I Think He Realizes How Awesome His Jacket Is
With about 20 minutes of reflection today [it's been a busy week] I guess it wouldn't be TO out of character to make a little brog about the recent happenings in Ohio and to a larger extent, America.
Dribble After the Break...
I honestly can not believe Obama was elected. I have a handful of friends on both sides of the political landscape who have seen this coming a mile away, but personally it still has not set in that one of the youngest presidents [yes...we all know he's black...err...half black...or whatever] in the history of this country I was born and raised in is...well...my president.
Humility is something I had to learn in the year 2000[cue "Year 2000" Conan theme], it was the first election I voted in and well...my guy lost. At the time, the economy was not doing too bad so as a country we wanted to focus on values and an image that would match the, then current wealth of our nation. When George Junior won it was my first year in college and I had something I never thought in a million years; new Republican friends. I remember their hopefulness and peace of mind when the whole recount ordeal was over. I also remember how awful AM talk radio was and me coining the term 'sore winner' in regards to not only how bad of a loss it was for Democrats, but how it was thusly rubbed in by bright-eyed Republicans.
The Concession
As McCain was giving his concession speech I couldn't help but wonder what happened to this guy since 2000? McCain was someone who I actually kinda liked [even if I was very much anti-his views on MLK day in Arizona]. A couple days ago I watched yet another documentary based on the war in Afghanistan/Iraq; "Taxi To The Dark Side". In it was footage of Senator McCain being tended to at a medic station after he was rescued from a Vietnam detainment [torture] camp. Not gonna lie, I kinda welled up a little. Knowing that this man, after all that had been done to him, opted to go back was just astounding. Astounding possibly because I think that this is a characteristic that I lack, but more so many others. McCain's speech was a reminder of why I liked him, but moreover, why I so very much dislike him. McCain wanted to win, so badly that he was willing to look over very soft spoken republicans WITH records. I am also aware that McCain is not alone in this adventure. His campaign manager, Rick Davis really should be ashamed of himself as well as the rest of the officers in charge of the decisions that were made on the trail.
Honestly McCain lost to a better campaign, rather than a better candidate. A part of my [and I'm sure plenty of Americans] political 'jadedness' would be the awful truth that money wins elections. He who raises the most money wins. It is a truth that many Democrats have had to face for quite sometime. According to OpenSecrets.org Obama raised nearly 580 million dollars in individual contribution whereas McCain raised over 195 million. It is almost disgusting how much money it takes to become president. It makes this country, our country that is capitalistic look ONLY capitalistic. Every election there is a new way to push the ideas or to slander or to flyer. Obama was one of the first candidates to use the internet to raise money for his election [smart move]. So this is not to say that the money can not be put to good use, but keep in mind...that this is in regards to winning. I guess contributions came slower once McCain announced his running mate, which rather you believe it or not...hurt.
I've tried to pride myself on this brog being apolitical and when it does [give me a break its an election year]...to call it fair. Yes, I am currently hating how long this little speech of mine running, but I do feel this whole brogging thing is therapeutic.
Caught In A Vicious Game Of Soltaire
I will say that I am very afraid of the years to come. I have no idea how Obama will redistribute wealth to workers all over this nation. I am very intrigued on his policies in regards to technology and the advancement of science on US soil. Obama will have to select a cabinet that is economically savvy and will have a history of disagreeing with their boss. Bush's biggest failing was that he did not have enough people in his cabinet to disagree with his & Cheney's policies. It does not take a liberal or conservative to buck a trend, what Obama may need is...well...an asshole.
I have no problem saying I am afraid for this country, but I think I am in a better position than I was in the year 2000. This should not be a time for Dems to look at each other in some form and say, "We Won!" this should be a time for Dems to look across the isle, extend a hand and get back to some actual work!
Republicans only have x-amount of time to lick their wounds as well. The best part about this country is that it has a history of bouncing back. In every war and financial disaster there has been a history of citizens [not just an administration] pulling it together and doing what we need to in order for ourselves and our families to feel safe.
I am happy to see a new president [in general], the fact that it is Obama and not McCain gives me no added pleasure. Had McCain been elected, chances are I'd probably feel the same way[well...moderately the same way]. Didn't want this to be a 'downer' brog, but I did want this to be a realistic one.
A Cynic To The End,
IT