Post mortem
I knew Monday that on Wednesday morning I would be waking into a different world. Didn't know how different, just that it would be different. The continuation of polarization and deadlock, a revolution, or the public legitimization of a contested direction.
What I was hoping for did not happen. And now I wonder how I fit in to the strange new place in which I will awaken.
Good night.
Comments
I'm out of words; all that's left are tears.
Posted by: Laura | November 3, 2004 8:54 AM
Spring Break Fallujah!
Posted by: Lex | November 3, 2004 12:59 PM
I've found the same stunned, unbelieving reaction on dozens of blogs and livejournals, and in my email. I'm starting to to think this is going to be one of these traumatic events a whole generation (of Democrats, at least) will remember for life.
Posted by: Bob | November 3, 2004 5:11 PM
Stunned, yes, but not unbelieving. I was telling coworkers Monday pretty much the same thing I wrote in my blog. I knew that the pollsters knew nothing, and that it could go any way. When I heard the Pew Center's Andy Kohutt say on NPR that voters' number one issues were the economy at 18%; terrorism at 17%; and, "surprisingly," moral issues at 22% I had the feeling that it was going to be a bad night for Kerry.
What I didn't expect was how abysmally bad the Democrats would do in the Senate. Which tells me that the Democrats didn't have a Kerry problem as such, but an out-of-step-with-voters problem. Especially during an election that saw a host of anti-gay marriage amendments pass overwhelmingly. It's been a bitter night for a dear friend in Ohio.
Posted by: Chip | November 3, 2004 5:34 PM
Every state that had a gay marriage ban of some sort on the ballot passed it -- all eleven. I am staggered at the narrow-minded ignorant bigotry that abounds in my homeland and disappointed in my own naivete for believing in the better angels of my fellow citizens.
A friend has suggested that we call the stray cat who showed up last night "Barack," as they were the only two bright points of the evening. :/
Posted by: Laura | November 3, 2004 7:53 PM
Well, of course all eleven states passed it. If there was a public referendum in Mass. it would be banned there too. I suspect they'll end up amending the Constitution of Mass. to nullify all gay marriages that have taken place there, and that all 50 states will end up with a ban.
Gay marriage is just not going to happen this generation in this country, and that's just the way it is.
Remember, Lincoln spoke of the "better angels" in his First Inaugural to encourage Southern states to peacefully return to the Union. We all know how well that worked out. Don't count on better angels, ever; there're just a rhetorical trope.
Posted by: Bob | November 4, 2004 12:32 AM
This isn't my country anymore; I just live here.
Posted by: Laura | November 4, 2004 12:32 PM