The Bellweather Cracked. Huzzah!
It’s 5:48 a.m., and I couldn’t wait any longer to see which way Missouri went. After much perusal of the local news, I finally saw that McCain got Missouri’s _____ electoral votes—by 5,868 votes out of nearly 3 million votes cast. That’s a squeaker.
But I’m so proud of Ohio! And Pennsylvania! And Florida (the Great Schlep worked)! And Virginia!? Wow. I haven’t heard about North Carolina because local news is only interested in weather and crime. Sometimes I lament our lack of cable and internet. But you’ll be thrilled to hear that I’m typing this post on my new, refurbished, clunky-but-sturdy laptop, in the comfort of my own home. It was $235, does everything I need it to do, and it was delivered right to my office, in person, instead of me having to suffer through a computer-shopping nightmare. Back to the election!
So…this post. It’s going to be a scattered one because I have many thoughts about yesterday’s events.
First of all…REJOICE!!! Four years ago, I was up to the wee hours, a very sour feeling spreading through my gut, and I went to bed with tears of frustration and even desperation streaming down my cheeks.
Last night I went to bed relatively late, but with tears of joy and pride (pride!) drying on my face. Great speech—and what a relief to have a President who can speak! It was very evident that President-Elect Obama gets what’s ahead for him and for us. I think he’s got what it takes. I really do. I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership lately and Obama’s emphasis on personal responsibility won me over. That and his seeming willingness to surround himself with experts and ask for their advice; I appreciate intellectual curiosity in a President. I am hopeful that it will all pan out.
I just saw that Ted Stevens won in Alaska. That is ridiculous! I have serious doubts about the judgment of Alaskan voters.
But I can deal, because Americans elected a black president last night. That is just outstanding. It’s really possible! And it means that women are soon to follow. I am SO GLAD that it wasn’t Palin—she does not deserve the honor of being the first woman vice president or (gasp!) president! Obama, on the other hand, seems to deserve the honor he was given yesterday. I hope. I hope. I hope.
When I heard that people in France were thrilled about our choice, I let out a little cheer. As I’ve said, my #1 issue is how the next leader will guide this big ‘ol country through the murky waters of the world, and to hear that there is hope on behalf of world leaders is a thrill. Maybe this country that I love won’t be seen as such an ignorant bully anymore. We have a lot of work to do in that regard, but things are looking up.
And—WHEW!!—big relief on the Supreme Court front! Let’s put in our order for young, hearty justices who like to ‘legislate from the bench’. I like those kinds of justices. They are the kind who integrate our schools (read up, Palin—especially if you really are going to be on the national scene for awhile. Shudder.).
On the homefront, Missouri elected a Democratic governor and attorney general, and handily re-elected a capable Democratic Secretary of State. I’m pretty happy about all that. Locally, Hometown’s annexation went down—but that frees up money for other things! And since the casino loss-limit was lifted and the voters decided to not allow any more casinos to be built in Missouri, that sweet casino money will continue to flow into Hometown’s coffers. The two Republicans I voted for won—one with only 100 or so votes even though he put in about 100% more work and money in the campaign. Both men are members of the Chamber board.
What else. I’m thrilled. I know that. I know that it’s the exact opposite feeling than the one we all endured four years ago. I thought a lot about my Hill friends (and my Ohio family), and how we watched Kerry’s next-day concession speech in the cafeteria. And wept. And then everyone went to my place and we drank and ate much-needed comfort food. I am celebrating with you today! In spirit!
I liked McCain’s speech last night. He was gracious and I think he showed the side of himself that he should have shown more of during the campaign. Two negatives. The first was the rude crowd, booing Obama. That is so not cool, but I’ll chalk it up to frustration. McCain has some work to do to restore the honor that he talks about among his followers. (Palin might be too far in the hole to ever crawl out.) I was happy to hear that the huge crowd in Grant Park did NOT boo McCain during his speech. That is the difference I’m hoping for across the country. I’m going to do my part. I really am.
The other slight problem was when McCain said something about this victory being a victory for African Americans. I think he meant the best by it—it was certainly a historic and joyful time for a group of people who probably never thought they’d live to see this. But it was a victory for ALL of us. Maybe he said that in other ways during the speech (remember—I’m not online and can’t look up the transcript. Blast!), but he didn’t come right out and say it directly. And that is one of the problems facing the Republican party—this ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality. I’m reminded of a woman in Virginia who feared that Obama, if he won, would only work for ‘his people’ and ignore ‘the rest of us’. If the Republicans don’t get out of the dark ages on this one and start appealing to people who don’t say stupid shit like that, or yell “Vote for McCain—you’re white!” from their pickup trucks, they’re not going to make it in an increasingly diverse U.S. And I hope they stop courting my least-favorite group of voters—White Evangelicals. Maybe this election will awaken the fiscally-conservative, small government Republicans. Maybe this election has given the non-neocons some hope.
A reporter just showed the crowd in Grant’s Park, Jesse Jackson crying, and she said “At times, overcome by what they were witnessing—their first African American president.” And it hit me again. And I’m crying—again! All the mistrust of the two parties, the money and corruption, all that has been put in a little box—for now. I’m going to be watching. I’m going to write letters and speak out. I’m going to do my part to be less partisan, to listen respectfully, and I’m going to continue to realize that no one party has a lock on intelligence, or good ideas, or reasons for believing the way they do.
Except when it comes to Ted Stevens and the people who voted for him. I mean, come ON! We’re going to elect convicted crooks who abuse their position? That’s just stupid. AND it’s a total slap in the face to our democracy! Come on Alaska, get your head out of your ass. But the newly hopeful Lulu says…maybe the Democrat was a real loser.
Finally, when Obama listed the groups of Americans who won last night, and included among them ‘gay and straight, disabled and not disabled”, it wasn’t lost on me. Hoo-RAH! THAT is what a Democrat should be. Maybe there’s hope for the Democrats, too.
(Later) OK, one last thing. I gave my sons an extra big hug this morning when they left, and pulled Stevie aside for a minute. He knows that this is historic and why it is historic. I told him that I was thrilled that this thing that many of us doubted would happen in our lifetime came to pass. I was thrilled that he was going to grow up in an America where this psychological barrier was shattered--and where it will soon be shattered for women, too. That we get closer all the time to living up to the ideals in our founding documents. And you know what? That kid was happy! He was bouncing all around the house this morning, occasionally pausing in front of the TV to watch the news. He gets it, and I love it.
Congratulations, America! I love ya.
But I’m so proud of Ohio! And Pennsylvania! And Florida (the Great Schlep worked)! And Virginia!? Wow. I haven’t heard about North Carolina because local news is only interested in weather and crime. Sometimes I lament our lack of cable and internet. But you’ll be thrilled to hear that I’m typing this post on my new, refurbished, clunky-but-sturdy laptop, in the comfort of my own home. It was $235, does everything I need it to do, and it was delivered right to my office, in person, instead of me having to suffer through a computer-shopping nightmare. Back to the election!
So…this post. It’s going to be a scattered one because I have many thoughts about yesterday’s events.
First of all…REJOICE!!! Four years ago, I was up to the wee hours, a very sour feeling spreading through my gut, and I went to bed with tears of frustration and even desperation streaming down my cheeks.
Last night I went to bed relatively late, but with tears of joy and pride (pride!) drying on my face. Great speech—and what a relief to have a President who can speak! It was very evident that President-Elect Obama gets what’s ahead for him and for us. I think he’s got what it takes. I really do. I’ve been thinking a lot about leadership lately and Obama’s emphasis on personal responsibility won me over. That and his seeming willingness to surround himself with experts and ask for their advice; I appreciate intellectual curiosity in a President. I am hopeful that it will all pan out.
I just saw that Ted Stevens won in Alaska. That is ridiculous! I have serious doubts about the judgment of Alaskan voters.
But I can deal, because Americans elected a black president last night. That is just outstanding. It’s really possible! And it means that women are soon to follow. I am SO GLAD that it wasn’t Palin—she does not deserve the honor of being the first woman vice president or (gasp!) president! Obama, on the other hand, seems to deserve the honor he was given yesterday. I hope. I hope. I hope.
When I heard that people in France were thrilled about our choice, I let out a little cheer. As I’ve said, my #1 issue is how the next leader will guide this big ‘ol country through the murky waters of the world, and to hear that there is hope on behalf of world leaders is a thrill. Maybe this country that I love won’t be seen as such an ignorant bully anymore. We have a lot of work to do in that regard, but things are looking up.
And—WHEW!!—big relief on the Supreme Court front! Let’s put in our order for young, hearty justices who like to ‘legislate from the bench’. I like those kinds of justices. They are the kind who integrate our schools (read up, Palin—especially if you really are going to be on the national scene for awhile. Shudder.).
On the homefront, Missouri elected a Democratic governor and attorney general, and handily re-elected a capable Democratic Secretary of State. I’m pretty happy about all that. Locally, Hometown’s annexation went down—but that frees up money for other things! And since the casino loss-limit was lifted and the voters decided to not allow any more casinos to be built in Missouri, that sweet casino money will continue to flow into Hometown’s coffers. The two Republicans I voted for won—one with only 100 or so votes even though he put in about 100% more work and money in the campaign. Both men are members of the Chamber board.
What else. I’m thrilled. I know that. I know that it’s the exact opposite feeling than the one we all endured four years ago. I thought a lot about my Hill friends (and my Ohio family), and how we watched Kerry’s next-day concession speech in the cafeteria. And wept. And then everyone went to my place and we drank and ate much-needed comfort food. I am celebrating with you today! In spirit!
I liked McCain’s speech last night. He was gracious and I think he showed the side of himself that he should have shown more of during the campaign. Two negatives. The first was the rude crowd, booing Obama. That is so not cool, but I’ll chalk it up to frustration. McCain has some work to do to restore the honor that he talks about among his followers. (Palin might be too far in the hole to ever crawl out.) I was happy to hear that the huge crowd in Grant Park did NOT boo McCain during his speech. That is the difference I’m hoping for across the country. I’m going to do my part. I really am.
The other slight problem was when McCain said something about this victory being a victory for African Americans. I think he meant the best by it—it was certainly a historic and joyful time for a group of people who probably never thought they’d live to see this. But it was a victory for ALL of us. Maybe he said that in other ways during the speech (remember—I’m not online and can’t look up the transcript. Blast!), but he didn’t come right out and say it directly. And that is one of the problems facing the Republican party—this ‘us’ and ‘them’ mentality. I’m reminded of a woman in Virginia who feared that Obama, if he won, would only work for ‘his people’ and ignore ‘the rest of us’. If the Republicans don’t get out of the dark ages on this one and start appealing to people who don’t say stupid shit like that, or yell “Vote for McCain—you’re white!” from their pickup trucks, they’re not going to make it in an increasingly diverse U.S. And I hope they stop courting my least-favorite group of voters—White Evangelicals. Maybe this election will awaken the fiscally-conservative, small government Republicans. Maybe this election has given the non-neocons some hope.
A reporter just showed the crowd in Grant’s Park, Jesse Jackson crying, and she said “At times, overcome by what they were witnessing—their first African American president.” And it hit me again. And I’m crying—again! All the mistrust of the two parties, the money and corruption, all that has been put in a little box—for now. I’m going to be watching. I’m going to write letters and speak out. I’m going to do my part to be less partisan, to listen respectfully, and I’m going to continue to realize that no one party has a lock on intelligence, or good ideas, or reasons for believing the way they do.
Except when it comes to Ted Stevens and the people who voted for him. I mean, come ON! We’re going to elect convicted crooks who abuse their position? That’s just stupid. AND it’s a total slap in the face to our democracy! Come on Alaska, get your head out of your ass. But the newly hopeful Lulu says…maybe the Democrat was a real loser.
Finally, when Obama listed the groups of Americans who won last night, and included among them ‘gay and straight, disabled and not disabled”, it wasn’t lost on me. Hoo-RAH! THAT is what a Democrat should be. Maybe there’s hope for the Democrats, too.
(Later) OK, one last thing. I gave my sons an extra big hug this morning when they left, and pulled Stevie aside for a minute. He knows that this is historic and why it is historic. I told him that I was thrilled that this thing that many of us doubted would happen in our lifetime came to pass. I was thrilled that he was going to grow up in an America where this psychological barrier was shattered--and where it will soon be shattered for women, too. That we get closer all the time to living up to the ideals in our founding documents. And you know what? That kid was happy! He was bouncing all around the house this morning, occasionally pausing in front of the TV to watch the news. He gets it, and I love it.
Congratulations, America! I love ya.
posted by lulu | 9:26 AM
1 Comments:
and I love you - and America! you are phenomenal and just reading your blogs can bring me to tears of sorrow and gales of laughter.
and, so glad you got your laptop - do you have a new id to go with it???
and, I REALLY REALLY want to survive for many many reasons, but now one of them is to see how our country reacts and hopefully changes now that we have a new beginning...
and, I want my retirement money BACK - WITH interest damn it! love you - see you soon, yo momma
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