Thomas Paine wrote those words when it looked like we might lose the American Revolution. There were many who were simply walking away from the battlefield and the army. It was a difficult time and Paine was challenging those who despaired to reflect on their own character, to ask the question if they were "fair weather" (sunshine) patriots or had the spirit of perseverance regardless of obstacles and set-backs.
We find ourselves needing to ask ourselves the same questions. We still love our country. We still have a duty to defend the constitution and its principles. We still have wonderful leaders who will fight for our cause. We need to carry on.
There is no question that as the election data is collected, sliced, diced, and analyzed, we will find chinks in our armor. We already know that we have work to do to reach out better to women, youth, and minorities. But we need not, nor should not despair. Let's take a moment... a brief moment to lick our wounds of defeat and to rejoice in our victories (yes, we did have some of those too!) and then "let us not shrink from the service of (our) country". Let's welcome the feeling of vitality and energy and face with courage, the challenge before us.
President Obama did not receive a mandate from the electorate. And though we must stand by our principles, we must also do as our nominee encouraged us last night, and pray for our president and our country. I like the old saying that we must "Pray like everything depends on God, and work like everything depends on us".
I am by design an optimistic person but I do not see through "rose colored" glasses either. I do have hope, which overcomes discouragement and I do have faith that we can affect those around us in a positive way. But it does depend on each of us. I hope and pray that we can "stand by it now" and work together to accomplish what is necessary to preserve our country for our children and grandchildren.
This morning my friend Pete Ricketts from Nebraska reminded me of one of my favorite quotes from Winston Churchill,
"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing
great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour
and good sense. Never yield to force, never yield to the apparently
overwhelming might of the enemy."
God bless you and God bless the United States of America.
Bruce R. Hough
National Committeeman, Utah
www.brucehough.blogspot.com
4 comments:
As a woman and a spouse to a 'minority' I feel the GOP has long been ignoring the views of anyone who isn't male and isn't white. And until that changes, I believe the GOP is going to have a rough go of it.
Public Relations professional, John Echeveste, said it best: “What Republicans mean by ‘family values’ and what Hispanics mean are two completely different things...We are a very compassionate people, we care about other people and understand that government has a role to play in helping people.”
I'm not sure who you're inferring is the "enemy" but I do hope we can all work together to achieve a better future for ALL Americans.
Forward.
God bless America.
Dear Anonymous,
In my comments I specifically indicate our failure to attract minorities to support our candidates, so we do agree on that. Enemy is the word that Winston Churchill used and we know why he used it... they were in a war that threatened their very existence. I included it because of the strong sentiment to never give up. To me the enemy is discouragement and despair.
Bruce said: "To me the enemy is discouragement and despair."
Well, then, we agree on two things. Thanks for replying, Bruce.
And for anyone out there who thinks it's the end of the world; well, i thought that in 2004 and we're all still here!
Bruce, thank you so much for the commentary. I was SO very disappointed when I woke up this morning and saw the outcome of the election. Not only for president but also in my home state of NH. It seems a once Republican state has, over the last few years, changed it's support to the Democratic Party. It is such a sad thing for me to see happen. When I look to the future, I see the government involved in all aspects of our lives; dictating what we can and cannot do; with our money , our healthcare, our children and soforth. I also envision a world where those who work and contribute to society are the minority. I envisioned a very bleak future this morning. After reading your blog I have some hope. Hope that the Republican Party will learn from the last 2 elections that they need to get back to their roots. Look at the Regan era and use his principles to bring this country back to greatness. This morning I was ready to give up but your blog has re-energized me to continue fighting for what I believe in and for our country. Thank You!
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