Honesty vs. Catharsis

The original version of this commentary was written just weeks after Obama's election.  Initially posted on my Facebook page, I've opted to consign this slightly revamped piece because my words have held up more than I ever thought.

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Although it was hardly the first time I was railed because of my political leanings, one acquaintance in particular referred to me as a "redneck" several days before last November's election because I defied conventional wisdom -- as dictated by pop culture and the majority of our news media -- and conceded that I was beyond the point of considering Barack Obama for President.

In fact there worse things than being identified as one whose neck is red, but the various retorts I experienced throughout the lengthy electoral process became largely platitudinal thanks in part to the purging of emotion that Obama inspires.  Funny how even the slightest trace of dissent can drive our "open-minded" rivals to wield such vacuous rhetoric.

In the interest of full disclosure, I never regarded the now-former Illinois Senator as a practical alternative because of the endorsements and affiliations he garnered over the 21 months leading up to the election.  Louis Farrakhan himself recently admitted that he and the Nation of Islam kept a distance because of how their presence could impact Obama’s run at the White House.  If that doesn't speak volumes, nothing does.

Possibly the most overlooked paradox is that Obama campaigned as an all-inclusive Moderate despite opinions, alliances, and a congressional voting record that confirm his Far Left marrow beyond a shadow of any doubt.  Further, a tenuous political resume' that would have hindered any other candidate did virtually nothing to inhibit the groundswell of support that only grew with every word out of Obama's mouth.

Considering that Liberals are outnumbered by Conservatives nationwide (44% vs. 21% according to Rasmussen), Obama's delicate positional jump from Left to Center became necessary in order to lasso the mass of self-described Independent voters that proved most responsible in the final result for pushing Obama to victory despite the hardcore fringe who still object nearly two months after his history-making triumph became official.

Last November over 69 million people voted for a man who, because of his chosen associations, would not qualify for a job with the Secret Service or FBI.  And because this is not the first time America has selected a smooth talker over a war hero with a proven record in the Senate (Clinton v. Dole '96), the 60 million who voted for the other guy are about to get their fill of Far Left enthusiasts feeding at the same trough whether they like it or not.

Taking all factors into account, a certain question still begs to be asked: Is it possible that my detractors are right about me?

Metaphorically, does my brand of patriotism lack a certain authenticity because I don’t break into a full body orgasm every time Barack Obama blesses us with the sound of his infusing voice?  Am I a racist because I prefer vanilla ice cream to chocolate?

Such bantering is countermanded by the fact that given conceptions were pushed into the national consciousness long ago.  Yet there comes a point where one tires of fending against attacks directed at their chosen candidate and persistent interrogations about why they are not a Democrat to begin with.

Irrespective of the condescension from those whom these assailments originate, Conservatives are particularly irritated by the conspicuous disregard of the name calling and cheap shots sustained by anyone who even considered voting for John McCain.  It's not that Right Wingers can't handle it, but there is considerable vexation over certain factions from within the print and televised media who would have been all over it (ad nauseam) had such blatant contempt emanated from the Conservative side of the aisle.  Enforcing distorted guilt trips and double standards, it seems, has its advantages.

Joe Biden is a gaffe machine who will likely provide us with many points of humor and contention for years to come.  But Obama, of course, is the one to be watched.  You wanted him, you got him.  Now you have to deal with him.  So enjoy your time in the spotlight, Democrats.  The honeymoon might very well be a short one.