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heidiThere is very little original content in this post. It's more of a personal compendium of thoughts - all of which have been said more pointedly, more explicitly or more clearly over the course of the last few hours. There's a rant at the end, but
The new majority is more theocratic than Republican, as Republican was previously understood; the defeat of the old moderate Republican Party is far more decisive than the loss by the Democrats. And there are no checks and balances.
- Sidney Blumenthal, Salon Magazine
Now this man who has made an unprecedented power grab for the executive branch, who authorized the use of torture, who has trampled on civil rights, who has lied and lied and lied to the American people, is going to have the chance to reshape the Supreme Court for the next generation. Bigotry won.
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pegkerr
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Ronald Reagan beat Walter Mondale in 1984, winning 58.8% of the popular vote versus Mondale's 40.4%. Now THAT'S a mandate.
-Americablog
Stefan noticed the pick-up truck of the supposed county board of election - the truck the ballots for 40 precincts were loaded into - had a big Bush-Cheney 2004 sticker in the back window. Stefan did say that he followed the truck to the election headquarters, though he didn't see what transpired after the truck pulled into the election hq parking lot.
- Also Americablog
- In the comments or in your LJ, rec a story that you re-read for comfort when you need to feel better because it gives you warm fuzzies and a story (ideally long) that you re-read because you can lose yourself in it.
- More or less gacked fromscribbulus_ink via rosesanguina
I don't want to read the bad news from a news station that doesn't care about the fact that this election affected me on such a deep level. I'd rather read it from you all, who are just as hurt, dejected, angry, and determined as I am.
-themorningstarr
I'm sad. I'm angry. I'm stunned. I'm disappointed. I have terrible thoughts and opinions about why we put Bush back in office, hardly a foregone, but likely, conclusion. I wonder what's going on in the minds of people in this country. I'm disgusted.
Now I'm going to be humanly pissy for the next few days. I'm not ashamed. It's natural, and I accept that. I do, however, have a moral core and compass, and I'm on a mission.
-awelkin
-psychic_serpent, an excerpt from an episode of COPS in the Kerry Alt Universe, as aired by FOX News
Everybody who's in the party of Barack Obama, line up after me.
-anneu53714
"There are 39 states that didn't pass gay marriage bans last night!"
And just remember guys, it's not a complete loss. Alan Keyes could have won. Then we'd be fucked.
-jackoweskla, as posted at ash_grey_sky's Democrat/Left/Civil Libertarian/Concerned Conservative Cheer-Up Post
Crossposted fromscieppan's LJ:
The majority of people in this country have an identity and a lifestyle that I do not understand, that I will never understand. And yet, those people yesterday cast their vote partially based on an assumption that they understand MY lifestyle and needs. They said to themselves they were going to vote for Bush to 'protect America'... which really means to protect New York City. And yet, those people, all those middlestate people, don't know squat about what ... New Yorkers need.
pot_pal_ashley
I could say I’m disappointed in my country, or disgusted in my country, or repelled by my country, but that’s not how I feel. Mostly I feel a great blankness and a sense that this isn’t my country at all...
epicyclical
Shouldn't someone official... you know, in the government... decide who's won a state based on, I don't know, actually counting all the votes, and then deliver that decision to the media to report? ... I'd be happier if they (I'm not sure who they should be, but, there's gotta be a they, right?) said, "Look. There aren't going to be results tonight. Let us do our thing and actually count the votes and we'll declare a winner on Friday. Take a nap. Take a walk. Enjoy some TV without the political ads. You've waited this long, you can wait a few more days." *sigh*
-laughingirl
Current Mood: enraged
-potterstinks
Good Morning Britain (Roddy Frame & Mick Jones)
And now, for the rant. I don't think I'll be able to speak to my sister's friend Jenny ever again without thinking, "I hate you."
She didn't vote yesterday. Now, I have seen a few people on my flist say they didn't vote for president because they couldn't decide who they'd be willing to see in office, and I understand that. While I think it is important to go to the polls for each election, I don't think it's necessary to vote in every race every single time. And I have at least one more person on my flist who didn't vote, but I've already expressed my displeasure to her, and while I think what she did was incomprehensible to me, for some reason, I find what Jenny did less forgiving.
She didn't vote because she had other things to do. She is planning on sending her oldest to public school next year, but she couldn't be arsed to choose a school board candidate. Her husband is a litigator, and she couldn't be arsed to make a decision about the Full Funding For Insurance Companies amendment to our state constitution. She has lived in this community for twenty eight of her thirty two years, and she couldn't be bothered to choose a mayor, or a state house representative.
If she ever dares complain about anything, she's going to get an earful from me. To keep the peace with my sister, I won't shout at Jenny when I see her this weekend. But someday, I'm afraid, I will. I am disgusted with my age group - the polls show our percentage of voters between 30 and 44 was down this year. What sort of example are they setting for their kids?
The moms I hang out with were all devistated this morning. I've never seen so many pairs of sunglasses covering un-made-up faces. Everyone had red eyes, either from sleeplessness or from crying. Or from both. I'm in the last category. But now, I'm off to play with my kids, and figure out which particular progressive group I want to get involved with.twistedchick posted a list of ten here. If I can make the time, with my two-going-on-three-kids + part time job + community projects I'm already committed to...
And the last song I listened to before I got out of the car today, on the way home from my doctor's visit...
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to start floating a trial balloon for the Barak Obama & Harold Ford ticket in 2008. And if anyone who lived through Britain under Thatcher has any comments to make about my gacking of anti-Maggie songs into this anti-administration context, I'd love to hear it.
The new majority is more theocratic than Republican, as Republican was previously understood; the defeat of the old moderate Republican Party is far more decisive than the loss by the Democrats. And there are no checks and balances.
- Sidney Blumenthal, Salon Magazine
Now this man who has made an unprecedented power grab for the executive branch, who authorized the use of torture, who has trampled on civil rights, who has lied and lied and lied to the American people, is going to have the chance to reshape the Supreme Court for the next generation. Bigotry won.
-
pegkerrHISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: Ronald Reagan beat Walter Mondale in 1984, winning 58.8% of the popular vote versus Mondale's 40.4%. Now THAT'S a mandate.
-Americablog
It's alright if some things come out wrong
We'll sing a happy song
And you can sing along
Where's there's life, there's hope
Every day's a gift
Wishes can come true
Whistle while you work
So hard
All day
To be like other girls
To fit in in this glittering world
Don't give me songs
Don't give me songs
Give me something to sing about
I need something to sing about
Life's a song you don't get to rehearse
And every single verse
Can make it that much worse...
From "Once More With Feeling"
Stefan noticed the pick-up truck of the supposed county board of election - the truck the ballots for 40 precincts were loaded into - had a big Bush-Cheney 2004 sticker in the back window. Stefan did say that he followed the truck to the election headquarters, though he didn't see what transpired after the truck pulled into the election hq parking lot.
- Also Americablog
- In the comments or in your LJ, rec a story that you re-read for comfort when you need to feel better because it gives you warm fuzzies and a story (ideally long) that you re-read because you can lose yourself in it.
- More or less gacked from
scribbulus_ink via rosesanguinaI don't want to read the bad news from a news station that doesn't care about the fact that this election affected me on such a deep level. I'd rather read it from you all, who are just as hurt, dejected, angry, and determined as I am.
-
themorningstarrI'm sad. I'm angry. I'm stunned. I'm disappointed. I have terrible thoughts and opinions about why we put Bush back in office, hardly a foregone, but likely, conclusion. I wonder what's going on in the minds of people in this country. I'm disgusted.
Now I'm going to be humanly pissy for the next few days. I'm not ashamed. It's natural, and I accept that. I do, however, have a moral core and compass, and I'm on a mission.
-
awelkinCOP #1: Open up! We have a warrant! We have it on good authority that you have BIBLES in there!
SUSPECT: Hold your fire! I'm opening the door!
[While suspect is still opening door two cops charge at it and force their way into a small ranch house.]
COP #1: Well, well, well, what have we here? [picks up book covered in brown paper] This wouldn't be--A BIBLE? [Shakes head, speaks to partner] How do they think they can get away with it, Duane?
COP#2: [looking appraisingly at suspect] I don't know, Vern. Hey, he's got a nice butt, doesn't he? [slaps his hand on the suspect's buttocks]
COP #1: [grinning at partner] You're just insatiable, aren't you Duane? [turns to suspect] Okay, mister. Here's how it is. We might--MIGHT--turn a blind eye THIS time if you're cooperative. Duane likes you; this could work in your favor...
SUSPECT: [tries to fight them off] No! No! I won't let you sodomites do this! This never would have happened if George Bush were president!
COP #2: [chuckles] He's too green anyway, Vern. I think we need to get him ready first.
COP #1: You've got a point, Duane. [to suspect] Okay, you. Here's how it is. We're taking THIS [holds up Bible] for our nice little bonfire, and you can start reading this. [takes a full set of the Harry Potter books out of a bag]
SUSPECT: Nooooooooooooooooooooo! Not the EVIL SOUL-SUCKING BOOKS OF DOOM! I don't want to be a Satan-worshipping witch! Give me my Bible back!
COP #1: [grinning] You don't get it, do you? You've got criminal contraband here, mister. You need to be reprogrammed. And the books are just the start. We need to get you ready for Duane here. So after you've read all five books you need to go to the Potter Slash Archive and start working your way through there. Begin with the Harry/Draco pairings. That way when Duane comes back to check on your 'reading progress' [grins at partner] there shouldn't be any mysteries about what's going to happen...
SUSPECT: No! No! You can't do this!
COP #2: [opens the first Harry Potter book, shoves it into suspect's hands and pushes him into a chair] We can and we are. Get used to it. THESE are your bibles now. [points at HP books]
-
psychic_serpent, an excerpt from an episode of COPS in the Kerry Alt Universe, as aired by FOX NewsEverybody who's in the party of Barack Obama, line up after me.
-
anneu53714"There are 39 states that didn't pass gay marriage bans last night!"
And just remember guys, it's not a complete loss. Alan Keyes could have won. Then we'd be fucked.
-
jackoweskla, as posted at ash_grey_sky's Democrat/Left/Civil Libertarian/Concerned Conservative Cheer-Up PostCrossposted from
scieppan's LJ:A friend of mine was a poll watcher in Broward county. She went to her polling place at her assigned time to find out...it had disappeared. Gone. No signs, no notices. Luckily, a woman drove by and told her (and the rest of the people standing around looking confused) that the poll had been moved.
Turns out, the precincts had been redrawn last week. Precincts were combined, often absurdly. A condo complex, for example, which had always voted in precinct X got moved into precinct D - all but one building. In fact, couples who live in the same condo were assigned two different polling places.
Once my friend got to the correct polling place, the poll workers tried to call the sheriff to have her removed. She was able to stay, and watched - in horror. The poll workers, bless them, were all about 75 years old and moved at the speed of a glacier. They were given a cel phone to use in the case of voter questions or problems - and there was only sporadic cel service. And no analog phones. In a precinct that should have received hundreds of voters all day, they got 100. Many people left after waiting for 45 minutes to find out if they were allowed to vote there - once the cel phone worked, they waited on hold for 15 minutes to talk to a clueless elections worker on the other end.
The lawyer watching the polls with my friend had a log book 2 inches thick by 11 a.m.
Oh, and the old polling place? Folks from ACT went by to put up flourescent signs at all the old polling places, directing them to the new ones. My friend's boyfriend witnessed a truck (with Bush stickers all over it) drive up and pull those signs down. She called the Justice Dept. and logged a complaint.
Do you think this was in a lower class neighborhood, that typically votes democratic. You bet your ass it was. Do you think this was relegated to one precinct in Broward county? Fuck no.
So, a couple of questions:
1. Why isn't there more coverage about Florida voter fraud?
2. Why do we continue to let this happen in our country?
The majority of people in this country have an identity and a lifestyle that I do not understand, that I will never understand. And yet, those people yesterday cast their vote partially based on an assumption that they understand MY lifestyle and needs. They said to themselves they were going to vote for Bush to 'protect America'... which really means to protect New York City. And yet, those people, all those middlestate people, don't know squat about what ... New Yorkers need.
pot_pal_ashleyYou can have it all
You can take it all away
From where we left off
Living it all
Your way
If you'll stand in my shoes
If you'll do what I do
Wages Day by Deacon Blue
I could say I’m disappointed in my country, or disgusted in my country, or repelled by my country, but that’s not how I feel. Mostly I feel a great blankness and a sense that this isn’t my country at all...
epicyclicalShouldn't someone official... you know, in the government... decide who's won a state based on, I don't know, actually counting all the votes, and then deliver that decision to the media to report? ... I'd be happier if they (I'm not sure who they should be, but, there's gotta be a they, right?) said, "Look. There aren't going to be results tonight. Let us do our thing and actually count the votes and we'll declare a winner on Friday. Take a nap. Take a walk. Enjoy some TV without the political ads. You've waited this long, you can wait a few more days." *sigh*
-
laughingirlCurrent Mood: enraged
-
potterstinks
From the Tyne to where to the Thames does flow
My English brothers and sisters know
It's not a case of where you go
It's race and creed and colour.
From the police cell to the deep dark grave
On the underground, a stop away
Don't be too black, don't be too gay
Just get a little duller.
But in this green and pleasant land,
Where I make my home, I make my stand...
Love is international
And if you stand or if you fall,
Just let them know you gave your all,
Worry about it later.
Good Morning Britain (Roddy Frame & Mick Jones)
And now, for the rant. I don't think I'll be able to speak to my sister's friend Jenny ever again without thinking, "I hate you."
She didn't vote yesterday. Now, I have seen a few people on my flist say they didn't vote for president because they couldn't decide who they'd be willing to see in office, and I understand that. While I think it is important to go to the polls for each election, I don't think it's necessary to vote in every race every single time. And I have at least one more person on my flist who didn't vote, but I've already expressed my displeasure to her, and while I think what she did was incomprehensible to me, for some reason, I find what Jenny did less forgiving.
She didn't vote because she had other things to do. She is planning on sending her oldest to public school next year, but she couldn't be arsed to choose a school board candidate. Her husband is a litigator, and she couldn't be arsed to make a decision about the Full Funding For Insurance Companies amendment to our state constitution. She has lived in this community for twenty eight of her thirty two years, and she couldn't be bothered to choose a mayor, or a state house representative.
If she ever dares complain about anything, she's going to get an earful from me. To keep the peace with my sister, I won't shout at Jenny when I see her this weekend. But someday, I'm afraid, I will. I am disgusted with my age group - the polls show our percentage of voters between 30 and 44 was down this year. What sort of example are they setting for their kids?
The moms I hang out with were all devistated this morning. I've never seen so many pairs of sunglasses covering un-made-up faces. Everyone had red eyes, either from sleeplessness or from crying. Or from both. I'm in the last category. But now, I'm off to play with my kids, and figure out which particular progressive group I want to get involved with.
twistedchick posted a list of ten here. If I can make the time, with my two-going-on-three-kids + part time job + community projects I'm already committed to... And the last song I listened to before I got out of the car today, on the way home from my doctor's visit...
The public gets what the public wants
But I want nothing this society's got -
I'm going underground,
Let the brass bands play and feet start to pound
Going underground,
We'll let the boys all sing and the boys all shout for tomorrow
Some people might get some pleasure out of hate
Me, I've enough already on my plate
People might need some tension to relax
Mem, I'm too busy dodging between the facts
What you see is what you get
You've made your bed, you better lie in it
You choose your leaders and place your trust
As their lies wash you down and their promises rust
You'll see kidney machines replaced by rockets and guns
And the public wants what the public gets
But I don't get what this society wants
We talk and talk until my head explodes
I turn on the news and my body froze
The braying sheep on my TV screen
Make this girl shout, make this girl scream!
Going Underground by Paul Weller (girlified, though)
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to start floating a trial balloon for the Barak Obama & Harold Ford ticket in 2008. And if anyone who lived through Britain under Thatcher has any comments to make about my gacking of anti-Maggie songs into this anti-administration context, I'd love to hear it.
