;)
Tuesday
Nov042008
What A Dream I Had, Pressed In Organdy
Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 1:26AM
By the time this gets posted, most of you who are unfortunate enough to read my little blog will have already voted. And I've waited until today to post it because I don't even for one second want to come across as "this is who you should vote for." YOU should vote for whoever YOU deem most worthy. This is simply putting it out there for one day, a day far away from now, when I'll wish I could go back to this day in our history, this monumental day for our nation, and see exactly what the hell I was thinking.
I am a bit of a conspiracy theorist. I will never, ever check Catcher in the Rye out of the library. I totally believe that JFK got shot by the government to get us into 'Nam. I am fairly sure that we have proof of extra-terrestrial contact tucked away somewhere, and the only reason they interviewed people like my skull-less uncle for Project Blue Book is to hide the evidence. To discredit sightings. To make us THINK it was insanity. Because, really, if that man told me the sky was over my head, that would only mean one thing: I was standing on it.
And so, as my paranoid little mind works, I am predicting a McCain/Palin win tonight. Well, actually, I'm predicting and Obama/Biden win, a big fat temper tantrum, and an eventual GOP win.
It's not like it hasn't happened before. *coughgorecough*
I hope that doesn't happen. I dream that when the GOP starts screaming FALSE COUNTS! that the DNC remembers that we still have a president until January, and we'll all happily wait while every single vote gets counted, while all the re-votes are cast. If we can dump $750 billion into the market; we can pay the salary of the vote counters for a few extra weeks.
Hell, we're CREATING JOBS!
But in all sincerity, I dream that I am wrong. I dream that tomorrow night, that socialist, skinny, not-quite-black-enough Muslim terrorist is my new president. I dream that over the next eight years, he gets the chance to make every single person that threw those hideous accusations around about him eat their words. I dream that my sons get a president they deserve, one they can look up to, one they will be proud in their golden years to say they can remember when he was the president, one that maybe at least one of them will serve under if they follow my family's tradition of military service.
Yup, I come from a military family. Betcha didn't know THAT.
I am really heartbroken about John McCain. I don't understand what he's doing, I really don't. 2000 John McCain was a decent guy, and I'm afraid he took too many lines from the Bush playbook after that race for the presidency. I mean, remember how he had supposedly fathered an illegitimate child, dark skinned child? Remember how he'd committed treason while a POW? Or how he'd gone insane while he was imprisoned? And what did McCain do about all those lies thrown around about him by the Bush camp?
He embraced the man and the soulless beast behind him. Here's the thing, John McCain. I could almost, almost, handle 8 more years of Bush. What I can't handle is 8 more years of the people that come with Bush. I can't have my fear preyed upon anymore. I can't have my hopes exploited anymore. I can't have my intelligence insulted anymore. I can't be lied to, tricked, manipulated or talked down to anymore. I cannot allow a small group of people to re-write the playbook for my nation's management anymore. I can't handle the secrets, the deceits, the smears, the smoke and mirrors.
This is OUR goddamn country, and those people you call friends don't seem to get that. If you choose to associate with them, take your queues from them, then I don't trust you with my country. I don't trust your judgment, and I am damn well not going to pay you to run the show over decade that will see my boys become men. I'm not worried about the company your parents kept when you were 8 years old; I'm worried about the company you are CURRENTLY keeping.
If you are willing to add discrimination and hate to the constitution of your home state, what are you going to do to the nation's constitution? If you believe community service is a joke, something to mock, what kind of example are you setting for my children? If you are willing to incite fear and hate into the hearts of your constituency, what are you going to do to the citizens of the entire nation, hell, the entire world, once you have a global platform? If you can't understand that opening up the health care market will work out just about as well as deregulating the housing market has, how can I trust you with my tax dollars, with decisions that will affect my day to day life? And if you ever EVER put my health or my daughter's health into air quotes again, so help me god, I will do everything in my power to get you thrown out of whatever office it is you currently serve in.
Today, I dream that you, sir, are judged, not by the color of your skin but the content of your character. Which you seem to have let ambition rob you of.
Today, I am going to take my children to get portraits taken for the first time in 2 1/2 years. We are going to come home and turn on The Daily Show and watch history made. I will have tears in my eyes as I watch the electoral countdown. My sons will stay up as long as it takes for the votes to all come in, and I dream that they will watch with pride as the first Black man in the history of this nation, this nation that was built on the backs of too many fine, nameless, forgetten black men, takes a stage and accepts his nomination.
My dream is also that someday, one day, my daughter will watch a woman do the same thing. Just not today, please, not today.
Cross posted on my personal page at BlogHer.com. Because I'm a glutton for punishment.
Reader Comments (75)
Well said.
What a beautiful post. And how the rest of the world is holding its breath and hoping you are right. (I'm in Belgium.) Good luck with it.
I absolutely love that last photo.
The thing about party politics is that they push the candidates into mud slinging. The politics are the same at the party level; it's all about who's less perfect, who has more skeletons.
I remember at the end of the Democrat run, when Hillary Clinton finally conceded, that there was speculation she had held in longer in an effort to make Obama look bad, to damage his reputation enough that McCain would win and she could ride in for the 2012 nomination and win. At the time, I thought it made sense. I thought it was deplorable, but I could see the underlying logic.
And then, McCain chose Palin as his running mate. I firmly believe any hope he had at winning left him that day. As stories about her political history came out, and how she and McCain barely knew one another, I knew McCain was done.
But then I read a theory that McCain advisors had intentionally encouraged the Palin nod so that he would lose to Obama and then they could blame it all on McCain/Palin, and get ready for 2012.
Bottom line, I've read a lot of conspiracy theories that are trying to taint Obama's potential victory today, to make it about someone else's decision to let him win rather than him winning on his own laurels. So, as progressive and historic as this day may seem, we, as western society (all PM in Canada, save for a few months of Kim Campbell, who wasn't elected, were white men), we're not done yet.
SciFi Dad wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/TalesFromTheDadSide/~3/441999439/buddy-at-one-month.html" rel="nofollow">Buddy At One Month
Wow! Well said!
This is my secret fear too.
I'll be pinned to the couch later today. Hopefully to watch history, and not a tragedy.
daysgoby wrote..http://jessalogic.blogspot.com/2008/11/nekkid.html" rel="nofollow">nekkid
You nailed my feelings on McCain, exactly. I bet that because so many people voted early there will be some mix-up, they will get misplaced, I don't know. They will do something, I just know it. My husband just refuses to believe the government could be that evil - I refuse to believe they aren't! Go Obama!
tammie wrote..http://misadventuresinmommyhood.blogspot.com/2008/11/and-then-i-ate-all-their-candy.html" rel="nofollow">and then i ate all their candy.
AMEN, sister.
I am full of hope that Obama will be successful today. BUT there is a pit of fear in my gut that I can't shake. The more I educate myself about politics, the more I become a conspiracy theorist. I want to believe that things like integrity and character matter. I want my children to be able to believe it as well. This election will be a tipping point for me. My faith in the ways of the world could be restored a smidge, or completely shattered.
I did my research into the issued that matter to me. I talked to my friends and family for the first time in any election. I voted.
This waiting part is stressful.
Ashlie- Mommycosm wrote..http://www.mommycosm.com/journal/2008/11/3/today-i-am-going-tobe-a-mom.html" rel="nofollow">Today I am going to...be a Mom.
This is why I (hear) you....it saddens me to see people I know support McCain, and his poor campaign platform of fear and hate, and choosing a vp that insults us woman...
For the first time ever my dh is going to vote...I think a lot of it has to do with the stupid things people have said For McCain, and Against Obama...he can't tolerate stupid people. He's voting if only to cancel out one stupid persons vote...lol.
I agree 100% about McCain/Bush--all of it. I'm very hopeful today about Obama. Not many people thought he'd even get this far. I am nervous on some level, but at the same time, I don't want to be negative about it and put that energy out there myself. Yes We Can is my mantra today!
Well said SISTER, well said. Have you read the Rolling Stone article that a fellow POW wrote about why he would NOT be voting for John McCain? Everyone should.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/23316912/makebelieve_maverick/print
Upon release from their POW camp: (just a taste)
"I'm going to the Middle East," Dramesi says. "Turkey, Kuwait, Lebanon, Iran."
"Why are you going to the Middle East?" McCain asks, dismissively.
"It's a place we're probably going to have some problems," Dramesi says.
"Why? Where are you going to, John?"
"Oh, I'm going to Rio."
"What the hell are you going to Rio for?"
McCain, a married father of three, shrugs.
"I got a better chance of getting laid."
abunslife wrote..http://bunslife.blogspot.com/2008/10/do-i-deserve-oscar.html" rel="nofollow">Do I Deserve an Oscar?
amen... I'm with you on that. I too love that last picture. I think you speak for a lot of us when it comes to McCain and Palin. Props to you!
The Real Life Fairy Tale Princess wrote..http://onemorefairytale.blogspot.com/2008/11/did-i-shave-my-legs-for-this.html" rel="nofollow">Did I Shave My Legs for This?
Hey Lady! These are times that try men's/women's intestinal fortitude. I did not vote for either McCain or Obama......so you can say I'm a fucking chickenshit. I don't care for either one of them......but I "know" one of them will be elected. I will accept that. GOD help us all. Peace, Mike.
P.S. Now get the FUCK off of my lawn!
Okay, so this is completely off-point, I know, but - WHY can't you check out Catcher in the Rye??? I think I'm falling behind in my conspiracy theories.
p.s. go, Obama, go.
Email From The Embassy wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/EmailFromTheEmbassy/~3/439955730/spring-forward-fall-uh-never-mind.html" rel="nofollow">Spring Forward, Fall... uh, never mind
*Standing Ovation*
Rousing speech, you should run for the senate because I'd TOTALLY vote for you. :)
And I went to the embassy to do some absentee voting.
Totally picked McCain.
...
PSYCHE! LOL! J/K!
Yeah, I'm with "Email From The Embassy": how come you cant' check out Catcher in the Rye?
thedemigod wrote..http://burnedbutawesome.wordpress.com/2008/11/04/really/" rel="nofollow">Really???
My natural tendancy is to shout "conspiracy!", but only because we've been so traumatized these past eight years. I'm following Mr. Obama's lead today -- calm, cool & collected. If we all believe it hard enough (AND VOTE, DAMMIT!, it will be true.
Erika wrote..http://begayaboutit.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/imagine/" rel="nofollow">Imagine.
I agree completely. McCain is like the Britney Spears of politics, Nice guy, but pressures associated with the campaign seemed to get to him, and in attempt to deal with them he made wrong decision after wrong decision. The media grabbed hold of those mistakes and just RAN with them, causing his whole campaign as well as the way he is perceived today to just snowball into a circus act.
I also agree about a GOP tantrum. Its a standard part of the electoral process I'm afraid. I liken it to the appeal process in judicial courts. No matter the outcome, there will inevitably be challenges and recounts. There's no getting around it.
I'm off to take my daughter to school and to vote now. I hear the lines here will be upwards of two hours and its raining. You know what? I don't care. A week of the flu beats another four years of complacency any day.
Thanks for the post.
matt wrote..http://redsparks.com/playpen/2008/10/31/all-hollows-eve-a-parental-tribute/" rel="nofollow">All Hollow’s Eve - A Parental Tribute
I'm really not into conspiracy theories... too many late work nights with a coworker who was alittletoointo it. But otherwise, yeah, I totally agree with you, and I know we'll be propped in front of the tv tonight.
I'm just glad that I voted early.
Bravo. Bra-VO.
Yay.
And I'm off to the polls now.
Sass wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/thelifeofsass/~3/441010207/lots-o-goodies.html" rel="nofollow">Lots O' Goodies
I disliked McCain before, but after he put my health in air quotes I admit my feelings turned to disgust. Absolutely turned my stomach. That whole debate left me feeling angry and afraid for a country ran by him. Every time he rolled his eyes...uggggg! Your post was beautifully written, thanks for sharing that with us.
RiahLi wrote..http://riahli.blogspot.com/2008/11/super-hero-and-his-pets.html" rel="nofollow">A Super Hero and his pets.
I fear.
I fear Sen. Obama will win the electoral college vote. And I fear his plans to raise taxes on all taxpayers -- remember: he will let the Bush tax cuts expire, which did go to all taxpayers. I fear he will push forward his plan to provide so-called universal health care which will force me to take a 2nd job to afford private insurance, for the only way I'll ever let my family suffer under such a system as their primary care will be if they outlaw private health insurance.
And as i am employed by a Defense Contractor, with a position that requires a Secret Clearance, I fear that the President could very well be a person who could not get even that level of clearance.
I fear that talk radio, as it is known, will be forced off the air because of the constraints of the planned restoration of the "Fairness Doctrine". Radio stations would rather return to music, again, rather than to put up with the nonsense of trying to balance programming, rather than letting the free market decide.
I fear that Socialism will be seen as the next-great-thing, and by the time the nation realizes what every other nation that has tried it, severe damage will be done.
But I look forward to to 2010, in the hopes that the nation turns the tide in House of Representatives (because, after all, Speaker Pelosi has done wonders over the last 2 years, hasn't she?).
Charlie on PA Tpk wrote..http://whatsit2you.blogspot.com/2008/11/dont-you-hate-it-when-you-are-proven.html" rel="nofollow">Don't you hate it when you are proven right....
Mr Lady? This is fucking brilliant. I hope you're wrong too.
One word.
Amen.
Christian wrote..http://csalafia.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/a-hopeful-tomorrow/" rel="nofollow">A Hopeful Tomorrow
Oh, what a post! That's powerfully said. Thank you.
Marie wrote..http://radiatethedance.blogspot.com/2008/11/gains-and-losses.html" rel="nofollow">Gains and Losses
i fall in love with you more every day.
mb wrote..http://blogmemama.blogspot.com/2008/11/change-is-comin.html" rel="nofollow">Change is Comin'
I LOVE that last photo.
I am on pins and needles all the way here in Toronto. I'm terrified he won't get it...I can't imagine the heartbreak.
Don Mills Diva wrote..http://donmillsdiva.blogspot.com/2008/11/evolution-of-blogging.html" rel="nofollow">The evolution of blogging
I agree with you 100%.
God I hope you're wrong. No offense, but I hope you're 100% wrong.
Chris wrote..http://www.rudecactus.com/2008/11/poll_position.html" rel="nofollow">Poll Position
You rock!
McCain let ambition ruin his character. I am with you on every single thing you said in this.
I had to cast a provisional ballot and already conspiracy theories abound in my teeny, tiny little head. Hey, McCain doesn't have quite the grip he thought he did on his homestate, it's totally plausable, but like you, I'm trying to squash those theories out and just hope for the best.
Natalie wrote..http://www.startingfromhere.com/2008/11/my-vote-is-cast-sort-of/" rel="nofollow">My Vote is Cast - Sort of
Awesome post.
I am terrified of the new electronic ballots. No need to count hanging chads - blip! They can all be seamlessly and paper-trail-less-ly be changed in the blink of an eye.
Please, no.
anne nahm wrote..http://annenahm.com/?p=735" rel="nofollow">Uh-Oh
I actually DID have a dream last week that McCain won. And in my dream, I remember thinking/feeling, "I'm not sure I can handle that man for four years." Fingers crossed today!
Kate wrote..http://katescrazylife.blogspot.com/2008/11/halloween.html" rel="nofollow">Halloween
Ditto, ditto and ditto. I have crazy butterflies in my stomach this morning! I'm gonna go crazy waiting for results and will have a fists pounding on the ground temper tantrum if that old white man and his token vagina win.
Mama Bee wrote..http://momtobee.blogspot.com/2008/10/spooky.html" rel="nofollow">Spooky
You got your post out before I go vote, and I say, beautifully said.
Lynette wrote..http://myundercoverlife.blogspot.com/2008/11/six-words.html" rel="nofollow">Six Words?
I got all inspired & teary when you painted such a vivid verbal picture of watching the electoral countdown with your boys tonight - I am right there with you, sister.
Stephanie wrote..http://wipetheseat.blogspot.com/2008/10/post-where-i-dont-think-i-ever-really.html" rel="nofollow">A post where I don't think I ever really make the point I'm trying to make. (If the post can ramble, why not the title?)
I'll say it again... I love you, woman. Just to be clear, not in the lesbian way (though, if it WAS in a lesbian way, at least I could trust Sarah Palin to pray away my gay). Well said. You pulled everything out of my head and my heart and you said it WAY better than I could have. Thank you.
Diane wrote..http://dianesaddledramblings.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-know-its-not-thanksgiving-yet-but.html" rel="nofollow">I Know It's Not Thanksgiving Yet, But...
great post! The world is waiting and watching and hoping that the masses vote the right man in...I have also thought the same thing about the possibility of a fix (like the Gore fiasco) but hope that it doesn't happen...I always liked McCain too but he has changed and is toting the party line and surrounded by the same Bush family cronies...it is sad as he is truly an American hero but he has aged and time is a lot harsher to man in his 70's than to a man in his 40's...crossing my fingers and holding my breath (between sips of wine)
Ms Bliss
I actually registered Republican (I was independent) in 2000 so I could vote in the Republican primary for John McCain (against George Bush). It goes without saying that he would have been an immensely better president than Bush, but Republicans blew that opportunity. And now he's different.
And I'm really, really nervous. My only consolation is that people ARE VOTING; I've never seen us this jazzed up as a nation. And most of that motivation is for Obama.
God, I hope your wrong about the vote count. I really can't even deal with the idea of O not winning. I'll be in front of the TV too, biting my nails.
No Clocks wrote..http://noclocks.wordpress.com/2008/11/03/the-only-thing-i-have-to-fear-is-%E2%80%A6-a-lot/" rel="nofollow">The Only Thing I Have To Fear Is … A Lot
Bravo.
maggie, dammit wrote..http://okayfinedammit.com/?p=2563" rel="nofollow">Domestic Violence blog update; final contenders announced - please vote!
I love your post. Well said.
Do those who fear Obama's "Socialism" realize what they have gotten in the past 8 years?
Under a Conservative Administration, with 6 years of a Republican controlled Legislative branch, we have listened to the CEO's of oil companies tell us we can't tax their windfall profits, because that would be Socialism and we were a "free market". However, when the super-rich bet on the wrong horse, and all of their gambling put the entire economy at risk, WE THE PEOPLE, bailed them out...in a very Socialist way.
So, what the supporters of Bush/Cheney/McCain/Palin want isn't Socialism, it's "no risk-all reward" Socialism. The wealth is not to be shared, but the risk is? WTF?!
I actually saw a farmer in Ohio say he was worried that Obama would make the US Socialist. What, what, what?! You don't like Socialism, how about giving back the checks you've been cashing for 25 years Farmer Brown. You know, the checks the Government writes you, to NOT GROW CROPS, so they can control the commodities prices. What the fuck do you think that is called, genius?
*Sigh*
miko564 wrote..http://themonkeyandscratch.blogspot.com/2008/11/lawyers-guns-and-money.html" rel="nofollow">Lawyers, Guns and Money
I came across your site just by random browsing , trying out sites by linking through others and I can't believe I came across your post - so well said - echoing my thoughts completely. I am soooo on edge today with the election. My husband and I packed up the kids early and went to vote before school started. This is history and I wanted them to see us vote. Mc Cain has become a big disappointment to me too. And I am just so worried about what will happen if he does become president because he has seemed to have sold out to the Republican base that Bush has had behind him for so many years. If he can't stand up to these advisors in his own campaign, how will he ever stand up to them in the White House? Dear God hopefully Cheney is nowhere in the picture. McCain seems so uncomfortable in his own skin now. My daughter is also watching so closely - she is 13 and so interested in this election. It was so sad to see her disappointment in Palin. She was not taken in at all - "Why won't she speak? " in the first week or so after she was announced as the VP candidate. - just listening to Palin speak prompted her to ask - "and SHE could be our Vice president?"
And I feel it is almost inevitable that there will be something done - some tantrum as you say - that could make this an ugly or tragic note in history. So, I am waiting, on the edge of my seat, to see history be made.
And while a part of me is waiting to exhale after this election is done tonight, I know that we truly aren't done. Our country is in such a mess - we as a nation have so much to do.
After all of the newly found sense that change is coming, will we be able to see that this night is just the beginning of a lot of hard work? I hope that the momentum of the people will not be lost. God Bless our next president - whoever he is. He is in for a wild ride.
I plan to sit on my sofa with my hands on my very pregnant belly and pray that you are just a crazy person with crazy ideas and that the Republicans will lose with some grace this time and allow Mr. Obama to take his rightful place in history.
I pray that I did not wait in line for 2.5 hours to vote and come THIS close to getting into an altercation with the police officer dickhead for it to mean nothing like it did when I voted for Gore.
I mean this in the nicest way when I say I hope you are wrong wrong wrong and a total whackadoo.
;)
southernfriedgirl wrote..http://naptimeneeded.wordpress.com/2008/11/02/its-a-quandry/" rel="nofollow">It’s a quandry
You're a woman after my own heart. I'm a bit of a conspiracy theorist myself and am definitely a wee bit paranoid. And yes, I look forward to watching Obama be named president but the paranoid part of me is sure that McCain will be declared the winner. He officially became evil in my book when he named Palin as his running mate. I, too, look forward to the day a woman accepts the presidency (as long as it's not Palin and anyone like her, because if it is? I'm so moving my kids to Canada).
celticbuffy wrote..http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ServingUpLifeoneLatteAtATime/~3/441676874/two-days-too-much.html" rel="nofollow">Two Days Too Much
I'll loan you my copy of Catcher in the Rye anytime you want to borrow it. I'll even mail it in plain brown paper. Would you perhaps like to borrow my copy of The Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels? Damn. My phone line's probably tapped now.
Gettysburg Mom wrote..http://gettysburgfamily.blogspot.com/2008/11/city-mice-and-lots-of-cats.html" rel="nofollow">City Mice and Lots of Cats...
Can't wait to wake up tomorrow morning on our side of the world and see the results!
Very well said.
I try to stay out of the political conversations. All I can say is...
Whoever wins, please don't screw this up!!!!
Robina wrote..http://justanotherday-bina.blogspot.com/2008/11/i-need-some-man-help.html" rel="nofollow">I need some man help!
Rock the fuck on Mr. Lady. Rock the fuck on. Hubby may get lucky again tonight too. If McCain actually does win, (please, please, please Dear God in Heaven don't let it happen. Amen) can we crash on your floor while we look for a house?
Melanie @ MelADramatic Mommy wrote..http://lacostamom.blogspot.com/2008/11/blog-post.html" rel="nofollow">In the Blink of An Eye
For the first time in the almost 8 years we have not had television, I wish we did. Barring that, I would settle for a PC to watch live coverage at home. I would love to be sitting on my couch with billions of other Americans, watching history unfold. you have articulated beautifully all that I feel about MCCain/Palin, and of course Obama. This is fucking huge, and it brings tears to my eyes THINKING about it. Very well said!
Kori wrote..http://korij.blogspot.com/2008/11/poem.html" rel="nofollow">A Poem
Brava!! Mr Lady, I got verklempt as I voted FOR Obama today (not against Bush, as in the last 2 elections, but actually FOR Obama), the first vote I've cast for a non while male for Pres.
But I have to disagree with you on handling 8 more years of Bush. Seriously, I cannot do that, and if such is the case (as my friend is predicting), I will be calling on you for references on how to move.
April wrote..http://formerlyaprildawn.blogspot.com/2008/11/homework-free-election-night.html" rel="nofollow">Homework Free Election Night
Yeah, meant to say "non WHITE male." OMG, I just totally cried at a stupid Vote commercial. Neil Patrick Harris said, "I vote because I'm in love and I want it to matter." I burst into tears.
April wrote..http://formerlyaprildawn.blogspot.com/2008/11/homework-free-election-night.html" rel="nofollow">Homework Free Election Night
you have taken my fears and given them words.
now i really am scared.
zeghsy wrote..http://zeghsy.blogspot.com/2008/10/i-shall-call-it-dog-chow.html" rel="nofollow">I shall call it: Dog Chow
You know I stand on the other side of your dream, in your nightmare, but that was a really well-written post. :)
Darcie wrote..http://cavedweller1019.blogspot.com/2008/11/its-just-another-anxious-monday.html" rel="nofollow">It's just another anxious Monday...