posted on November 11, 2000 04:50:01 AM new
It's quite obvious that pretty much everyone posting here feels sick about this election and the opposing candidate. No matter how it plays out half of us are going to feel lousy.
But there is some consolation in the fact that we do have the right to make a choice, even if we aren't happy with the choices.
We're lucky to live in a country where we can freely participate in a forum such as this, debate our positions, openly express disgust for the candidates, and not have to worry about the police knocking on our door.
Things could be much worse. And no matter how this ends, our democracy will survive and be even stronger because for the first time in modern history we have a chance to prove that our system is up to the task of a peaceful transfer of power (or at least adminstrations if Gore wins) under the very worst of circumstances. All in all, it's good to be an American. (This is not intended as a slur in any way against our friends and neighbors abroad).
posted on November 11, 2000 05:09:55 AM new
You have a very good point. If this same thing had happened in many countries, there would be riots and/or the military would get involved and/or communications would be shut down, etc. etc. We are truly very lucky.
And let's keep it this way. If 'your' man doesn't win, then get involved and fight for his election in 2004. But we all need to unite and support our next president - *whomever* he is.
posted on November 11, 2000 05:17:43 AM newAnd let's keep it this way. If 'your' man doesn't win, then get involved and fight for his election in 2004. But we all need to unite and support our next president - *whomever* he is.
I agree completely. We can debate and express our opinions all we want right now, but after the election is finally "decided", we all need to rally behind the new President (whoever it is) and do what we can to encourage a successful administration. Regardless of party affiliation and our own persoal views on the issues, we are all Americans first.
posted on November 11, 2000 05:22:12 AM new
After the initial shock of Tuesday night and all day Wednesday, the reality of the situation really set in with me.
Look at it objectively...forget about party lines; forget which candidate you support.
This incredible, historical state of affairs is way beyond any personal loyalties.
It has been and continues to be an education for anyone who wants it.
posted on November 11, 2000 07:32:13 AM new
As we continue to debate/discuss our constitution/voting rights on this Veteran's Day...Let us pause for a moment to thank those who fought/sacrificed/died, so that we could be free.
posted on November 11, 2000 08:12:04 AM new
Count me as proud also!
I don't agree that this is the first time we've proven that we can transfer power peacefully - we prove it everytime the president changes.
I'm appalled at the errors, shoddy ballots, etc. in Florida.
I also am a bit concerned about the rising number of mail-in votes. While there are legitimate reasons to mail in one's vote, the trend is rising so much that I think more and more people are using mail-in because they are too lazy to go to the polls.
But warts and all, I'm still proud of this country, and still get choked up when I hear our anthem.
posted on November 11, 2000 12:44:05 PM new
I got pretty choked up just reading this thread.
Spent the morning at the flea market eavesdropping on farmers, truckers, antiques dealers and junk import sellers of every age, religion, national origin and political persuasion discussing the issue peacefully, thoughtfully and without rancor or any reference to political party (!!). Guess not all of Florida (not to mention all of the US) is like that screaming crowd they keep showing on TV....
posted on November 11, 2000 03:41:33 PM new
sadie...being an absentee voter, I don't think of myself as lazy at all. Why should I stand in line for an hour outside someone's garage when I can take care of it in the privacy of my own home, taking all the time I want? I even mail it in at least a week ahead of time so I'm not affected by any last minute mud that gets slung.
In California, it's not unusual for people to commute over an hour each way to work, so getting to the polls can be a challenge. In some states, they were complaining they had to wait 3 hours. What about those who know they will be on vacation that day, or on a business trip, or spouses who act as caretakers and can't leave the home, or the disabled. There are as many reasons to vote absentee then there are to show up at the polls. And this year, the entire state of Oregon used the mail-in system.
IMO, the "lazy" people are those who don't even bother to register, or who don't think their vote matters so they don't show up at all. Just because we choose an alternative to being at the polling site, doesn't mean we take the process any less seriously.
***********************
That's Flunky Gerbiltush to you!
posted on November 11, 2000 05:01:02 PM new
What do you expect ,we're Americans. We have weathered a lot worse than this.
One Nation Under God is not just a cute saying we put on our bills to impress others.
That's what we are.
I don't mean to put down any other nation but I always believed if there was one country worth fighting for and worth dying for it is this one.
posted on November 12, 2000 01:31:30 PM new
njrazd -
Sorry about that! Voting absentee doesn't connote lazy at all.
I'm just old fashioned I guess. A lot of people where I am vote absentee because the weather here is often awful in Nov. This was my first year voting in my new location, and it saddened me to see how empty it was because most of the town had already voted by mail a week or two ago.
I'm nuts I guess, but I like standing in line with my neighbors waiting to vote.
But you are absolutely correct, and if absentee ballots get more people to vote and also to vote more thoughtfully, then they are a good thing.
