We Are Not Alone
The author George R. R. Martin said something today that expresses my opinion and frustration, now that the initial shock is wearing off:
"I am pretty good with words, usually, but no words can express how miserable, angry, and depressed I am feeling this morning over the results of yesterday's election. The exit polling makes it clear: this was a victory for bigotry and fear, a mandate bought with lies. . . [Winter] is already here in America."
He mentions something that frightens me a bit more than I'd care to admit. Some of my favorite blogs are suggesting the same. This, sadly, was a victory for religious fundamentalism. One telling fact is that the issue that won out as the biggest voter concern was 'moral values.' Not the economy, the war, or national security. Judging from BC's comments this morning, we're in for a hard time. They're talking about a broad national victory and a mandate, in spite of a vote that went 51-49.
My concern at this point is that what we're looking at a new fight not between two parties who have different ideas of how best to serve the American public. Instead, the next elections could come down to two sides: the Republicans, representing religious fundamentalism, and the rest of us, of all colors and orientations, who believe that the American experiment envisioned in the Constitution is worth fighting for. Archie Bunker versus the rest of us.
The good news is that, in spite of the lack of a youth turnout, black and Hispanic voter turnout was higher. The goal will be to stay united. Keep watching Howard Dean, who is set to keep active and doing a great job. Here is a quote from the message he sent out this morning:
". . . A record number of us voted to change course -- more Americans voted against George Bush than any sitting president in history.
Today is not an ending.
Regardless of the outcome yesterday, we have begun to revive our democracy. While we did not get the result we wanted in the presidential race, we laid the groundwork for a new generation of Democratic leaders."
Hallelujah.
"I am pretty good with words, usually, but no words can express how miserable, angry, and depressed I am feeling this morning over the results of yesterday's election. The exit polling makes it clear: this was a victory for bigotry and fear, a mandate bought with lies. . . [Winter] is already here in America."
He mentions something that frightens me a bit more than I'd care to admit. Some of my favorite blogs are suggesting the same. This, sadly, was a victory for religious fundamentalism. One telling fact is that the issue that won out as the biggest voter concern was 'moral values.' Not the economy, the war, or national security. Judging from BC's comments this morning, we're in for a hard time. They're talking about a broad national victory and a mandate, in spite of a vote that went 51-49.
My concern at this point is that what we're looking at a new fight not between two parties who have different ideas of how best to serve the American public. Instead, the next elections could come down to two sides: the Republicans, representing religious fundamentalism, and the rest of us, of all colors and orientations, who believe that the American experiment envisioned in the Constitution is worth fighting for. Archie Bunker versus the rest of us.
The good news is that, in spite of the lack of a youth turnout, black and Hispanic voter turnout was higher. The goal will be to stay united. Keep watching Howard Dean, who is set to keep active and doing a great job. Here is a quote from the message he sent out this morning:
". . . A record number of us voted to change course -- more Americans voted against George Bush than any sitting president in history.
Today is not an ending.
Regardless of the outcome yesterday, we have begun to revive our democracy. While we did not get the result we wanted in the presidential race, we laid the groundwork for a new generation of Democratic leaders."
Hallelujah.
posted by Matt Sandwich | 7:01 PM
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