Historic Evening, Big Wins

4. January 2008 by BruceSmith.

Last night was an historic evening. Kansas’ football team one its first bowl game! More important, however, was what took place in Iowa at the Caucuses. But just what did take place? What really went on in Iowa last night?

I am no expert political commentator by any stretch, but I am one who appreciates our American story, and I am deeply concerned with who we are and where we are headed as a country. It is said, often, that people ought to stay away from two subjects as much as possible; religion and politics. I, as you know, am not one who commonly gives in to such admonitions. And so, today, I offer my socio-politico-religious musing on just what took place last night on a truly historic evening.

As you are now aware, two men took the spotlight as they captured the win in Iowa. One, a black man, competing in a state that is 95% white, won in dramatic fashion. The other, a financial underdog who was out spent many times over, captured the day ahead of formidable odds. Obama and Huckabee.  Obama, a relative upstart in the political forum by comparison to his opponents, demonstrated the power of the message of hope, optimism, change, and a new future.  Huckabee, a former Governor and baptist minister, demonstrated the power of authenticity, a clear reasoned voice, and the allure of principled leadership over political polish.  Both men, amidst the fray of American politics, captured the imagination of onlookers as they spoke to the head, the heart, and our hopes for our true American identity.

What is significant about the win, in my opinion, is the larger picture, of which the rhetoric of both Obama and Huckabee is but a small part.  The crucial element and value of each man’s message which is so critical is the call to a view of America which finds its basis where it began.  The American story, founded upon Judeo Christian values, finds its life, axis, hope and future upon the ideals framed in our constitution by its founders.  Obama, if nothing else, is a testimony to the American ideal of freedom for all, opportunity for all, and the equality of all regardless of skin type.  If nothing more comes of his push for the White House, then we should all, as Americans, give thanks that we have come to a place where a black man can take his place (by virtue of his mind, work, ethic, and presence) in the ring of political competition and not be penalized due to his skin color.  If all else fails, Obama’s rise is a call for racial fighting to end, and a reminder that our ideals are moving forward.  Both sides of the race issue must recognize this reality and move forward with a better approach for the future, one that ends the derisiveness that has characterized us too often.  Those that champion Obama’s rise ought to be championing the bigger ideals and the quest for a better future, and not a skin type.  Those that do not agree with Obama’s politics ought to make another choice, again, not based on skin type, but upon the desire to support their idea of what will lead toward a better American future.

Huckabee’s emergence is surprising and refreshing on a number of levels.  First, his win demonstrates the power of a clear message and the compelling draw of principle.  His victory gives us hope in America that civil discourse and authenticity can win the day over the political machine, money, and political character assassination.  Moreover, with his faith not hidden, Huckabee’s emergence also demonstrates that Americans do not fear a faith based leader who is authentic and intelligent.  Huckabee offers Americans a glimpse of what appears to be an genuine desire to lead for the good of a country rather than for the lust of an ego.  If nothing more comes of his Iowa win, we have gotten a taste of hope that comes from a civil, engaging, intelligent, and reasoned approach.  And, perhaps, we have been reminded, time will tell, that faith based leadership is not something to fear, but rather, something we should aspire to.  Upon principle, upon truth, we make our way forward.  Anything short of that is merely rhetoric.

There are many intelligent, well-intended, and viable men and women on the political scene in our country today, and this brief commentary is by no means a call to vote for either of the candidates mentioned here.  Rather, the commentary is intended to remind us of what it is that we all most need and aspire to as Americans.  If Obama and Huckabee were to fall apart tomorrow, the message of the historic wins in Iowa remain.  We, as Americans, will always need, and hopefully desire, a country where truth, freedom, equality, intelligence, hope, and opportunity lead the way.  These are our ideals, and this is what we saw come alive last night in the wins and in the speeches of Obama and Huckabee.  Let’s hope and pray, regardless of who may lead the charge, that these ideals are what will characterize our coming leaders.  Let’s pray that these ideals continue to be the core values of our country, as set in place by our founders.

Be attentive this year to the issues we face as Americans.  Engage in the process.  Understand the issues.  Lead the way daily.

Grace and Peace,

Bruce Smith

optimuslife.org

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