A post-election challenge
POSTED BY: InevitableBetrayal
UPDATED: Friday, November 5, 2004 03:00
VIEWED: 5900
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Being that I'm one of the few Republicans inhabiting this board, I sat down at my keyboard looking forward to writing some snarky comments about the events that unfolded yesterday and today. And then it hit me--that would just be incredibly mean-spirited! I can't tell you how many times I've left the boards smarting over a comment about how stupid "my kind" is. I can't even begin to describe what happens to my blood pressure when I read one of Succotash's posts. And although my intent was to post just that sort of rhetoric, I realize that I can't in good conscience do something that hurt me.
See, I now know how Democrats felt during the Clinton years--to have your president hated with such violence. And what I've figured out is that it's just pointless. I wasted years hating Clinton with a passionate intensity that shocks me, now that I look back on it. I mean, give me a break--the guy wasn't the anti-Christ.
My only frustration with this process is that on these boards everyone semms to agree with everyone else's hatred for Bush. And since we all agree with each other, we can't be wrong. Then all of the sudden the election was rigged or stolen or unfair. No one supports Iraq. No one supports Bush. No one really voted for him. Everyone becomes Bella Abzug, who said, "Who is this Reagan guy? I don't know anyone who voted for him" after Reagan crushed Mondale in 1984.
George W. Bush has won the 2004 Presidential election, both in the popular and electoral vote. The question, though, is where to go from here. Am I going to be all snarky and gloat? No! That only deepens the divide between me and my fellow human beings! I should think that the nation has had just about enough division, and I lay the blame at the feet of the rabid supporters of both parties.
I just want to challenge everone on these boards to try to get across the gap that has come between "red voters" and "blue voters". I just can't take the thought of another four years of hate and discontent.
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I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.
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I accept. Thank you so much for this.
~Astriana~
~Mostly-Invisible Long-Winded Goddess of Inter-Board Communication and Diplomacy a/k/a El Jefe Magnifico's Mistress... of Communications and Harems~
...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.
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Thank you. I agree with putting red and blue aside. Here we are all brown(coats) and we need to get through at least the next four years without turning this into the Earth-That-Was.
-Taylor
The Uncharted Outlaw!
"I brought you some supper, but if you'd prefer a lecture, I've a few very catchy ones prepped...sin and hellfire... one has lepers."
See my Firefly Store: http://www.cafepress.com/NorCalRiviera
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Quote:
Originally posted by UnchartedOutlaw:
Thank you. I agree with putting red and blue aside. Here we are all brown(coats) and we need to get through at least the next four years without turning this into the Earth-That-Was.
The line that keeps coming to me is, "...We could circle each other and growl, both sleep with one eye open but that thought wearies me."
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I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.
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Very well said Inevitablebetrayal.
"Could be he's harboring some resentment at us for putting his man through our engine."
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Hear hear. I didn't really want to vote for Bush's administration. But I wanted to vote for Kerry even less. Once again the lesser of two evils. I'd have voted for Clarke. I would have happily. And I'm all manner of Republican. Now we need to work with our Democrat, Libertarian, and Independent neighbors, all together to make sure the country runs as smooth as possible.
Our leaders have been chosen. You won't hear me bitch about policies, I voted for Bush. But the only people out there who have NO right to complain are the three people out there what didn't vote. Did you see the numbers?! Holy cow that was a lot of voters!
"This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let's not bicker and quarrel about 'oo killed 'oo."
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http://tomeofgrey.blogspot.com
http://www.jed-soft.com Gamer Rigs, Budget Prices
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As a non-US member of the board, can I just add my fervent support to this sentiment?
While politics interests me overall, it's been a bit of a struggle the past few days to read anything that's non-political in content on this site.
Not that I have a problem with that - I think it's important that we all discuss our views, and I've learned a hell of a lot about the US electoral process etc. etc.
But it's over now. And yes, for those of you who voted for Kerry, the next few years are going to be a struggle. But hey, it's the same here in Aus for those people who didn't vote for John Howard.
Sooo..... with only limited time til the year's end and all the crap and pressure that's involved with getting organised for the silly season (and then only four months to the BDM) could we maybe think about other things (like Firefly inspired chrissy gifts to convert those stubborn members of family and friends who aren't yet on the bandwagon)?
A
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I really like everyone on these boards (except the troll.) I'm a moderate republican which no one seems to think exists, but we do.
I personally disliked all the political threads. Not because it's not important (it is) or that people do not have a right (thank God we do!) But I'm here because I thought I had something in common with people.
I guess I would like to keep this site focused on what we have in common...not our differences.
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Thank you for your wise words, InevitableBetrayal. And at least this time there is absolutely no doubt that Bush won, with both the Electoral College and an clear majority of the popular vote. Can't say as I'm thrilled, being a Democrat and all, but thank God we didn't have a repeat of 2000.
MAL "You only gotta scare him."
JAYNE "Pain is scary..."
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Quote:
Originally posted by dietcoke:
I personally disliked all the political threads. Not because it's not important (it is) or that people do not have a right (thank God we do!) But I'm here because I thought I had something in common with people.
I guess I would like to keep this site focused on what we have in common...not our differences.
This one statement is the perfect summary of my initial post. Well said! I think that is what has irritated me all along: I came here to get along with people that share my love of Firefly, not to spar over politics.
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I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.
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