When I hear the public outcry over Sarah Palin's book (also sold as a kids' coloring book, I hear) or lament over Costco refusing to sell Coca Cola products, I have to wonder if there's something better to focus our attention on than the politics and money drama that surrounds us. Some say when the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace. How does love survive today's politics and power-plays though? How do marriages survive when both partners are intelligent, dedicated, and passionate about their jobs AND each other? Must they regularly sacrifice their time together for the sake of their chosen careers? Better yet, how do couples in the "spotlight" make their relationships last and stay true to themselves as well as each other throughout all of the ups and downs, all the bittersweet endlessness of love?
A recent article on the subject of politics and marriage included the following passage, which was very eloquently put:
As the great experiment of the presidency rolls on, the Obamas may finally learn definitive answers to the issues they have been debating over the course of their partnership. The questions they have long asked each other in private will likely be answered on the largest possible stage. They will discern whether politics can bring about the kind of change they have longed for and promised to others, or whether the compromises and defeats are too great. They will learn whether they were too ambitious or not ambitious enough. And even if they share the answer with no one else, the two will know better if everything does in fact become political — if their marriage can both embrace politics and also at some level stay free of it.
Then, in three or seven years, the president’s political career will end. There will be no more offices to win or hold, and the Obamas will most likely renegotiate their compact once more — this time, perhaps more on Michelle Obama’s terms.
The equality of any partnership “is measured over the scope of the marriage. It’s not just four years or eight years or two,” the first lady said. “We’re going to be married for a very long time.”
No one who has ever been successful at something has had an easy go of it. Being successful at anything takes work, lots of it. But Michelle and Barack sure do make being in love look easy - and fun! My hat goes off to them for keeping love in the picture, despite the nonsense that consumes most of the U.S.
