Hope in Moving FORWARD!

President Obama and VP Biden, November 2012.  Photo by Pete Souza

After a long and hard fought presidential election season, President Barack Hussein Obama has been re-elected as the President of the United States of America and I am THRILLED!  Along with millions of people, I did my part to get him elected in 2008 and the second time is no different.  I am glad that in the end, community organizing, truth, and the small contributions of ordinary people, thwarted the machinations of those interested in taking the country back to the policies of the 1950's.

GOTV on election day with the Obama campaign in Richmond, VA

This was an ugly presidential election season.  The barrage of negative ads from both the Democratic and Republican camps has ushered in a disappointing new era of what to expect during future presidential campaigns.   No thanks to the Supreme Court's disappointing ruling on Citizens United .
Let's not kid ourselves, this election forced everyone to dig in on their beliefs and values.  As a woman, I am gobsmacked at the thought that some elected officials believe there is such a thing as 'legitimate rape'.  Furthermore, the apparent total disrespect for the President and his Office by the GOP, made it very clear that this election was not all about policy differences.  It had the undertone of something much uglier. 

"I am not concerned with your liking or disliking me... All I ask is that you respect me as a human being." - Jackie Robinson

Well, it is over now and we have to move forward.  It is my hope that much has been learned that will cause our elected officials to put aside the bickering and partisanship to focus on what is best for the country.  This will require collaboration, compromise, effective leadership, and yes, some healthy conflict resolution.  Hmm, sounds like I should offer some organization development services to Congress.  Maybe some team and group development intervention?

As a strong Obama supporter, I have no illusions that this second term will be easier.  I do believe that we will see a modified leadership approach from the President. Our elected leaders will have to work together and those who refuse, will be dealt another shellacking in 2014.  I also hope that 'we' do our part to embrace the rich diversity of people, opinions, beliefs, and values that make living in the U.S a wonderful place to be.

We are all responsible for what happens next, not just the President and Congress.  We are responsible for what happens in our lives and how we respond to the the challenges we will face.  I encourage you to think about what personal visions, goals, dreams, and aspirations are sitting on the shelf.  It is time to dust them off, be creative, develop a strategy, and make them happen.  It takes hope and the belief that if you can see it, you can achieve it.  It will also require hard work, honesty, dedication, and PASSION!  This much I have learned is possible from President Obama's journey and I thank him for being an inspiration. love+live.life!


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