Now THAT'S the spirit!

This morning while Madison was at preschool and McKenna was napping, I was sitting here minding my own business and getting caught up on the backlog of blog posts that were unread in my Google Reader.

Today, there were 2 unread messages from one of my favorite blogs, Musings of a Housewife. Jo-Lynne put up a post yesterday titled "Why I'm Voting for McCain on Tuesday". I think this may be one of the best politically-themed posts I've read in a while.

People who know me well are probably scratching their heads right about now, thinking Shannon, that title says McCain! Don't worry, people, I am still voting for my beloved Obama. Even though Jo-Lynne and I may not agree on which candidate to vote for, we do agree fully that we each have the right to our own opinions. And, having opposing opinions does not make either of us a bad person.

This is my biggest issue with politics... the extreme divisiveness. It seems to me that sometimes people believe so passionately in their own cause that they are willing to disregard, threaten, or belittle people who may have other views. I am so thankful for Jo-Lynne confidently describing that which she believes in, while at the same time respecting that not everyone feels the same way.

Go check out her post. It's a great one.

History in the Making!

I wrote last month about how I have finally gotten engaged in a presidential election ... it only took until my mid-thirties to do so! What an incredible time for me to finally open my eyes and take part in the political process. Come November, we will either be greeting our first black President or our first female Vice President. Of course, I am hoping for one outcome over the other, but any way you look at it, these are VERY exciting times! I couldn't be happier to be experiencing this time in American history.

Refreshing

I try hard not to talk about my politics very much. I, especially, had no intention of discussion political issues here on my blog, where obviously, I can be opened up to a variety of judgement and comments that are unwanted. But, for some reason, this entire election has changed my views on things, and I feel compelled to speak.

I am a registered Democrat. I have supported Barack Obama throughout this election. I have some major issues with Hillary Clinton, none of which I wish to outline here. I am new to this political landscape. While always interested from afar, I've never fulfilled my civic duties until this election. That is to say... I have never voted until the Primary this year! I know, that is pitiful.

However, the bright side is that at least I am getting engaged now in my mid-thirties as opposed to never being engaged. And, the reason.... Barack Obama. I credit him and his campaign for changing my views, energizing me, and making me feel that change can and will happen. There are MANY posts I could write about my feelings about his campaign, his candidacy, what an Obama presidency would mean for America, and maybe as the elections draws nearer I will write about some of those thoughts.

For now, as the DNC is going on in Denver and I anxiously await Barack Obama's speech tonight, I'd like to take a second to focus on the would-be First Lady. Michelle Obama is a refreshing change in the role of first lady, in my opinion. Michelle is a well educated woman with career aspirations, a dedicated mother, and ideas of her own. She will not be the in-your-face type of First Lady who is secretly (or not so secretly) vying to make her own way in politics, nor will she be the quiet, unassuming, and frankly, uninspiring First Lady either. I am voting for Barack. The fact that he is married to such a talented and interesting woman is merely icing on the cake. Check out her DNC speech from last night.

Ok, go ahead..... say what you need to say in the comments :-)