Liking the person, but not his policies

They are a really likeable family. Devoted husband. Beautiful wife and mother. Two children. And a dog. A dog named "Bo."

The President and his family provide a very positive image for the White House. They obviously enjoy being together. They apparently really do like each other. In that respect they are a model for the rest of America where fractured families seem to prevail.

President Obama's sense of humor is refreshing and delightful. As the family approached reporters to show off the new family pet, the President remarked, "Now I have a friend in Washington." When a reporter asked if Bo was sleeping in someone's bed, he replied, "Not my bed!"

It makes it difficult for those of us who oppose the President's liberalism and his spending of trillions of dollars in the first days of his presidency. It is difficult to dislike this president with his charm and charisma and his strong family. But in spite of how likeable he is, and how much I might like him as a person, I must continue to express my opposition to his stands on abortion, on stem-cell research, on the bailout, and on a host of other issues where my conservative views are in striking contrast to his liberal views.

Is it possible to like someone with whom you strongly disagree? Of course it is. That is the situation I find myself in now. I enjoy watching the president romping on the White House lawn with his wife and daughters and Bo, I laugh at his humorous remarks, I smile when he charms someone who opposes him. I like the things he says. I like the person he is.

For the last eight years, I was not that strongly effected by the former president, even though I usually agreed with his positions and approved his actions. President Bush simply was not all that likeable. He seemed a bit aloof, a bit distracted, and one who did not always appear to enjoy his life and what he was doing. I agreed with him, but did not much like him.

But now it is all reversed. Now I find our President very likeable, but not standing where I would have him stand, nor doing what I would have him do. I like him and his family, but not his policies, political philosophies or decisions.

I suppose Bo will not have my problem. He will love the President no matter what, as long as food, companionship and a warm bed is provided. Even if it is not the President's bed.

I, however, need more. I need protection for the unborn, spending restraints, and a strong country that continues to protect my freedom and take only a reasonable amount of my income in taxes. I would very much like to have a President whom I could agree with as well as like.

Maybe next time.