"It was the best of times. It was the worst of times." Watching the Oprah Winfrey Christmas in the White House special during prime time last night, I couldn't help but discern the many ups and downs, ins and outs, and twists and turns that we have collectively experienced as a nation in 2009. Please forgive me if the eloquence of our dearest Dolly Parton is lacking when I say that our nation's leaders have been "busier than a one legged man in a butt kicking contest".
And still, we are a thriving nation. None can deny, no matter how disgruntled they may be with the White House, that this has been a year unparalleled in our nation's history. One year ago, who knew that President Obama and former Senator Clinton would work together so harmoniously to achieve the common goal of making our country a home to be proud of once again? The rich may not be as rich, but I envision a time when all Americans will be proud to call this comparatively young and new country home once again.
I believe President Obama sold himself short with the B+ that he awarded himself when Oprah asked the question, "How would you grade your performance so far in the White House?" He was at a B- when he became the first black President of the United States of America, a B+ when he got his health care bill farther than any President in our history has dared even try, and an A- for stabilizing an economy which one year ago was breathing its last breath. If health care reform passes and all of our citizens are afforded quality medical care without being saddled with obscene debt then we should all take out our red ink and write a big A+ on the Presidential report card. Perhaps even a smiley face, at the risk of insulting the President's masculinity.
Does this mean that this is the only progress that we expect to see in this administration? Absolutely not. There is still a lot of work to be done and I am confident that the President is more aware than anyone of the challenges that face him. But we mustn't grade his progress thus far on his handlings of the wars that he inherited from the former administration. We finished the job in Iraq. The problems in Afghanistan were brewing when President Obama took his helm. As someone who is unapologetically anti-war, I can see no other way to cultivate our nation's position as the largest world power than to continue stabilizing the Middle East. It is heart breaking that 30,000 troops must go to Afghanistan this Holiday season, but the troops who I have spoken with are proud to fight for this country and all of its objectives. After all, that's what they signed up for.
Regarding Civil rights, the first African American in the White House isn't the only accomplishment we have to be proud of. My gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered brothers and sisters are closer to equal rights than we have ever been, with a few states even offering full marriage equality. I can only hope to live to see a time when gays in Arkansas will realize this same equality. Though virtually meaningless in the eyes of the law, I applaud the community of Eureka springs and its bravery in allowing its citizens in same sex partnerships to register as domestic partners. I see this as a beacon of hope among some leaders to recognize homosexuality as an identity and not as a choice. I applaud the presbytery of Arkansas in voting to ordain openly gay ordained ministry in the Church. After all, God's word is for all the people, not only those who identify as heterosexual and male. I applaud the ten year old Will Phillips for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance until it truly means what it says: one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all. And most of all, I applaud my own faith tradition the Episcopal Church for continuing to affirm the worth and dignity of all of God's people.
It is Christmas time and I have much to be thankful for. Winter is upon us and I believe the current economic conditions are humbling many of us, if not most of us. Nonprofits and charitable organizations are in demand perhaps more than they have been in three quarters of a century. Unsurprisingly, the good citizens of this nation realize this and are prepared to do whatever is necessary to ensure an equitable place to live for all. This is the America that our founders envisioned. We are finally realizing the dream of our nation's forefathers. Be proud of the living history in which you are participating. Love your brothers and sisters in humanity unapologetically and strive for goodness. We will achieve equality. We must. Happy Holidays and God Bless America.
This was written by David Kendrick and first published on his blog at http://www.someonesbastardstepchild.blogspot.com/.
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