The Election Reflection

Last Saturday night we gathered at Maureen's to discuss the outcome of the election. Kurt brought us a piece written about Obama from a highly spiritual, even religious viewpoint. Yes, I look for signs, and names sometimes hold a special meaning for me. But after all, parents give their children propitious names that express their high hopes for their infants, so it's hardly surprising that the names Barack, Hussein and Obama translate into words that appear prophetic.

But my own son's name means a "Crowned Healer," and he is a lovely young man, but he is hardly an Aragorn. I commented that this piece was over the top, and while I hold great hopes for the future and for Obama's administration, he is not a messiah.

We all spoke of our feelings around the election. For the most part, everyone spoke of a guarded optimism. We recognize that the economy and the war will present huge challenges and may force Obama to delay or renege on some of his promises. Still, his election represents a shift away from the models of the past, so we are hopeful.

We have one dissenter, who did not vote for Obama and viewed his campaign as "Madison Avenue." I could see some of that in the "Obama Girl" videos, which had no intellectual or even political content at all, but clearly had some effect on younger voters. When the evening was winding down, several of us thanked her for feeling comfortable enough to express her different opinion.

Robin brought a "talking stick" she decorated when her son Sam was little, so that they could argue with each other but make sure each of them would be heard. It was beautifully wrapped in ribbons and had buttons and bells hanging from it by several threads. The talking stick helped us to remember to wait and give each person a chance to speak. Sometimes, adults though we are, our thoughts bubble up so quickly that we tend to interrupt each other. So I appreciate the talking stick, and hope Robin will always bring it.

Maureen made us a shepherd's pie, and we had cold cuts, cheese, crackers and vegetables for a delicious potluck meal. Thanks to her for being an excellent hostess, and to Kurt for leading us through yet another deeply satisfying reflection.