blogger profile

Rhi Bowman

Freelance Writer/ Student

Rhi (pronounced Ree) B. is short for Rhiannon Bowman. Rhi B. is me. I’m a young woman– a newly wed, mother of two spoiled rotten cats and student– working hard to get out of college and on with the business of freelance writing. Trading money for words is a lifelong dream. After allowing...

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Arg. It's begun.

But, I'll have the last word.

The same ill-informed conservatives who filled my inbox with anti-Candidate Obama messages-- many of which were full of lies, vitriol and religious confusion-- have begun filling it with anti-President Obama messages.

Ironically, one of the couples who frequently rails against socialism is the same couple who gladly accepts handouts from their family and from me-- Auntie Rhi, a family friend. If it weren't for those of us who are better off (not saying rich, better off) and our (socialist) generosity, they would not have a car, their children would not have had gifts for many of the past major Christian holidays (i.e. Easter and Christmas) and they would not have been able to go on any family vacations. They would not have cell phones, their daughters would not have had graduation gowns, and some months they would not have had food on their table. The list goes on-- and on and on.

They have endured unemployment, a poor job market and healthcare coverage issues. Under Obama's tax plan they will benefit greatly. AND, under Obama's education plan, their children-- who they have failed to save one single penny for-- will be able to attend a public college tuition free in exchange for community service.

Of all of the people I know, they are the people who should be most thrilled about an Obama win. Throughout the campaign, I tried to talk to them about the issues. They refused to visit either candidate's Web site, saying they had no time. They refused to listen to any position other than theirs saying, "Rhi, you know we're a military family." (As if that's reason enough to vote for McCain, who repeatedly voted against veteran's benefits.*) When I tried to explain the college benefits, the tax benefits, the health care concerns I was most often met with shouts of "socialism!" and "take from the rich and spread the wealth!"

I have held my tongue on this and have decided not to continue with my pre-election responses (where I hit "respond all" and countered the B.S. with facts). Besides, I have a sneaking suspicion, after all of their ranting, neither of them voted. Post election I have not gloated, I have not sent one email or made one call to chant, "We win!" or "I told you so!"... no matter how tempting.

Instead, I shouted about their hypocrisy to Mr. Wonderful. I reminded him that he and I are paying for the extra large cabin our families will meet at this New Years. I reminded him that he and I always pay for the entire group's meals, entertainment, shopping and after-we-leave-fill-your-fridge groceries when we visit. I suggested that we define socialism for them and then take away our generosity, albeit while in a fit of "OH MY GOD THEY'RE IDIOTS-- I don't know them anymore..." ranting. (Meanwhile, I'm sure they are calling me "idiot," too, for my political leanings and "liberal" beliefs.)

Of course we will continue on with the same level of generosity we have always offered, if for no other reason than for their children, whom I call God-daughters. I will bite my tongue through the holidays and wait. I will wait for them to realize-- and I know they eventually will-- that our new president has their best interests at heart. And, when they are ready, I will talk with them-- calmly and matter-of-factly-- about any issue they care to address.

I understand they need some time to digest the election outcome. They spent a lot of time over the past two years scareing themselves about Barack Obama on every level-- experience, terrorism, patriotism, liberalism, religion, you name it.

I, too, need a little more time before I can discuss the importance of our new president's role in our world. I'm not done basking in the glory of an electorate brave enough to speak their mind, for one. More, though, I'm too busy being positive about the change on the way to wallow with anyone about how change is difficult. I'm looking forward to the hard work, and I'm looking forward to the day when I can encourage my good friends-- whom I will always love, no matter what their beliefs-- to stop bitching and start pitching in.

* By the way, my grandfather, both maternal uncles, father and husband have all served in the United States miliary-- among many other family members. In fact, my cousin, Cody, has just returned to Germany after two years on the front line in Iraq. We, too, are a military family.