While coffee houses served as discussion forums during the Enlightenment, Facebook became today's forum November 4th. Practically all of my SMU colleagues facebook statuses, notes and comments that day surrounded the election. On novemeber 5th, Obama supporters felt victory. Some decided to rub it in republican faces while others simply smiled at the historic moment! Wheatever the reaction, I was especially intrigued by the following:
A friend of mine ,who has continually posted Facebook notes (these last 2 years) supporting McCain, posted a new note November 5th. This note said he would continue to post notes regarding any issues he disagreed with Obama on. He recieved many comments, one of which really caught my interest. It read: "Obama is president. Devote your energy to something you can actually change. Thanks."
I disagree with this statement. I think this young man should continue to devote his energy to standing up against Obama's policies if he deeply disagrees with them. If we all automatically accepted change (which is not always good) our political system would serve no purpose. It is differences of opion which keep us in check and strong as a nation right? I think so.
The adage that "change is good" does not always ring true. Taking this approach too far could lead America to become a passive, complaisant nation. If Washington daily strives to better the United States (economy, healthcare, taxes etc) we must keep our dialogue fervent. One man's success does not mean another man must sit out of the game. We must all continually devote our energy to what we believe in.
Another adage, which I strongly relish, says "bring about the change you want to see in the world." If we all approach our poltical issues with this mindset, Americans will remain a strong, ever-changing people. If we accept all change as good, however, we will not mature. Our like-mindedness will leave us bowing down to one supreme authority. Democracy would collapse. Just something to think about.
