Web Logs
11/3/2004 - Calm Down People
I spent a sizeable amount of time at work today consoling people over the election. Gosh people are upset. I heard the moaning, the anger and the obligatory cries of: "I'm moving to Canada!".
People, please. I know it's disappointing, especially for the gay community, but the Republic will endure. George Bush is only a mediocre politician, born with too much privilege, and suffering from mild messianic delusions -- he ain't the spawn of satan. Yes he'll put a dent in gay rights, make the rich a little richer, stick a few hole in the separation of church and state, and bungle about in his "war on terror", but in four years he'll be gone.
Instead of focusing on him I'm more interested in why he won, whether it's as bad as everyone thinks, and what can be done about it.
Why He Won
I'm no expert, but if I had to guess:
- The War - people just don't like to change presidents when they perceive the country to be at way. Americans have never voted out a sitting president during wartime.
- Gay Rights - Just as they used black's civil rights in the 60s, I think the Republicans played the bigot card quite well and used those anti-gay initiatives to rally their troops. Clever that.
- The Religious Right - We're becoming an increasingly religious country -- not surprising as the population ages (fear of death = increased mysticism). Like 'em or not this block of voters is reliable and consistent -- and Bush is their poster child.
Is It Really That Bad?
Yes, multiple Supreme Court nominations could be very bad, I won't try to sugar coat that, but consider that Bush will have to deal with the following:
- An Economy still in the gutter that doesn't look likely to change soon.
- A war that continues to go badly.
- A highly polarized electorate that's going to be difficult to lead.
- An obligation to pass a constitutional amendment he can't possibly deliver.
- Alienation and dislike from most of Europe.
Maybe it was a good time to pass on a leader till 2008 when, with Cheney not running, it will be a contest between individuals devoid of the advantage of incumbancy.
What To Do?
- Sincerely hope that members of the Supreme Court remain healthy and motivated to keep on working.
- Donate to an organization like the ACLU.
- Make the most of it - As I've said, the Republicans are usually quite good at fiscal discipline. Maybe if we pester them enough they'll start acting like, well, Republicans, and do something to curb the deficit.
- Mark you calendar with all the elections between now and the next presidential one. Those little ones count too.
- Be out to everyone you know (only really helps if you're gay).
- Resist and discourage religion (you'll feel so European). Remember: mysticism doesn't equal morality.
- Organize resistance now for 2006.
Of course, If your still overly distraught, I hear the weather isn't all that bad in Canada...
