America Votes Two Steps Back
Fear, ignorance and bigotry prevailby j. brotherlove
I really wanted to post something about music and avoid saying anything political today. That’s not going to happen. I can’t avoid how I feel. I am angry, wounded and just plain fed up with the results from yesterday’s election. It’s not just sour grapes. I’ve been voting for a long time; I’m used to my candidates winning and losing. This time, it’s personal.
I’m not surprised by a Bush win. His campaign was very focused and singular, people get that; especially people who are too afraid, too lazy or too ignorant to ask questions and think for themselves.
Kerry’s campaigned kicked in late and took some time to gel on important issues. The media took advantage of Bush’s exaggerations of Kerry’s “flip-flopping” and his campaign was never able to project enough confidence to overcome that stigma.
I trust by the end of Bush’s term, enough people should be so outraged we can have better participation. Or not. I honestly don’t understand non-voters because chiefly, they tend to complain a lot while refusing to participate in making a change.
The overall tone middle America is adopting disturbs me more than the Presidential race. This “faux Christianity” disguised as new morality makes me sick to my stomach. Such hypocrites so many of these people are. How does denying gay people the right to marry protect “the sanctity of marriage” when heterosexuals do such a piss poor job with it overall? A side effect of these amendments supports the growing awareness of gays in heterosexual marriages, as they are the only option for legal commitments.
I am not as incensed as Bernie (although I understand where he is coming from). Emotionally, I’m somewhere between Cecily and Mike in my mix of disgust and hurt. Michelle’s assessment: “Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn it all to hell” sums up my feelings perfectly.
This election has further fueled my thoughts about moving; moving outside of Atlanta (which has become increasing sterile since I moved here in 1999); moving outside of Georgia (now under complete Republican control); and even moving out of the country.
I maintain this is not just a knee-jerk reaction. I’ve been considering the change for awhile. As the world continues to shrink it has become apparent to me that I do not have to accept certain injustices if I don’t want to. There are other options. It may seem drastic to some people but I’m betting those people have not felt their life being constantly challenged and hindered by others, based on bigotry and ignorance. Every day I am reminded that I am not white, not rich, not straight, not Christian and therefore, not deserving of a life as full as those who are.
America is changing and eventually, we will have to deal with differences for real. I don’t believe these stalling tactics to disenfranchise homosexuals, minorities, the elderly, non-Christians, the poor and immigrants will stand the test of time. The only question I need to ponder is: Do I feel like waiting for America to get with it?
Brilliant.
Yours was a more measured, level-headed version of what I was trying to get at in my fit of rage.
It always amazes me when people don’t vote. Its the one thing that’s free in connection to the federal government. You can even get a ride on election day to the polls when you couldn’t get a ride to work the day before.
But like I said on my site “F*ck You” to all of those people who were so scared that they thought voting for Bush was a good idea.
I do think though that your post was extremely thoughtful. We deserve to have this one day to be pissed off. After that we can work towards ensuring that no one who resembles a Bush gets into office again!
peace
“Every day I am reminded that I am not white, not rich, not straight, not Christian and therefore, not deserving of a life as full as those who are.”
ah man…what perfectly chosen words…this whole thing sucks…
The reason I don’t vote is because I understand fully that we live in a fascist society disguised as a democracy when in fact it is a capitalist monarchy select. Where meat puppets are danggled in front of me under the illusion of choice when in fact there is no choice when the two parties are the same thing, how else could explain the republicans taking over the senate completely and God knows whatever else. So as apathic as this sounds just know that I am a realist not an idealist, I tend to look at what really is and go on gut instinct.
J- I am SO with you. I love Atlanta- but when you take a step back… people in GA are IGNORANT. I just DO NOT GET IT. I am so sick to my stomach right now. You know, Americans fear change. They are so content in their little houses with the 2 car garage, with the poodle and the green yard and everything is FINE. If there was change, things just may not be so fine for them anymore.
Can I cry on your shoulder?
Off topic- I met the straight version of you today…. he looks JUST like you, except a few more pounds. He even smiles like you. I think Im in love *lol*
I refuse to comment on the election results, mainly because I can’t find the words to.
As for making a move j., I know a place that is beautiful, highly diverse, not run by an evil little monkey, AND supports gay marriage (there’s a hot little woman who lives there that I’m sure you would love to live near too lol). Come on!!! I’ll go buy bunk beds for us if you’re in! xoxo
I’ve been reading the outpouring of grief from Americans about this election and I can empathise..
But ‘Jay’ (poster number4 and surely not the same ‘J’ who writes this blog)above who doesn’t vote.. are you serious?
You wonder why “how else could explain the republicans taking over the senate completely and God knows whatever else”
May I be so bold as to suggest that it is because you are not voting for an alternative! even if it not YOUR ideal alternative. What right have you to complain about the process if you don’t even partake of the process? How unreal is that.
You say you are a realist? But what are you are realist about? About the fact that you don’t vote and then comnplain about who is in power?
I just don’t understand how you can claim to be a realist because you choose to step away from the political process that governs YOUR country.
IMO, A realist would accept that the system is not perfect and thus attempt to steer it in his/her favour.
A realist gets into the game and changes it over time to suit their needs.
Staying out of the process and then lamenting the fact that republicans have/are taking over the senate is …. damn I am at a loss for words.
How sad. how utterly, utterly sad.
I’m sorry but this realism sounds like ignorance no matter how you try to dress it up or justify it.
Apathy…. my foot bottom.
Clarity for Soul
1. I have never complained about the electorial process, I have always been apolitical, the thing that I complain about is the fact that I get chastised for my CHOICE.
2. I admit that my realist approach comes off as apathetic to some, but I have always felt disillusioned by everything Amerrikkka TRULY stands for
3. And I hate playing games, whether they be for fun or fate, I hate games.
4. I lamenting on the fact that what I believed all along is true, I guess I was silently holding out for the contradiction, but when I see fear tactics being used against people to get them to react out of that fear then I get concerned. And honestly how do you defend yourself against a stampeding frightened herd from the heartland.
5. My realism is from my experience, you may judge it as ignorance if you like that is your closed minded prerogative, however it amazes me how we can be just as judmental and closed minded toward those who believe differently and chose differently then the majority, go figure.
The other Jay.
You really are funny.
The fact remains, you complain about the political process, but you abstain from it.
You recognise that it is fascist, yet you abstain in order to do what? change it? make it more liberal?. And you call me close minded?. You complain, yet you don’t get up and cast a ballot even if it is a spoiled ballot in order to register your disgust with the system? or here’s an idea, get yourself on the ballot if u think you can change things
here’s a lil piece of info for you, the republicans are took over the senate because of people like you. who do not take part in the process.
On the issue of being judgemental and closed minded… Mate, look.. that is not a defence against your inactivity.
Puhlease get a grip, you passed judgement on a senate that you couldn’t even be bothered to disapprove of via a voting process.. this isnt a matter of those who are different. It is a common sense issue.
However, I do understand that common sense is not soo common.
Whilst your busy crying victim, becaause I challenged your stand, other people are busy digging deep and trying to find ways of motivating people to get these suckers out of office, so that people like you who can’t be assed with the process can have a safer future.
Keep riding on the coat tails of others why don’t ya.
Puhlease!
hey lets take it here jaquaw@yahoo.com, not here, if you wish to further assimilate me to your mindset instead of respecting my stance or more likely non-stance on politics. Just email me dude lets not use this comment section as our warring dualities.
the other jay..
thanks for the offer, but no thanks..
I have no interest in assimilating you, you are not that important.
I just pointed out the ridiculousness of your complaint.. that is all.
oh and btw… it’s ‘dudette’ and not dude.
now please, feel free to carry on.