When 4 out of 10 of your neighbors vote for Bush....

For the longest time, even back into the 80's, I've always been the "stay and fight 'em" type whenever people would suggest "leaving the U.S. if Reagan/Bush/Bush gets re-elected." And I guess I still am.

But in the aftermath of the Iraq war and a populace at large that doesn't care about Iraqi civilian deaths or those of our soldiers or the 140 something billion we've spent, I found myself weakening. Not on my position, but in spirit.

Now this latest business in Haiti. I'll admit that I'm not nearly as informed as lots of DUers on the goings on there (and that if I had unfettered access to the Absolute Truth that I might find fault w/ some of Aristide's policies and approach to political enemies), but as far as I can tell, we went in only to help usher out an elected leader. Again, US citizens don't *seem* to care, and again I'm gut punched. Not even thinking about moving, but now understanding how people can consider it.

And now I find little things can make me despair. Has anyone heard the new Pepsi promo for free i-Tunes under the cap. Some Jewelesque parody type sings a faux folk protest song including the line "And why must poor soldiers...well, look so soldiery?" Yeah. That's so hilarious it brought tears to my eyes.

At any rate, all this news about the Kerry ascendency in the polls, while better than him stumbling out of the gate, has bouyed my spirits little only b/c even a complete and utter landslide would still find 4 out of 10 of my fellow citizens FINDING ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION! Sorry to scream, but it's how I feel.

Again, I ain't going anywhere, but the thought of so many fellow citizens OK with the deaths and the coups and the coup attempts and the pocket lining just saddens me so very deeply for my country that I can't put it into words except to say that it has the characteristics of grief rather than anger.

Stiff upper lip and all. I know. Sorry to bum out the lounge. But felt this should go here b/c it's about how I *feel*, not some keen political insight. Anyhow thanks for listening. Hopefully I'll be my old self when one of you guys feels the same way down the road.

Actually writing this has made me feel a bit better. Looking back it seems a tad "pity-party", and, a bit embarassed, I feel some semblance of resolve bubbling w/in me. So don't hesitate to reply w/ satire, insults, comedy, etc. That sense of irreverant humor is one reason I love DU. Another is that it allows people a safe haven--I know, I know--to vent their real feelings and concerns, just as I've done now.


Love,

darkstar

There are a few of us Democrats or Independents here, but we are greatly out-numbered!

As far as wanting out, I think many of us are feeling that same sense of hopelessness! This may be part of their plans! Make it seem like we can't make a difference...that there is no getting away from the machine!

I just remember what our Founding Fathers faced and how they acted and changed the world! We must pledge our support to the cause and each other!

This IS the place to post when you are feeling overwhelmed! I hope you get the support that you need! :grouphug:

you expressed it well. How can Americans be so ugly and viscious and selfish. Is money the only thing that matters, are we no longer a good people?

so many people will still vote for him because he is "a man of faith."
Those are the most ill-informed people in this country. Because he is not a man of faith. He plays on it too much. But he is playing to his audience.

Dem. Repuke. Green. Libertarian. About as muddled as it gets. No Bush signs or bumperstickers. The BFEE is in for BIG surprise come November! Hold your head up....

These are random comments of average students at Richwoods High School (not known far-left people, nor my friends)

"Bush sucks. He sucks."

"The war? Hell yeah, we get more land."

"It's all about colonizing more shit!"

"Bush is gay."

"Hell yeah, I'll get drafted if I can kill sand n*****s!"

"Who cares about them, they're dune coons."

"They bombed us, we bomb them!"

Upon trying to reason -- "Bullshit. You fucking America-hater."

Great. Is there any hope? :(

Half the people are below average.