I know it sounds cruel but she DID vote for Obama. Okay, all kidding aside I have to admit that I am one of the few in the state of Washington who did NOT vote for Obama. In fact, I find a small amount of joy every time I see a "Nobama" bumper sticker and am reminded that I am not alone in the universe.
Having said this it should come as no surprise that my grandma and I did not see eye to eye on the election. I believe my comments about Obama actually upset her so much that she didn't talk to me for over a week but she did vent to my mom. During one of my last conversations with her on this topic I tried to explain some of my concerns and no, not a single one had to do with the fact that he's black. Despite my efforts in explaining my position to her, our conversation ended with her asking me in her grandmother voice, "Honey, what do you have against Obama?" I wanted to shout, "Didn't you hear me?!"
The photo below captures Obama on stage during a fund raiser for Sen. Tom Harkin in Iowa with presidential candidates Bill Richardson and Hillary Clinton. Many felt this photo showed his lack of respect to the nation during the singing of the National Anthem. It was reported that Obama was angered that the photo was released (and because the reporter erroneously stated the photo was taken during the Pledge of Allegiance rather than the singing of the national anthem, Obama said: "This is the classic dirty trick. This was not the Pledge of Allegiance. The woman was singing the Star Spangled Banner."
As a sign of respect to their nation, many Americans place their hand over their heart when the National Anthem is played as well as when they recite the Pledge. In his case, Obama said "...I was taught by my grandfather that you put your hands over your heart during the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star Spangled Banner, you sing." Only, when you look at the photo, its very clear that neither Obama nor the others on stage are singing. It was, however, the singing of the national anthem.
In striking contrast below I have one of two newspaper photos showing my grandma watching the inauguration. Take special note of the fourth paragraph and you will notice where her hand is and what song is being played...I'm certain she would not like this blog posting...but I still love her anyway.
Skagit Valley Herald
Dressed in red sweaters and munching on red, white and blue sprinkled doughnuts, about a dozen Country Meadow Village residents celebrated the inauguration of President Barack Obama at the Sedro-Woolley retirement home.
“His speech gave me goosebumps, and it almost made me cry,” said Bernadine Salsman, 88, a Country Meadow Village resident. “History is being made, definitely.” Salsman and her friend, Jessie Miller, 91, another resident, said looking back in history, neither ever imagined seeing a black person become president. “We should be an example for the whole world,” Miller said. “I’m just happy I could live to see this come to pass.” Residents gathered around a flat-screen television wrapped with a blue and white fabric at its base.
As Obama approached the podium to deliver his inaugural address, Salsman raised her arm and waved a hand-held American flag in the air, a smile across her face. The residents clapped with agreement throughout Obama’s inaugural address. Many rose from their seats as “The Star Spangled Banner” was sung. They placed their hands over their hearts and sang along. After the ceremony, Salsman said it was difficult to pinpoint just one thing from the speech that stood out.
‘Our country has come a long ways’
By CODI HAMBLIN
Staff Writer
By CODI HAMBLIN
Staff Writer
Skagit County senior citizens saw a piece of history Tuesday morning that many didn’t think would happen in their lifetimes.
Dressed in red sweaters and munching on red, white and blue sprinkled doughnuts, about a dozen Country Meadow Village residents celebrated the inauguration of President Barack Obama at the Sedro-Woolley retirement home.
“His speech gave me goosebumps, and it almost made me cry,” said Bernadine Salsman, 88, a Country Meadow Village resident. “History is being made, definitely.” Salsman and her friend, Jessie Miller, 91, another resident, said looking back in history, neither ever imagined seeing a black person become president. “We should be an example for the whole world,” Miller said. “I’m just happy I could live to see this come to pass.” Residents gathered around a flat-screen television wrapped with a blue and white fabric at its base.
As Obama approached the podium to deliver his inaugural address, Salsman raised her arm and waved a hand-held American flag in the air, a smile across her face. The residents clapped with agreement throughout Obama’s inaugural address. Many rose from their seats as “The Star Spangled Banner” was sung. They placed their hands over their hearts and sang along. After the ceremony, Salsman said it was difficult to pinpoint just one thing from the speech that stood out.
Me too Grandma...Unfortunately, what I've found is that when someone has a definite opinion and doesn't want to hear any facts that don't jive with it they refuse to hear you so I recommend you take two aspirins and watch a good movie.
My recommendation would be Albert Brooks in Looking for Comedy in a Muslim World. Then, to top it off I would suggest a double feature with Defending Your Life. These are hilarious comedies and with Albert Brooks' awkwardness and great sense of timing I would hope that you'd enjoy them as much as me.
