On his web site, radio talk show host, Rush Limbaugh states of the new Obama administration, “I hope he fails”, which I will get to in a moment. But, it is this quote that I must confront head on, “They didn't give Bush a chance in 2000. Before he was inaugurated the search-and-destroy mission had begun.” First, I would love for him to clarify who “they” are. Liberals? People who voted for former Vice President Al Gore?
As an American, I can say that I did give him a chance having voted for former Vice President Al Gore in the 2000 presidential campaign. When our now former President, George W. Bush was sworn in on January 20th, 2001 I did get behind him. Yes, I did write my own pieces concerning that election, but realized George W. Bush would be our president for four years.
I stated my peace concerning that contested election which every American has the right to do using the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I cherish that amendment and will defend Limbaugh’s right to use that amendment as well even if I despise the very thing he is opining. If Limbaugh reads this piece which I highly doubt, I have never taken part in any boycott of you or others like you and that is truly the American way. Our soldiers throughout history have died on the battlefield in protection of our freedoms and one of them being the freedom of expression, to assemble and freedom of the press.
Now I would love to address his opinion where he states of the new Obama administration, “I hope he fails”. If he has cited that others did not give Bush a chance, isn’t it up to him to at least give President Barack Obama a chance? This is where I find the hypocrisy coming from him. It is he who should live up to his own words as he chides others.
Let us take a look at both elections. In the 2000 presidential election, then candidate Gov. George W. Bush through his lawyers went to the Supreme Court to stop the recount in Florida. One phrase within the Bush V. Gore decision was that “No irreparable harm should come to George W. Bush” I do opine that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of few and the one. Those who cast their votes in that election were more important than George W. Bush and yet the Supreme Court in that Bush V. Gore decision decided they were not. Our soldiers also have spilt blood on many a battlefield protecting our right to cast our votes and more importantly, have them counted.
In this past presidential election, it was a swift and decisive victory for President Barack Obama where the outcome came early in the night with no recounts needed. There was nothing to contest, only dismay and anger coming from those who abhorred its outcome.
As Senator John McCain gave his concession speech one can hear such dismay and anger coming from his supporters. At that moment in time, it was John McCain who realized that elections do matter especially their outcomes as he comforted his supporters and gave them a new charge to get behind then, President-elect Barack Obama.
Contained within his speech were words of a true patriot when he said, "These are difficult times for our country and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges that face us." That is what being an American is all about. Coming together for a common good even if you disagree with a contender’s agenda or the direction in which he wishes to take this great country of ours.
If there are any words that should be listened to by those who did not vote for President Barack Obama are these cited in that same concession speech given by John McCain, “I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”
This is still a dangerous world where millions are not prospering and they put their trust and faith in our new president. For Rush Limbaugh to even state, he hopes that President Obama fails is not the American way. In times of crisis such as September 11th, 2001, we as a country came together behind our new president and in this economic fire storm, even those who did not support or support President Barack Obama must do the same and give him the same chance.
I would suggest to Rush Limbaugh to truly live up to the words of our Pledge of Allegiance which states: I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
Yes, one can dissent in this great country of ours as many have done under former President Bush, but many did give him a chance. It was former President Bush who broke the sacred trust with Americans as he lied this nation into a war. A war that President Barack Obama must deal with now. To even state that he hopes he fails, well isn’t that playing into the hands of those who seek to destroy this country?
During this past presidential campaign, I was a critic of Senator John McCain, but have come to realize that it is he who is a true patriot as he has chosen to back President Barack Obama in words and in deeds. Something that Rush Limbaugh will never understand.
Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net
