Last night I sewed my Japanese purse for the fundraiser today while listening to the debate between Senators McCain and Obama and I couldn't help but be struck by a few thoughts. 
First and foremost, regardless of which candidate I'm supporting at the moment, I felt incredibly lucky. I felt lucky to live in a country where debates concerning serious issues are allowed to occur and that they are televised for the entire country to see. Every citizen is allowed to watch and to judge for themselves. I felt very proud to be an American while I was making my Japanese-themed purse.
Secondly, I was struck by the enormous responsibility and burden that both of these men are willing to fight for in their pursuit of the presidency of the United States. OK, I've always thought it was a tough job, but we are facing one of the most frightening and pivotal points in our history, which makes their commitment seem even more courageous. Ask yourself, would you want that job right now? And would you want it when you're 73 years old?
To be honest, I was struck by the passion, the strength, the preparation and commitment of both of those men. And again, I felt lucky to be an American. Lucky to have a choice when faced with such challenging times. 
My son Jack is taking forensics/public speaking at school so I encouraged him to watch the debates last night. At first, he complained that he's rather watch a movie. Frankly, I could understand that as I remembered how boring I thought they were when I was a kid. But I pressed it...and he watched.
After the debate started, neither my husband nor my son said a word. Frankly, I believe they were mesmerized. There was a lot of information to absorb and you could tell by the tone of the arguments, that the issues being discussed were serious and important. There was a tremendous amount of information to digest and the gravity of the moment was not lost on Jack who is only 12.
At the end of the night, my purse was ready for the fundraiser but I'm not sure I was ready to make my decision about our next President. I have a lot of work left to do on that front.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
The American Debate and a "Japanese" Purse
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7 comments:
Beautiful purse, Susan. The person who wins the bid on this will be ecstatic! Great comments, too. I agree, we are very lucky!
Your bag came out beautifully. I really like the handle. I'm going to have to remember that style the next time I make a bag.
While watching the debate I was also struck by the magnitude of the job and the huge challenges facing the next president. It takes a certain kind of person to want to take on those responsibilities. Since both feel they're up for the job--and since both are so passionate about their commitment-- voters really need to examine each candidate's positions on the issues.
I love your new purse! Great analysis of the political process. I agree with everything you said. Too bad that most American base their vote on superficialy things.
It's a beautiful purse, Susan. I love the way you matched the colors in the outer panels with the center panel... yummy!
I've already decided who I want for president, but I was pleasantly surprised by how equal the two men seemed in their arguments. It was verra interesting!
The political process has seemed extra schizophrenic to me during this election cycle..so it was refreshing to read your positive, "big picture" take on things...and even better to see you involving and training your son to think about all this as his own person.
...The purse is great, too...knew it would be....
Lovely work on the purse Susan.
I hope you raise lots of money for JEC.
I love the purse! The little pocket inside, the pattern, everything ... it's just lovely. I'm sure it will bring lots of high bids.
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