In which I further alienate...
When John Kerry conceded to George W. Bush, he told him that this is a nation divided. It is an understatement. Personally I am tired of the anger, the arguing, the pettiness. But it most likely will not stop and there is plenty to support this.
The last week has been more than just "oh, darn, my favorite guy didn't win." It has been devastating in so many ways. I truly believe that things are going to get severe fast. The thing that divides me from those who believe Bush is the messiah for this country is that they cannot understand one simple principle.
This IS a free country. What made this country great is that we could choose who we felt represented our best interests without persecution.
Well screw that, huh? Persecution exists, apparently.
What I have been dealing with since before the election is a scourge of email and telephone calls telling me what a horrible mistake my beliefs are. I had never solicited their opinions. I didn't give a rat's ass what they thought. I was informed, I know the issues, I made a decision that suited MYSELF based on what I learned. And this knowledge did not come from one source. I watched the debates, I listened to both sides, I read media from both Conservative and Liberal sources. I lived through shit. I WAS INFORMED. And this is the decision I came to as an intelligent citizen of this United States.
Don't tell me I am wrong. I am no more wrong than YOU are. That's the glory of a belief. It is yours and yours alone.
I have found myself in a situation of alienation and alienating those I know, family and friends. People who just couldn't leave it alone. An uncle who felt the need to gloat over his choice winning the election. An uncle who told me that my personal issues didn't matter because terrorism was the only important issue. A friend who told me that I was flat wrong for choosing to vote my conscience. I have been dealing with piles of shit since this election year began. But I have dealt with it, as I have dealt with so much already, because I believe in it with every fiber of my being.
And to be honest, I have a hard time going through a day without crying these days. I fluctuate between fear and depression ever since 7pm EST when the first results came back from the polls. This isn't a game. This is scary as hell to me. I have never in my life cared this much about an election. But honestly, I feel Bush has just declared Checkmate. I am not alone. Half the country agrees. That should say something.
The biggest thing that I do not appreciate is that there is a rash of voters who made decisions that affect me personally, affect very good friends of mine, and affect themselves based on a theory that it is God's will. I refuse to believe that it is God's will to decide what is good for another human being, when the end result is discrimination. Whether it is a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body, or a gay couple's right to a legally-recognized monogamous relationship, it should never, ever be a government's rights.
I react with strong emotion. Of course I do. What the hell do you expect me to do? This is my blog, and do not be confused--a blog is a reflection of the author's opinions. You have a right to disagree, but don't be surprised when that disagreement is not met with joy or acceptance. This particular blog is based on my life of the last three years, three years of heartbreak and strife and some of the worst shit a person has to go through, namely watching and feeling the child you want so very dearly die over and over again. An event that is becoming decreasingly supported by a faction that considers fertility treatment "interfering with God's will".
I have enough fears, enough nightmares and enough reasons to feel anguish without also feeling that I am being lectured on who I should have represent me politically. My vote may not matter but my blog matters to me. I ask you not to trample on it. And if you've never taken an opportunity to post encouragement in the past, don't expect that I will interpret a post of criticism to be anything but trampling.
My only hope right now is that I am seriously wrong. I HOPE that the other half is right and Bush does lead this country to glory and prosperity (and "freedom"). Because my belief for how it will turn out is pretty damn scary.
(*and I promise I won't mention anything about improperly functioning voter machines or how Bush didn't actually earn all those votes he lays claim to.)
The last week has been more than just "oh, darn, my favorite guy didn't win." It has been devastating in so many ways. I truly believe that things are going to get severe fast. The thing that divides me from those who believe Bush is the messiah for this country is that they cannot understand one simple principle.
This IS a free country. What made this country great is that we could choose who we felt represented our best interests without persecution.
Well screw that, huh? Persecution exists, apparently.
What I have been dealing with since before the election is a scourge of email and telephone calls telling me what a horrible mistake my beliefs are. I had never solicited their opinions. I didn't give a rat's ass what they thought. I was informed, I know the issues, I made a decision that suited MYSELF based on what I learned. And this knowledge did not come from one source. I watched the debates, I listened to both sides, I read media from both Conservative and Liberal sources. I lived through shit. I WAS INFORMED. And this is the decision I came to as an intelligent citizen of this United States.
Don't tell me I am wrong. I am no more wrong than YOU are. That's the glory of a belief. It is yours and yours alone.
I have found myself in a situation of alienation and alienating those I know, family and friends. People who just couldn't leave it alone. An uncle who felt the need to gloat over his choice winning the election. An uncle who told me that my personal issues didn't matter because terrorism was the only important issue. A friend who told me that I was flat wrong for choosing to vote my conscience. I have been dealing with piles of shit since this election year began. But I have dealt with it, as I have dealt with so much already, because I believe in it with every fiber of my being.
And to be honest, I have a hard time going through a day without crying these days. I fluctuate between fear and depression ever since 7pm EST when the first results came back from the polls. This isn't a game. This is scary as hell to me. I have never in my life cared this much about an election. But honestly, I feel Bush has just declared Checkmate. I am not alone. Half the country agrees. That should say something.
The biggest thing that I do not appreciate is that there is a rash of voters who made decisions that affect me personally, affect very good friends of mine, and affect themselves based on a theory that it is God's will. I refuse to believe that it is God's will to decide what is good for another human being, when the end result is discrimination. Whether it is a woman's right to choose what happens to her own body, or a gay couple's right to a legally-recognized monogamous relationship, it should never, ever be a government's rights.
I react with strong emotion. Of course I do. What the hell do you expect me to do? This is my blog, and do not be confused--a blog is a reflection of the author's opinions. You have a right to disagree, but don't be surprised when that disagreement is not met with joy or acceptance. This particular blog is based on my life of the last three years, three years of heartbreak and strife and some of the worst shit a person has to go through, namely watching and feeling the child you want so very dearly die over and over again. An event that is becoming decreasingly supported by a faction that considers fertility treatment "interfering with God's will".
I have enough fears, enough nightmares and enough reasons to feel anguish without also feeling that I am being lectured on who I should have represent me politically. My vote may not matter but my blog matters to me. I ask you not to trample on it. And if you've never taken an opportunity to post encouragement in the past, don't expect that I will interpret a post of criticism to be anything but trampling.
My only hope right now is that I am seriously wrong. I HOPE that the other half is right and Bush does lead this country to glory and prosperity (and "freedom"). Because my belief for how it will turn out is pretty damn scary.
(*and I promise I won't mention anything about improperly functioning voter machines or how Bush didn't actually earn all those votes he lays claim to.)
3 Comments:
I couldn't agree more. I said it on my blog, and I'll say it here too: as a Canadian citizen (yes, that's right folks, I didn't vote because I can't) living in the U.S., I am often outraged, flummoxed and flat out confused by the vehemence at which most of the country vilifies certain issues, while at the same time ignoring others that are, IMHO, much more important. To Dubya I say this: GET YOUR FAITH OUT OF MY INITIATIVES.
We may not agree on some political issues, however, I think it just criminal for anyone to minimize anyone's beliefs or passions with regards to this election.
I absolutely, whole heartedly respect everything you have to say, and thanks for saying it.
That's just gross that you have people hanging over you like that. Nasty! How disappointing that there can't be more respect for each other and individual choice than that. There really is a better way, and I hope for your sake that those around you learn it ASAP!!
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