Well.. I didnt watch the results on tv.. I was busy part of the night.. but I did tune in from time to time on Kos here, and experienced the same sinking feeling that everyone else did on here. I was hoping the American people would evict this administration, but it seems they gave him an endoresement - a narrow one - but one nevertheless. I resigned myself to the fact that it appears fear and the hidden wedge issues of values had affected the American people and done in Kerry... (I will not blame Kerry for the loss as others have.. I dont think he could have done much different then he did in the campaign). ANd yes.. I expected despair on here.. but not the level of messages indicating a giving up on America.
In Canada, we had a similar situation in 1984 and 1988; Brian Mulroney and the Conservatives came to power in 1984 with an impressive mandate, and prooceeded to screw a lot of things up... like south of the border, it divided the oountry, and he became a detested Prime Minister. Yet he still prevailed in his re-election campaign of 1988. It was my first election I could vote in in 1988, and I couldnt understand why enough other people didnt think like me.
Well you know what.. I didnt give up on Canada... and neither did the Liberal Party.. we fought for 4 years to get organized and to explain to people what we were about.. and in 1993.. we completely wiped the Cons off the electoral map.
Granted, that wont happen south of the brder, and ou circumstances were slightly different, but my point is you shouldnt ust give up because you fought what you felt was a right war and lost = dont blame the electorate.. continue the fight to push your ideals,, dont give in to despair.. and your chance will soon come again.
I believe Bush is going to continue to make a mess in Iraq.. I certainly dont believe your troops will be gone in 4 years... and who knows about a draft.. but I think the potential is there for a lot more anger at the Republican Party in 4 years (perhaps 2 years) if things continue the way they are.,, So please.. if you feel the need to move to Canada or elsewhere, I wont discourage you... I am sure our country would welcome you with open arms.. but I'd rather see a re-grouping of the folks to continue the struggle south of the border.