I hesitate to write an article about the election but it seems glaringly absent from the PLC today, the day after Obama’s re-election. Is it true that we are we so afraid of offending each other that we balk at any kind of discussion of the incredible event that happened yesterday? Is fear of offending others going to keep free speech muffled on this blog?
My take on the entire thing is that the Romney campaign – especially the people behind the scenes funding Romney – just seem so angry. They want public education gone and poor people thrown deeper into poverty. Even though he has it wrong with Arne Duncan, President Obama supports us in urban schools where kids and families suffer so much. Is that a reason to not express the joy that some of us share today?
Do we really have to fear others here – fearing others’ disapproval in our joy of today? I don’t. I am so happy that my retirement pension with the state of Colorado and the Social Security that I earned in the trenches of American schools over the past three and a half decades is safe for another four years. I am happy that my leader does not cower to mean people and attack dogs.
Obama came to my high school last year to promote his jobs program. As a member of the faculty, I was in the front row after his speech and when he came by in front of the podium to shake hands after his speech, we grabbed arms in a sea of noise and other arms, I looked at him and said loudly, “You are our champion!” He tossed his head back with a big smile and then looked at me and said “Thank you!” – I didn’t hear it but I saw it. I saw honesty and humility all at once in his eyes.
I know we are divided. But I don’t care if I offend anybody on this blog by writing this here today. I respect Romney and his beliefs – we are a free people and I have no right to judge him. But I don’t care if I offend anybody in my support and promotion of a really fine President. Let the airwaves forever be open for free speech on this blog.