I’ve been told that you have to support the president even if you disagree, and I will never tell anyone they have to agree with Obama simply because he is president. One of the great things about our country is the right to dissent, to disagree with the majority, and while I may not agree with someone’s views, I believe they are vital to our sense of balance as a nation. I do not want our democracy to become a mob rule form of government, whether democrats or republicans are in office. All I ask in return is that those that dissent base it on facts rather than rumors. Disagree with policies all you want, but leave the rumors to the message boards. I’ve never thought that Bush is an evil man who hates America, so I ask for that same civility from the right.

We are one nation, one people, and while we have differences that may divide us at times, I want to make clear that I respect the rights of those who disagree with me and celebrate the freedom that allows us all to have a voice.

Philip Gibson

Staff Columnist

philagan@gmail.com

“I weep for my country. America is lost.”

So read the status update of a friend on Facebook newsfeed the night after the election. I rolled my eyes in frustration. That night, I too wept for my country – because my country has found itself again.

Now, before you write me off as a “socialist”, allow me to explain. I wasn’t raised liberal. Actually, I was raised to be the perfect little conservative Christian. In fact, I still know all the motions. I loved George W. Bush and I knew Iraq was the right thing. I knew liberals, in fact, hated America and were brainwashed into being liberal by CNN. I knew abortion was killing babies, so maybe Eric Rudolph wasn’t quite so wrong. I knew Roe v. Wade was the work of god-hating liberals that it was my job, as a good Christian, to help overturn.

And then, I read the Bible without the 13 years of conservative, private, Christian school education. And then, I realized something was wrong. I didn’t have the backbone to stand up for it in high school, because those who did usually didn’t come back to school after the next break. Instead, I convinced myself that this was normal “teenage rebellion” from God, and tried to pray my way out of being a “horrible doubting sinner”. Then, I came to college and I took a philosophy course as a freshman. I was forced to protect my views without the Bible – which, in many ways, I couldn’t do. My political view stance on facebook changed from “conservative”, to “moderate”, to “no opinion”, and then, finally, to “liberal”. It took a few years for me to really come to grips with what I believe and why. Partially based on Biblical reason, partially on logic, but mostly on what my heart tells me is right.

Following this, I’ve come to the conclusion that this Jesus fellow did indeed exist and was indeed the son of God who rose from the dead to save us from eternal damnation that is inherent for all sinful beings. But, where me and my fundamentalist friends differ – is I believe in Jesus – not the Bible. I believe when Jesus said “love your neighbor” – he meant the gay people too. And that whole “don’t judge” thing – means if you damn them to hell, you might be going there too. Oh, and the whole “sell everything you have and give it to the poor” principle – doesn’t mean just for really rich people. Nope – Jesus was a “socialist” too, at least in this sense – because he believed it was our duty to help those less fortunate than ourselves, even at the expense of our own paycheck. Why do we need money? Our reward is in heaven, right?

But this is not a sermon – just some background for further reading. Many conservatives write me off as just another liberal with no idea of what or why conservatives believe the way they do. But I was raised in a small town, with “small town values” and a private, conservative, Christian education.
I think many McCain supporters grew to hate Barack Obama without ever listening to what HE, the man, had to say. We get really biased by the media, and learn never to trust candidates at face value. Sometimes, I agree – but most of the time, I think people really tend to over analyze the situation. If the president doesn’t “keep his promises”, it isn’t always because he didn’t try. (Don’t forget that it takes Congress to make the law – the President can only suggest and protest.) So, I took McCain at face value. Four years ago, I liked what he had to say. But once he was named the GOP nominee, his tone changed. McCain’s policy was based on fear, resentment, and hatred. Being a seeker of peace, I could not support him as a candidate. But even in listening to McCain, I did have to admit that some of his points could work. I respected John McCain until he allowed his supporters to become violent against Obama, without speaking out to reprimand them. He allowed them to run a dirty campaign. It was sad to see such a great man wither under the pressure of the contest.

I have to admit, had McCain won, I would have been sore for a while – but I still would have given the man a chance. I listened to McCain when he spoke during the campaign, even though I disagreed with much of what he had to say. But, I have few fundamental friends who would not even listen to Obama himself speak, because they were so convinced by the negative media that he was a liar. Well, according to the media, McCain was a liar too – but I still listened to what the man had to say. I was willing to trust him and take him at his word. You can’t just trust one of them, you have to trust both of them – because both are equally human and equally capable of lying. Listen to the man first, because he knows what he’s trying to say. Do your own research to decide whether or not they are lying. And for heaven’s sake, don’t let your preacher, parents, media superstars, or anyone else decide for you.
When both candidates spoke on election night, they both talked of unity. They both talked of reconciliation, because they both know that THAT is what this country must have to get through these dark times ahead. I listened to McCain (and honestly thought his speech was better than Obama’s that night), because I respected the man, even if I didn’t respect his views. But what happens with some hard-line conservatives won’t even listen to what President Obama has to say? He is trying to compromise. He is virtually begging for unity. But no one is there to even listen to his invitation.
What will this country come to if we cannot come to some middle ground? What will we become if we remain divided?

When Barack Obama was elected, I realized that most of our country is ready to take a chance to change. As we rejoiced, the majority of the world rejoiced with us. That’s right. The WORLD wanted Barack Obama. And yet, there are people within our own country who think we have made the biggest mistake in our history.

Take it from a former right-wing, hard-line, conservative – we don’t share the same fundamental logic. Both sides think the other-side is brainwashed. So how do we even begin to cooperate? Here’s the problem – both of us have to be WILLING to give a little. And I’m beginning to wonder if either hard-line side (liberal/conservative) is ready to give, even the slightest bit. Now most of the liberal wing is all about tolerating people’s beliefs, but that’s apparently what got us into trouble to begin with. So if we’re willing to tolerate, but toleration is bad – what are we to do?

McCain was a true patriot on election night – because he bowed out, asking his fellow countrymen to join him in cooperating with President Obama to attempt to save our shattered country. I doubt, however, that McCain’s most hard line supporters will listen to him in this.

And yet, even in my frustration with those unwilling to give a man a chance, Barack Obama’s words ring in my ears – “Yes we can.” But they aren’t really his words – they are the words of the people of America. They are the words of all those before us and all those who will come after us. Those who believe that hope is dream worth dying for – that unity is not impossible – and that we can, and will, overcome all obstacles in front of us. Somehow, all Americans will come together to save the country we have allowed to crumble. And maybe, just maybe, we can see it in our lifetime.
If we are all willing to give a little, then we shall be free. God let us all be willing to sacrifice our pride when the time comes.

Do not weep, my friends, America is not lost. America has reunited with the spirit in which she was created. America has found herself again.

Elizabeth Perkins

Staff Columnist

lizbit@live.com

Our UAB campus has been more volatile this fall 2008 semester than I have ever seen it in the three years I have been a UAB student. The cause of all this controversy stems from the 2008 Presidential Elections. Students of all types and backgrounds seem to have had something to say about their preferred candidate and even more about the one to which they are opposed.

Personally, I have considered myself a pacifist throughout the turmoil and am glad that the heated election season will be dying down now that the ballots have been cast. Even in my own family there have been struggles to maintain composure, as I have one parent who is a Democrat and one who is a Republican. Thankfully, this is the only time of the year when the issue of political ties ever surfaces. Although we are a reserved family, during these times of election for our nation’s future president, tension materializes out of the political differences of opinion. Opposition, fueled by the conflicting views, creates momentary drama, but our strong familial bonds manage to limit the hostility.

But as for students at UAB, there are no familial bonds to be found. Sometimes students passing one another on sidewalks seem to have no visible bonds whatsoever. Often these trying times when each one of us has opinions to state that imply our opposing ideologies, leave many of us bereft. After all, for many of us, these ideologies help us to define who we are as individuals.

To avoid conflict with my peers I have personally chosen to avoid any topic that can take on political connotations (which, as one can imagine, is extremely difficult and sometimes makes striking a conversation nearly impossible). However, everyone cannot simply push his/her “off button” on command. I understand this, and admire those who speak what they think whenever they wish. It just is not my personality. Perhaps all of this newfound reflection about individuality has a greater purpose. It has made me more appreciative that we do have such a diverse student body here at UAB. After all, more than one intellectual has said a phrase to the effect of: “difference makes the world go ‘round.”

Amy Pedigo

Guest Columnist

greyhound1168@yahoo.com

I recently received an e-mail from a concerned citizen asking my opinion about the current sewage and waste debacle and what I would do about it if I had the opportunity. It’s a fair question, though one without a simple answer. To start off, I want to sum up the situation as I understand it. The Commission has been unable to meet the payment requirements for the bonds they took out to fund the construction of the sewage and water system that is currently employed by the Birmingham metropolitan area. The situation has become so horrific that the bond status for Jefferson County is now in default, which is a level below junk bond. What this means is that the County has no options for getting loans to pay for the system they have purchased, and it is incredibly unlikely that they will be able to get any new loans for capital improvements. It’s a stinky situation. (Pun intended)

Now, as far as addressing the resolution of this problem goes, there is simply not a feel good solution that is going to make anyone look electable. The only option other than going into bankruptcy would be to increase revenue either through raising water and sewage utility bills or increasing taxes. Neither of these options is particularly feasible, as voters will not respond well to increased taxes and consumers are already feeling strained by the utility costs. This leaves bankruptcy, which would ruin the already disastrous credit rating for the county. Unfortunately, this is the choice I would advocate for. I don’t like it any more than the next person, but I think its the only option on the table that has any potential of functioning. Beyond that, I do have a simple way that the voting populace can voice their opinion of the way this matter has been handled. Vote the bums out! There is no good evidence to suggest that the Commission to continue to function under its current leadership. I don’t have anything personal against any of our current commissioners, but there is only one appropriate response to cases where a governing body has led its public into a situation such as the one we face. You cannot continue to lead people when you have failed them in a way that will have lasting effects on the ability of the County to improve the lives of its citizenry.

That’s about all I have to offer in terms of the currenty situation our county finds itself in. Like I said, it isn’t pretty by any means, but we face ugly times and are going to have to endure some unfortunate decisions that have to be made if we are ever going to recover. Putting off the inevitable in this situation is only going to bury us deeper in debt.

Philip Gibson
Staff Writer
philagan@gmail.com