Facts, fear and faith: Make peace with Election 2016
Reawaken the American spirit through our reflective anthology
Since June 2015, I’ve watched two of America’s most disliked & distrusted public figures win the nomination to be President of the United States.
More importantly, one of these two figures has now become the leader of the free world. He’s responsible for keeping our turbulent planet in check, and for guiding us all toward more security and prosperity.
Crazy times
If you’re disillusioned or concerned about the outcome, you’re not alone.
If you’re wondering how we even got to this place, I hear you.
Many of us felt this was a vote for “the lesser of two evils” or a “hold your nose and vote” scenario.
America wants to remain that shining city on the hill, that beacon for the world’s tired and huddled masses, a symbol of exceptionalism for all to emulate.
This turn of events has caught everyone off guard, and we’re not sure what to do about it.
What would America’s most beloved leaders think?
America first or globalism?
Many American jobs are shipping out and many American neighborhoods aren’t shaping up.
There is growing concern that America’s leaders haven’t been smart about making fair trade deals, nor about ensuring hardworking Americans get a fair shake in the global economy.
Image from bbc.com
This did turn into a Brexit #2. When the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union on June 23rd 2016, its economic future instantly became more uncertain, and its leaders now need to work extra hard to stay relevant on the world stage.
Similarly, America is currently in enough pain over its internal challenges that it could decide to leave the rest of the world.
Like my American friends, my heart aches over the economic stagnation we’re experiencing. My brain wrestles with the social problems that seem insurmountable, from poverty and joblessness to mental illness and violence. My soul yearns for a day when we can heal the bloody wounds of this country’s founding and fully embrace each other, blind to race, color or creed.
Peace for a better world
When the Founding Fathers arrived here in Philadelphia to forge a new nation, they didn’t come as Democrats or Republicans, or to nominate a presidential candidate. They came as patriots who feared party politics. I know how they felt. I’ve been a Democrat, I’ve been a Republican, and I eventually became an Independent because I don’t believe either party has a monopoly on good ideas or strong leadership.
Michael Bloomberg, American business magnate, politician, and philanthropist, from his 2016 Democratic National Convention speechLike Michael Bloomberg, I look for good ideas and strong leadership regardless of party.
And as a Singaporean living in America, with ties to friends and family in Asia, I feel and know the international consequences of this election.
My eyes see hope in citizens of other nations who want what America has. My cells hold stories of Asian & European ancestors who lived through the atrocities of World War II, and who placed their faith in America to build and maintain a more peaceful world order after 1945. My brain stores the comments from friends and family who ask, “What’s happening to America? Can we still count on its leadership in the world? Which country will step in to fill the void that America leaves, and will we all suffer as a result?”
Photo Credit: The Blaze
In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God,” creating the pledge America says today.
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
When that Communist threat loomed over the world, America used faith to stand united for the world. And for that, the world owes America a debt of gratitude.
The 21st Century may seem more secular than ever but many of us, even those who don’t profess to be faithful, do walk through life guided by a moral compass and a reverence for our common humanity. And when Americans stepped into that voting booth on Election Day, their secular analysis of who to vote for meant more when they could also make a moral or spiritual peace with the decision.
Make peace with the choice made on Nov 8th 2016. For America AND for the world.
Image from davemanuel.com
Americans chose their next President on November 8th 2016.
Since June 2015, I’ve watched the presidential election and political process live and in real time, to hear unfiltered opinions and seek the truth for my own peace of mind.
I’m reading dozens of books to better understand America’s tumultuous history, current reality and enduring ideals.
I’ve become a political junkie, the last thing I ever thought I’d do, to lend a more well-informed voice to the conversation.
I’m learning more and more about the American spirit – what it is, how it came to be and where it lives on.
And I want to share what I’m learning with you.
Available to Yearly Members
During this election season and through Inauguration Day on Jan 20th 2017...
- I’ll publish articles to help America and its allies learn (or remember) what’s at stake.
- I’ll give you my take on the players, issues and values that drove this election, covering these 4 key areas and more:
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National Security and Foreign Policy
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Economics
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Domestic Policy
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American Values & Democracy
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Access the Election Anthology below...
and you’ll get information and resources that challenge you to think, talk, and understand.
To get back to that place of believing you live in a good nation that strives to do great things.
To make peace with your choice, and to help America stay vital and vibrant for the world, far beyond this one election.
…I can say with absolute conviction, I am more optimistic about our chances today than when I was elected as a 29-year-old kid to the senate. The 21st century is going to be the American century. Because — because we lead not only by the example of our power, but by the power of our example. That is the history of the journey of America. We are America. Second to none. And we own the finish line. Don’t forget it. Come on. We’re America!
Joe Biden, Vice President, United States of America
I intend for all of us to understand how truly monumental this election is, and to equip you to vote for or stand with America’s next chapter.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport.”
– Lotte E. Scharfman,
Past President of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts
I’m all in on this journey of insightful discovery and peace for a better world after Nov 8th. Are you?
Available to Yearly Members
The current White House occupant has already changed your life, my life and the lives of all 7.4 billion people on Earth.
May we all wise up to the journey ahead.
A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.
Mahatma Gandhi
The struggle now going on for the world will never be decided by bombs or rockets, by armies or military might. The real crisis we face today is a spiritual one; at root, it is a test of moral will and faith.
Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United StatesYours, in peace,
Maya Mathias
Peaceful Leadership Advocate & Mentor