“Love and charity and duty and patriotism.”

It’s no surprise I was thrilled that President Obama won re-election. It should go without saying that he is by no means perfect. I disagree with some of his policies. Most notably: drone strikes, warrant-less wiretapping, and not closing Guantanamo Bay detention camp. Those things need to change. Fast.

But I agree with him on so much more: The overarching approach to government and governance that we’re all neighbors to one another, that we’re all in this together. Ending the awful and horrendous war in Iraq. Bringing the war in Afghanistan to an end (quicker, please). Gay marriage. Respecting women. The Affordable Care Act (moves in the right direction). He says he will be part of the circle of protection around vital programs that feed hungry people and help poor people, programs like SNAP and WIC.

And then there’s, “love and charity and duty and patriotism.”

Other favorite things:

I wasn’t shy before in sharing my reactions to the GOP Rape Team. So this made me very happy (even though Paul Ryan retained his House seat.):

Then there’s this:

Enough with the hate. Enough with the bigotry. Enough with the discrimination. We are all Americans, and we are all in this together. Without each other, we have nothing. – Chris Kluwe [read the rest]

And this (h/t Fred Clark):

We chose health insurance for those who cannot afford it. We chose a softer approach to those seeking a better life within our borders. We chose – at least I hope we did – to begin healing our suffering planet. We chose the candidate who promised to protect the people who didn’t have a seat at the table of power, whose voices struggle to rise above the lobbyists, special interests and money that have flooded our political system. [read the rest]

But still, my most favorite thing was “love and charity and duty and patriotism.” Amen to those.