Yes We Can

As I have noted before politics and Scouting don't mix. Political campaigns can test our patience and bruise our spirits. We can be disappointed or thrilled with the ultimate outcome but whatever befalls over the next four years we all Americans. 

I post an excerpt from President Elect Obama's concession speech given after his defeat in the New Hampshire primaries January 8, 2008 because it puts into words what I feel when I pledge my duty to my country. 

We know the battle ahead will be long, but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way, nothing can withstand the power of millions of voices calling for change...

But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope. For when we have faced down impossible odds; when we've been told that we're not ready, or that we shouldn't try, or that we can't, generations of Americans have responded with a simple creed that sums up the spirit of a people.

Yes we can.

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.

Yes we can.

It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom through the darkest of nights.

Yes we can.

It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.

Yes we can.

It was the call of workers who organized; women who reached for the ballot; a President who chose the moon as our new frontier; and a King who took us to the mountaintop and pointed the way to the Promised Land.

Yes we can to justice and equality. Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity. Yes we can heal this nation. Yes we can repair this world. Yes we can.

And ...  as we learn that the struggles of the textile worker in Spartanburg are not so different than the plight of the dishwasher in Las Vegas; that the hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams of the boy who learns on the streets of LA; we will remember that there is something happening in America; that we are not as divided as our politics suggest; that we are one people; we are one nation; and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America's story with three words that will ring from coast to coast; from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can.

Associated posts at Scoutmaster
What I See in Lincoln's Eyes
Tolerance
Country First

Comments

[CA Scouter]

Greetings,

I was really annoyed by your Obama post until I scrolled down, saw your McCain post and understood what you were doing. Well done and very even-handed.

I was not an Obama supporter, but wish him well and will pray for our new president.

One aspect of Scouting which I have treasured is its non-partisan nature. In my son's troop, I have developed friendships with people who differ from my political and religious views, but share the fact that we are people of good will. There aren't many institutions in America which can do that anymore and that's a pity.

[Steve]

Politics & Scouting don't mix, During the campaign there were Scouts on stage at a McCain rally, not even in full uniform.
Be that as it may, Scouts are bound to duty to God & country, not a political party.