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“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