Obama Farewell speech - a motivator to not stay away from Politics and Saudi Arabia shame on you for todays talk

As I have informed you before, I have consistently been advised to stay away from politics and I think I have been quite good. But, what the heck, it is a new year, I am a year older and not necessarily wiser and so today I will talk a tad about politics. Me bad. When Obama came into power I was nervous for him. Honestly, I thought someone would hurt him because of all the guns and the KKK still pouncing around in the States. I think the KKK know better than to try that in Toronto. They did in the past without success. We have a zero tolerance for hatred, more now than ever before. That is not to say that there is no hate. Hate like a vine travels and sometimes one can be oblivious when it blends in with the greenery. However, I was also so happy that Obama had achieved the highest post with the blessing and vote of the American people. Last night I was turning channels when I stopped to hear Obama’s farewell speech. I was so proud of having such an amazing neighbour. He has done so much for his country. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I just glowed when he spoke and gave praise to his wife and family. It reminded me of our own Prime Minister defending the love he has for his wife when he defended an embrace. He was holding his wife and what is wrong with that? What is wrong with that indeed? I am proud to be a Canadian and even though I could live elsewhere for a while, Toronto Canada will always be my home, for better or for worse. Yes I do dream of living in Niagara Falls and I do hope it will happen one day but the universities and education is all here. During the one month where I seemed to be at Conferences weekly, I realized that if I had lived elsewhere, I would have had to return too often. So, am I willing to retire or slow down yet? Not right now. Sometimes, we take for granted where we live. Regarding Obama, seeing him on my “small” tv, I saw the massiveness of the man. He has charisma; he has poise. I see an intelligent, gracious man. It was difficult to hear him say goodbye. I always thought it would be better to have a business person heading the country rather than a lawyer. There are a lot of lawyer jokes out there. There is a saying, “be careful what you wish for….” How do people vote? Do they vote strategically? Do they vote on impulse? Do they vote based on their own biases? Is there research regarding this? Perhaps, a bit of all. The States is our neighbour and therefore very important to me. We have always had a positive relationship. I have neighbours who are American and I love to hear their perspectives in how they compare our two countries. One American who is heavily involved in politics here told me that our system in Canada is airtight in filtering politicians who would not be suitable to lead the country, unlike the States. I am not quite sure what that means or involves. I am not even sure if the information is accurate. Ultimately, it is the people who vote and I also think that who is elected is reflected by the people who vote for them. I live in a democratic society but I am also aware that democracy is a privilege and hard earned. There are leaders in countries who despise freedom. They hate and encourage hate of anyone who thinks differently then they. They want to take power and retain power and do so by promoting hate. However, though the people in these country suffer in fear, there are always those who despite the consequences, speak up to what is right. What is right? Recently, I watched a documentary, regarding the hidden side of Saudi Arabia. It was broadcasted on the National News, The Passionate Eye. My pet is presently sitting on my notes, so instead of disturbing my princess, I will relate by memory. The King of Saudi Arabia considers himself King supreme (my interpretation). His mug is plastered on the tall considered beautiful buildings. People speaking out against the government or interpreted religion are jailed and lashed. We are in the 21st century and beheading and whipping is still occurring? I am sorry, but I think that is not only horrendous, it is primitive. Children in school are taught by books made in Saudi Arabia which are distributed through out the world, that the Shia Muslim is blasphemes as are Christians. Of course Christians should be wiped out of the surface of the earth (my words). (I really wish my purring pup would let me take my notes. But Holy Terror is just too happy that I am typing away with her nearby. I do not have the heart) Where is the heart and soul of these treacherous leaders? The documentary shows a beautiful Muslim woman being bold enough to drive a car and of course is imprisoned for almost three months. Women are often found begging in the streets because they have no livelihood. Then there is the religion police who should never have the title of “police” because it desecrates it. Nor should it have the title of religion. It doesn’t actually but that is the interpretation because that is how this religion is exploited for personal means. The founder of this religion did respect women. I have written papers about that on my blogs. Saudi Arabia, so rich has deplorable prisons where one prisoner is seen hanging while being abused by fellow inmates and another injecting himself with a syringe. It shows a poor side of town where sewage crawls along the poor. Saudi Arabia is not the only country which exploits it people. It is important for me to understand people and know where they are coming from. I like it that my country opens up its arms and takes in these people who suffer. Where do people escape the atrocity of dictatorship and torture if doors are closed? How do we help people heal when they find a new home here? When a country is rich and treats its people with so much disregard and women with no respect what so ever, what does this say about our world? What about Russia and China and…………….? We can dissect countries who exploit their own and just want to control the Western World. That makes it very important for us to each respect the right to vote and to do it to the best of our ability. We can never take our liberty for granted. I could never live in a country where I am considered less than my male counterpart. I can never live in a country that tries to silence me. I can never live in a country that imprisons me, whips me into submission or kills me. I can reach out to help those who have suffered and suffered greatly, I can vote analytically and not based on personal biases. I can vote for a man or woman who has a voice to promote equality without fear diplomatically. I can vote for a woman or man who has a keen sense of duty and responsibility for all people. Obama, it is your fault that I am writing this today because I really liked you as a person and what you did for your country. Actually, I know that it is not your fault, but what the heck. Goodbye Obama family and I do wish you well. You served so graciously and eloquently while trimming off some of the venomous vine.