Conversely, I don't really keep my leanings a secret either, and will engage in debates if they're handled respectfully and keep to the issues, but I don't wear pins or wave flags. I vote. I make sure my ballot gets to me on time, that all of my information is correct, that I've researched, read and understand the measures and positions at stake, and then I vote.
This nonsensical argument about "real Americans" and "serious patriots" just pisses me right the fuck off. You want to know who Real Americans are? They're the folks who vote in Oregon and Ohio and Texas and California and Michigan and Maine and Nevada and Florida and Georgia and Alaska and any of the other states and territories where they're legally counted. They vote when it's raining or snowing or 100 degrees. They vote when they didn't get enough sleep the night before and when they have a pile of work waiting on their desk when they get in. They vote by mail, or early, or after hours of waiting. They pay babysitters to watch their children, or they take their kids with them to watch and learn. Real Americans vote when they know their ballot might not be counted, but also know they have to at least try. Real Americans know that the only way their voice will be heard is if they raise it above the din of corruption in a sturdy yawp by casting their ballot.
I'm tired of being angry. I'm exhausted by waiting for the accountability that will most likely never come to Washington D.C., to my satisfaction anyway. I'm ready for logic and compassion to stop being side items on the political buffet. As serious as this election is, the humor has gotten me through it. I hope the following bits will bring a smile to your face as well-- right before (or after) we join together as Real Americans, and vote.
Lisa Nova as Sarah Palin (beats the timing out of Tina Fey, though also a good imitation):
Larry David on the Huffington Post (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/larry-david/waiting-for-nov-4th_b_137029.html):
"I can't take much more of this. Two weeks to go, and I'm at the end of my rope. I can't work. I can eat, but mostly standing up. I'm anxious all the time and taking it out on my ex-wife, which, ironically, I'm finding enjoyable. This is like waiting for the results of a biopsy. Actually, it's worse. Biopsies only take a few days, maybe a week at the most, and if the biopsy comes back positive, there's still a potential cure. With this, there's no cure. The result is final. Like death.
Five times a day I'll still say to someone, "I don't know what I'm going to do if McCain wins." Of course, the reality is I'm probably not going to do anything. What can I do? I'm not going to kill myself. If I didn't kill myself when I became impotent for two months in 1979, I'm certainly not going to do it if McCain and Palin are elected, even if it's by nefarious means. If Obama loses, it would be easier to live with it if it's due to racism rather than if it's stolen. If it's racism, I can say, "Okay, we lost, but at least it's a democracy. Sure, it's a democracy inhabited by a majority of disgusting, reprehensible turds, but at least it's a democracy." If he loses because it's stolen, that will be much worse. Call me crazy, but I'd rather live in a democratic racist country than a non-democratic non-racist one. (It's not exactly a Hobson's choice, but it's close, and I think Hobson would compliment me on how close I've actually come to giving him no choice. He'd love that!)
The one concession I've made to maintain some form of sanity is that I've taken to censoring my news, just like the old Soviet Union. The citizenry (me) only gets to read and listen to what I deem appropriate for its health and well-being. Sure, there are times when the system breaks down. Michele Bachmann got through my radar this week, right before bedtime. That's not supposed to happen. That was a lapse in security, and I've had to make some adjustments. The debates were particularly challenging for me to monitor. First I tried running in and out of the room so I would only hear my guy. This worked until I knocked over a tray of hors d'oeuvres. "Sit down or get out!" my host demanded. "Okay," I said, and took a seat, but I was more fidgety than a ten-year-old at temple. I just couldn't watch without saying anything, and my running commentary, which mostly consisted of "Shut up, you prick!" or "You're a fucking liar!!!" or "Go to hell, you cocksucker!" was way too distracting for the attendees, and finally I was asked to leave.
Assuming November 4th ever comes, my big decision won't be where I'll be watching the returns, but if I'll be watching. I believe I have big jinx potential and may have actually cost the Dems the last two elections. I know I've jinxed sporting events. When my teams are losing and I want them to make a comeback, all I have to do is leave the room. Works every time. So if I do watch, I'll do it alone. I can't subject other people to me in my current condition. I just don't like what I've turned into -- and frankly I wasn't that crazy about me even before the turn. This election is having the same effect on me as marijuana. All of my worst qualities have been exacerbated. I'm paranoid, obsessive, nervous, and totally mental. It's one long, intense, bad trip. I need to come down. Soon."
2 comments:
The racism and sexism are really getting to me. But the bright side is that since sexism is finally becoming a factor for the repubs, maybe they will be forced to acknowledge that it is a real issue that should be addressed. Maybe that is wishful thinking.
But I am with you on that campaigns should be about facts, not about color or gender or religion or anything else but the stances of the politicians on key issues.
I actually liked the "Real Americans" bit.
I live close enough to walk to the polls and for the last 4 elections I think I've gone before or after work, which means in a suit and tie. I know the weather was bad one year and I even had my overcoat and fedora.
Somehow being dressed up makes the whole experience that much more special to me. Wierd, eh?
This year I am hoping we can take The Peanut. She's just over 2, so I'm fully aware that she won't appreciate it, but I still like the idea.
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