Elisheva Hannah Levin has written an excellent blog post in response to Christine over at The Thinking Mother's suggestion in her post Election Outcome a few days ago:
"Now that we have elected a new President I have an idea. How about if we all write down our thoughts about our futures and our hopes or worries?"
Marc and I have been talking about nothing else for days. I was going to blog about it but then I read Elisheva's post and knew that I had very little to add. So when you read her eloquent words, know that I agree with them wholeheartedly.
I liked this quote from her post (the emphasis is mine):
As an American who loves and respects the Constitution of the United States, I accept Obama as the Constitutionally elected President of the United States. However, my loyalty must be to the US Constitution, not to his person, or the person of any president or government official. Government is our servant, not our master; the duty of government is to protect our rights, not to save the world. I am uncertain as to whether Obama and his supporters understand this. (I am certain that his predecessor did not). I will know by what he does and not what they say. At his inauguration, he will swear to preserve and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in this duty I wish him success and resilience. The Presidency is an awesome job and a great responsibility, and so I wish him health, long life, and good courage. But I do not promise him unquestioning loyalty or unwavering support. That would be inappropriate. I am a citizen, not a subject.
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3 comments:
I'm right there with you.
I know this doesn't apply to you, because you would never promote this idea, but disagreeing with Bush has been un-American for the last eight years, particularly since 9/11. Anything but "unwavering support" has been unpatriotic and I have been reminded constantly that in a time of war, nothing but "unquestioning loyalty" has been acceptable.
I don't think anyone smart would ever call for unquestioning loyalty -- in fact, I think you'll find the liberal netroots holding Obama's feet to a hot fire. However, when "my country right or wrong" has been the anthem of the right for so long, it's kind of funny to hear declarations of how dissent is now a virtue.
I know *not you* but I can remember hearing "my country right or wrong" shouted at me during a protest way back during the first gulf war.
When a Democrat is in the White House, criticizing the President becomes a noble calling. Like I said, I think Obama is going to be held accountable by the people who voted *for* him at least as much as the people who did not support him. We'll see, though.
I agree with LostCheerio (Lydia?) -- "I don't think anyone smart would ever call for unquestioning loyalty."
I thoroughly enjoyed Elisheva's post too, when I read it a few days ago, and I enjoy your thoughts. I am an Obama supporter, but I agree with both of you on some things. And I love the way you both help me understand the Libertarian perspective and challenge me to think. ;-)
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