Six days folks…Less than a week…A mere 144 hours until the McCain and Obama campaigns refrain from talking and turn the podium of the voting booth over to you and I.
We not only get to send a message as to whom we would like to govern this great land, but also send a message to the rest of the world…
And more importantly, to ourselves.
In the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, we as a country united. We shared a common grief, a common confusion, a common outrage.
And then…
President Bush led us into an unnecessary war in Iraq, and paid for it by borrowing money from an oppressive government comprised of Chinese thugs.
Division among Americans became wide, deep, and
often personal.The unity that had been born from tragedy, fractured and dissipated like splinters in the wind.
Much like kids on a playground we let that unity of purpose go by the wayside. We formed our own cliques, picked up our toys, and headed home for supper…for seven years.
Now, here we are…A mere 144 hours away from electing a new President.
I am voting for Obama. He wasn’t my first choice, but over the course of the last couple of months, he has become my only choice.
I see him not only as a man who is thoughtful, curious, and hopeful. I see him (and in him) as a 232 year old America reaching maturity…
An America who after a history of legalized slavery, the disenfranchisement of women, and the quiet (and not so quiet) hate and bias towards different ethnicities after 9/11, even among her own citizens…has finally grown up.
In spite of the incredulous lies that he is a Marxist, a Muslim, a non-citizen that are spread about him, for once, many voters are saying, “Shut the hell up!! Will he try with everything he has to move us forward?”
I am confident that he will try. I am confident that Obama, more than John McCain, will put country first. And more importantly…
After our history and the anti-Muslim, Arab hatred that some Americans displayed after the attacks on 9/11, an election of a black President with the name of Barack Hussein Obama sticks every painful bit of rubble of the World Trade Center right back into the jaded eye of Bin-Laden and others like him.
I leave you with this.
As Obama is being referred to by McCain/Palin as a Marxist, I think I can sum things up with a quote from Karl Marx.
“History repeats itself…First as tragedy, second as farce.”
The Bush administration has been the tragedy, a McCain/Palin administration would be the farce.
I for one, do not want to see Marx’s words become a reality…once again.
Cheers!!
59 comments:
Eloquently stated, my friend, but then I would expect nothing less from you.
Indeed, where has our united spirit of seven years ago gone? It has evaporated along with people's savings and confidence in our government.
Tragic.
Call me Pollyanna; I still have hope.
Of course you do, Desert. The three of us all share that fact. Silly optimism in spite of our somewhat cynical and occasionally sarcastic appearance.
I am crossing my fingers and have come to realize that my low grade tension headache ain't gonna go away until oh say, next Wednesday. Either way. Oh and I am working the phones at Obama land in Beaverton on Sunday =)
Very well written, Sir! A applaud your words.
I must be tired. I read farce as fart.
here, here. If I had a hat, I would tip it for you.....
Songbird: Ha. well put. And yeah, I remain hopeful every day. Cheers Dear!!
Starr: Aquarians...Sarcastic, cynical and at the same time the ultimate optimists. Mmmmmmm, you said "BEAVERton". Cheers!!
Nick: Why thank ya Nick. I appreciate that. Cheers!!
Winter: Ha. Of course you did. It would still apply to McCain/Palin in that context as well. Cheers!!
Vodka: Thanks Vodka. And if I had a hat would you put a tip in it for me? Cheers VM!!
Later this week MSNBC or CNN is going to interview Obama live and they are asking for questions from the sphere. Make my day will ya and let us all hear, "this question comes from Bagwine, Ohio and is from Matt-Man"
I really like your writing dude. Maybe it's a good thing you slacked off on your campaign to be president. Barack is going to do just fine for now.[fingers still crossed] I have a novel idea, write!
Micky: I'll check into which network is doing that and submit a question from Bagwine, Ohio. That would be a hoot.
And thanks Mick...Cheers!!
I'd love to be looking into Obama's eyes while he tells me he's going to try as hard as he can, to do all that he can, to restore faith, pride and prosperity, and convince me he knows how hard of a job he has in front of him.
I have a dream, that out of the blue when he gets in office the first thing he does is attempt to cut back on pensions and loopholes that lets someone like Stevens , a convicted felon recieve $122,000 a year for the rest of his slimy life.
Micky: It is the toughest job in the world. And like you, the fact that Stevens retains his pension bugs the hell out of me. Cheers!!
Well you commie ba**ard...This is perfect...word for word, an excellent statement of fact about this great land of ours...
PERFECT
I was solidly set on voting for Mickey Mouse until today....
;)
Bond: why thank you my pinko freind. I love the smell of Karl Marx in the morning...smells like victory. Cheers!!
Leighann: What? You're gonna vote for Johnny Mac, now? Cheers Sexy!!
..I think history repeating itself as farts is a somewhat accurate analogy....
Phfrankie: I agree. I think Winter stumbled upon something. Cheers P-Man!!
I could just kiss you right now.
It feels like the villain has ceased to be the outside threat and has become everyone's neighbor. Terrorists do indeed win when they succeed in dividing a nation.
Anndi: You don't know how long I have waited to hear you say that to me. And you're right. Division is the goal and the ally of the terrorist. Cheers Anndi!!
Cheers to you!!! Vote early and vote often....
Obama 08/12
Willie: Damn straight Willie, damn straight. Cheers to ya!!
It's good to see the bagwine has not robbed you of your eloquence;-)
*rolls eyes* I expect better from you Matt-Man! The country's woes rest singly on the shoulders of George W? No, you didn't come out and say that, but it's not much of a stretch when reading your post.
And honestly, you believe electing Obama will bridge the divide? Although I hope you are right, I see it widening - no matter who wins.
This election isn't about moving forward, sitting by a campfire, holding hands and singing kum-bay-ya, it's about pointing a finger at someone else for the mess we've created ourselves and hoping our knight in shining amour rides in and saves us - giving us all that is "rightfully" ours.
Maybe some day we'll realize that we need to save ourselves ...
TB: Why thanks...Maybe WIR has changed their formula and has reduced the alcohol content without my knowledge. ; ) Cheers!!
Great quote!
I'm so sick of the Republicans coining words and that the Democrats never switch around and attack.
There was: family values, flip-flop, and now Socialist.
Seems to me the Dems could use the same words to combat the meaning the Rep intend. I mean, does any senior citizens use the word Socialist when they accept social security or medicare?
And doesn't "flip flop" really mean the ability to look at something and rethink it. Isn't that what intelligence and experience and maturity is all about?
Beautiful Matt, just beautiful.
I have often mourned how Bush killed the sense of unity and purpose that came out of the horror of 9/11.
Imagine what could have been done with that - across this nation and across the globe.
But now is the time to look forward, not back.
Dana - I'm sorry you feel so jaded but it is easy to mock hope and idealism when you live comfortably.
I am taking a huge step in saving myself when I vote for BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA on November 4.
Dianne, some day you will open your eyes and see that it is you who are jaded. You clearly have looked at the surface - chosen to see only what you want to see in me - and exploited it. Shame on you!
Mock hope and idealism? Not at all - I mock a political system (not a President) that has failed us.
And yes! Shame on me for living "comfortably" when there are others suffering. How could I?
Dana: While you are rolling your eyes, I am looking towards the future; my eyes solely focused on looking at our best chance to right the course of our ship.
I make no qualms about it, I put the vast majority of blame upon the unbrideled arrogance of this administration and the "you are either with me or against me" attitude of the administration for the pathetic state that our nation is currently dwelling.
You're right. This isn't about sitting 'round a campfire and singing songs. Bush and his cronies have been doing that for eight years, although they have been singing a funeral dirge of fear.
If an election isn't about moving forward, what is it all about? Clinging to the past? A past full of lies and failed policies both domestic and foreign? Fuck that.
I am not asking for a knight in shining armor. I am asking for a leader that looks at all things and isn't tied down by a lack of curiosity and an ideology of manifest destiny.
As for the widening division that you predict? I don't think it will widen. It may deepen among some, but that will only put the spotlight upon people who don't put country first, and who put their own monocular ideologies first.
Cheers!!
Amen, Brother.
Actually, I would have to agree with your "best chance" statement, however that isn't a guarantee.
"This administration" includes a Democratic controlled House of Representatives amongst its ranks. How one puts the blame on any one (or even a handful) of people is beyond me.
Am I saying George W was a great president? Not a chance in hell! He has been ineffective (at best) during much of his two terms.
I believe it is statements like this
It may deepen among some, but that will only put the spotlight upon people who don't put country first, and who put their own monocular ideologies first.
that, in my opinion, actually contribute to that divide. It plays right into the "you are either with me or against me" attitude.
Fantasy: I agree whole-heartedly with you and I am in awe of the Obama team for the sophistacted fight they have put up.
Speaking of GOPers making words sound bad? I am a Liberal, always have been, always will be, and will always be proud of that fact. Cheers Meg!!
Dianne: Thank you very much. Dubya through his arrogance could never put together the coalition his father did. 43 missed the point. His Dad knew the importance of working together. For all of the stuff with I disagreed, his Dad, truly believed in the idealism of freedom. Cheers!!
Starr: Ha. Two words oft times make a good comment. Thanks and Cheers!!
Dana: The Dems have only controlled half of the Congress for two years. Bush has had his run for nearly eight.
I am not offering nor expecting a guarantee. Obama, if he wins and the Dems get a sizable majority in Congress may fall flat. But it is obvious to me that the same ol' thing ain't workin.
As for the divide...I am talking about folks who if O-Man wins, will never accept any attempts he tries. I am not suggesting that people be "with him or against him".
I am merely asking that they give him a chance based upon what he tries to do and not accept his attempts based on ideology or long held, personal biases. Cheers!!
If the only choice is between Obama and McCain then it's an easy decision. Obama is the only choice.
I don't know if it will be this great transcending moment in American history or not. We can always hope, of course.
But, a vote for Obama is a vote for a much more reasoned, thoughtful and pragmatic economic and foreign policy than we've had the last eight years and certainly more than McCain is offering.
Jay: You touched on something that I think flies below the political radar.
If Obama wins, I think he is going to be a pragmatic man and not the "raging Liberal" that McCain and his surrogates make him out to be. Cheers Jay!!
Evil: Ha. As annoying, repetitious, and gutter as it can be...I do love the art, science, and bloodsport of politics so damn much. Cheers!!
You are big pussie. I hope you enjoy your Obama kingdom. Cheers, as you say dumbass.
Anony: First of all, it is more commonly spelled, "pussy". Maybe if you had ever experienced some, you would know that.
With that being said...return to your mom's basement, open another bag of Cheetos, and sip your on your bottle of Coke. Cheers!!
The irony of an anonymous poster calling you a "pussie" (sic) is priceless.
Starr: I am assuming it's a case of emotional displacement and/or projection. Cheers!!
I am truly hopeful that no matter who ends up in the White House, Senate and House of REPRESENTATIVES (yup that is what they are supposed to do REPRESENT US, the citizens), they realize there are major problems that must be addressed in our Country.
A divide has occurred in the last eight years. We saw a coming together 7 years ago this past September and watched the President stand on the crumbled ashes of two magnificent buildings and the souls of 3,000 people and promise us a Nation of unity and the head of the man responsible for the murders that had occurred there.
Then his agenda changed, influenced by the small minded people he had surrounded himself with and we marched off in a different direction.
The people saw a need for a change in the Senate and House and those elected, who took charge have spent their time in office playing na-na-na-na-na-na with the White House. They should be ashamed of themselves also.
What hope comes after November 4th is a re-evaluation of the values that have been shoved down our throats.
We can not longer be led by either a small group of religious-minded zealots or a group of liberal minded, give it all away carpetbaggers.
We need leadership that finds a way to allow everyone...the very rich, the very poor and those who are in between, who find themselves struggling more than ever...to live their lives without being told they are the criminals in this whole affair.
Utopia, possibly. I truly am sick and tired of this bitterness.
It is why I have turned to music all week...to allow others to entertain my guests on The Couch.
As I read somewhere recently (Katherine, it might have been you), maybe we should have the election and whoever wins is President and whoever loses serves as Vice President and bring the two parties together - it might make it possible to bring the two sides together.
I had suggested SAM recently, where every incumbent is thrown out and I know that there are some good people in office right now, so that might not be the solution, but I beg everyone to not look at party affiliations next Tuesday. Look at what the candidates stand for and not just their TV commercials, but their records...and vote for the person who will represent ALL OF US best.
It is time to be unselfish and not think, will he/she be best for me...BUT will he/she be best for ALL OF US.
I will end this monologue with words spoken 47 years ago, because folks, I think they are even more important today than they were when said then:
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what, together, we can do for the freedom of man.
Sorry for taking up so much space Matt...
Well said Vinny!
B E A utiful matt-man. Are you going to write Obama's acceptance speech?
I actually thought Bush being elected the first time was the trajedy and the second time the farce. I believe this one would qualify as the apocolypse...
Oh Obama is a Liberal alright. He's certainly more liberal than Bill and Hillary Clinton and maybe more liberal than Al Gore.
But, throughout this campaign he has looked like the more practical of the two when it comes to making decisions. McCain is so impulsive and all of this political stunts are aimed at short term gain only. On the other hand, Obama has been the one who has made decisions in a more careful and thoughtful manner and has stuck to his strategy the entire way through this campaign.
Besides, McCain and Palin are both big government Republicans who love entitlement programs and government spending programs just as much as anyone else in Washington. If your vote against Obama is based on economic policy then you're better off voting Libertarian.
An insightful post, Matt-Man!
For the record: I am a scientist working predominantly in the copper mining industry (remediation, not production); I'm a woman; I'm a long-time resident of Arizona - Senator McCain is MY Senator! We have loved Senator McCain!
But I have already voted (mail-in) for Senator Obama.
Eight years ago I would have voted for the man that Senator McCain was. Now, I am voting for the man that, hopefully, Senator Obama IS.
The current divisiveness of our Nation is frightful and it is definitely time for us to grow up.
Thanks Mickey!
Another Desert Rat made me question whether I have a different view on Obama because I've watched his politics in my state. I've heard the rhetoric and seen the "results" for much longer than many. Does it make me more qualified to determine his performance as President? No - just gives me a different perspective is all.
Bond: I agree with Mick. You did a fine job Vin. And no, it's not a utopian idea that you have. If anything, it's common sense. Cheers!!
VE: Ha. Maybe you're right. And no, I can't write his speech. After Thanksgiving, I go into hibernation only coming out briefly to blog, eat, and have sex. Cheers!!
Jay: I was speaking of the manner in which he would probably govern. Practicality in all matters is his M.O. Cheers!!
Desert Rat: I think Johnny Mac has felt that he deserves to be President and to be possibly be taken down by a young Senator burns him to the core. Cheers!!
Dana: That's how I feel about Joe the Plumber. Because "Joe" is from Ohio, as am I, I know that he has to be a major league asshole. Cheers!!
Hey it's the idiot, Wolf, who is taking questions for friday.
I think it's....ireport.com
Micky: Oh Great. Wolfie...my favorite. Thanks Mick, I'll check it out. Cheers!!
Blitzer?!
Oh god I hate him. He drives on me.
Starr: He's one of the most annoying people on Cable News. Cheers!!
I am VERY much looking forward to having a President who is intellectually curious. One who won't make me embarrassed every time he opens his mouth. People can be cynical all they like about the actual process of government, about how it's changed so much from what the forefathers once dreamed it could be. Well, that may be, but it's impractical. While some folks are engaged in a Jeffersonian romance of complete, unadulterated freedom complete with no taxes and all of the drugs and prostitution one can handle, we have the reality to deal with. The people who are crossing their arms and stomping their feet because the world isn't exactly how they envision it should be are no better than the people who are taking an active part in fucking it up. The difference between the two is that even the guy fucking up the system is actually DOING SOMETHING.
End rant. :)
Love this blog, babe.
I just thought I'd ask the question here...of the bagwine faithful...(or those who are US citizens anyway...)
Will you be able to pledge support to whichever candidate wins next week?
Will the Office of the President have your respect even if you have reason not to respect the man who has been elected....regardless of who that is?
Actually John McCain circa 2000 I DID respect as a man. If he had choosen a different running mate and had won, frankly, I wouldn't have been too freaked out. But Sarah Palin and the fact that he decided to make her his first big executive decision totally shot my confidence in the guy.
As for the office, itself, I think it is tarnished. Bush and Cheney have eroded the image of the executive branch to the point where I am worried about ANYONE ramping back that power.
Kat: I may make fun of, make over the top comments about Bush, and loathe the man, but I would, if I met him, call him Mr.President and respect the office. Cheers!!
Starr: Oh My...We have a disagreement. Make a note in history about this. I don't see the office as tarnished. We have survived Grant, Harding, Hoover, Nixon, and now Bush 43...I think while they have been tarnished men, the office of the President is still something to be respected. Cheers!!
I'm out of lockstep!!
I think that until some of those executive powers that the office has been granted are removed that yes, the office is tarnished. Checks and Balances are the cornerstone of our goverment and they have been tampered with.
Other than that, yes I respect the office. And I'd called Dubya Mr. President too.
Here is something else I think. I don't think he is a bad man. I think he is a not so bright man with a Daddy complex and a bunch of people who played him for their own interests knowing HE would take the blame. And I still maintain that he gets a pass from me on his work for AIDS and Africa.
Starr: Congress allowed this administration to walk all over them and erode the c's and b's. Other than that, I liked your comment.
So? Can we lock legs again? Cheers Starr!!
Oh I agree Congress is implicit in this as well. But Cheney (cause I really do think it was his influence) is the one who orchestrated the Cheney Death March over Congress.
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