As a pacifist and progressive, I find much of American politics problematic. I used to do a lot of complaining about how I just wasn't proud to be an American. More recently, I have chosen instead to dive into the muck and engage wholeheartedly in the process. That being said, in a brilliant, powerful, inspirational convention speech by a man I am deeply proud to call my President, my favorite quote was this:
"[Hillary Clinton] knows she’s made mistakes, just like I have; just like we all do. That’s what happens when we try. That’s what happens when you’re the kind of citizen Teddy Roosevelt once described – not the timid souls who criticize from the sidelines, but someone 'who is actually in the arena…who strives valiantly; who errs…[but] who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement.' Hillary Clinton is that woman in the arena. She’s been there for us – even if we haven’t always noticed. And if you’re serious about our democracy, you can’t afford to stay home just because she might not align with you on every issue. You’ve got to get in the arena with her, because democracy isn’t a spectator sport."
We can all relate. None of us is perfect. Yes, politicians should be held to a high standard, but they are also still human. We just need to keep holding the mirror back up to them, not letting them off the hook. When we see greatness, perfection should not be our standard. Goodness may be the enemy of greatness, but so is perfection. Let's just keep moving forward, acknowledging that mistakes will be made along the way, and promising to learn from them.
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