Worth a Laugh...

No matter your political leanings, you must admit that this photo is hilarious... Glenn Beck's "America's March to Socialism" as an inspirational talk on CD?

Thanks to our local Seagull Book (and to Ryan for snapping the photo) for the hilarity.

A Great Day in History

Today I feel blessed to be a citizen of the United States of America. As I watched the inauguration of our 44th president, and the first African-American to hold this office, I felt impressed at the magnitude of what took place today. During his prayer, Reverend Joseph Lowery referred to Obama as a servant of the Lord, which struck me. Another person encouraged us all to pray for President Obama and those he serves with. I am hopeful that we can all support Barack Obama as OUR president, whether or not our vote was cast for him (mine was, very enthusiastically). I truly believe he is a good man with integrity and that he will do his best to lead our great nation.

I loved this blog post (lift where you stand) that was written by someone who voted for the other candidate, but is ready to support President Obama. It references a wonderful general conference talk by Dieter F. Uchtdorf about doing what we can, wherever we are, and with whatever we can contribute to help the group accomplish great things.

Now is the time for us all to lift where we stand.

**Were you moved by the inauguration?

Vote!

Today I was thrilled for the opportunity to help out at our school's Mock Election (thanks to our awesome PTA president!). It was so exciting to be with the kids who were full of enthusiasm to have a chance to cast their ballot. I chatted with a teacher who got to vote for the first time today (she just became a US citizen) and felt overwhelmed with gratitude that in our day, every citizen can vote, regardless of race, gender, or social status. I don't think most of the children have learned yet what people in years past have sacrificed and suffered so that voting rights could be given to all people--even as adults we tend to overlook all that has taken place so that we can enjoy this privilege.

I overheard a few things that made me sad and incredulous (one student said they would not vote for Obama because he's black and their family doesn't like black people, another couldn't remember who to vote for and asked, "Which one has the same color skin as me?"). It is heartbreaking that there are still people who are so racist and that adults are sharing their racial bias with their impressionable children. If you don't like his ideas and policies, fine, but don't let skin color be the reason you vote for or against someone. Although McCain won by many votes at our school and will certainly win the majority of votes in our fair state, I am thrilled at the likelihood that we will have a first-family of African-American heritage.

To lighten the mood a bit, we enjoyed the write-in candidates: several for Mitt Romney, one for Archuleta, and two for "Mom."

Later in the day I was giddy at the thought that I got to cast my own ballot and have my say.

I hope you took the opportunity to vote!

Politics?

Apparently my genius (see previous post) has not been passed on to our children. Yesterday over dinner Ryan and I talked about the New Hampshire primary and the interesting turn of events. Olivia asked who the President was. I asked her if she knew. She had no earthly clue (I am SURE I've talked to her about the President of the United States!). I told the kids I'd give them a hint, so I said, "His first name is George". The rest of the conversation went like this:

Olivia: George Washington?
Me: No, he was the first president.
Coleman: George Lopez? (too much Nick Jr. TV, apparently, where George Lopez is frequently seen in commercials)
Me: Nope.
Olivia: Curious George? (too much PBS TV, apparently, where the curious monkey is up to crazy antics)
Me: Nope.
Olivia: George McGree? (made up? grasping at whatever comes to mind???)
Olivia: George Washington? (must be desperate, trying the same wrong answer again)
Me: It's Bush, George Bush.
Olivia: George Bush-er?
Me: No, just Bush.
Olivia: George Bush-Boy?
Me: No, just Bush.
Coleman: George Bush-man?
Me: No, just Bush. George Bush. He is the President of the United States.

Do you think they'll have any better luck with Obama? Say it with me kiddoes, Oh-bah-ma. Bah-rock Oh-bah-ma. Here's hoping!