This morning, I'm somewhere south of angry

[itsallovernow]

ETA: Because this really isn't an us v. them post, and it is not intended to suggest that people who voted differently from me do not have moral values. I know they do, and that they follow them accordingly, and often, they aren't that different than my own, varying in direction and degree in ways I respect if not agree with. Only that the smug announcement of Bush winning because of the category "moral values" makes me angry, makes me defensive.

I'm not cutting this. I don't call anyone names. I wish I could give this a soundtrack though. You know it'd be Bob, and probably, it'd be Masters of War. It's a dammed good pissy song.

It is disheartening to wake up to see change rejected by the majority of voters. I wish I could say I was surprised, but I think the majority bought the spin, bought what they knew as opposed to what they feared. Fear's always going to be stronger, and the arguements about sustaining a leader, a united front, well, they make a weird amount of sense, even though all I can see is the glitter and the spin. That, this morning, is not my problem. This is:

I listen to the radio, hear the propoganda "moral values" spouted, with a sort of sickly sweet pride, and it makes me ill.

My moral values? They involve tolerance, acceptance, social responsability for each other, marrying who you love, fucking who you want, being responsible for your own body, supporting national health care, education, taxation because yes, taxation is a moral value and I support it dammit!, and an end to a misguided and costly war.

Am I bitter that my candidate lost? Yes. Do I know Republicans, Independents, and possibly a few Democrats who voted for him? Yes to that as well. I understand the conviction that drove the vote. I think.

I understand, and respect for the most part, the conservative values. And while I may not agree with them, I'm old enough to not denigrate them. Scott Simon talked to two women bowling in Wisconsin who'd been friends for years, who cancelled out each others votes, and who'd stayed friends because of love and respect. It can be done, and I hope that we continue to work towards that point.


But moral values? All of you out there sporting the blanket statement of "Moral Values" as your reason for voting this man into office for a second term, you can bite my shiny metal ass.

What, exactly, is immoral, amoral about John Kerry? Or Democrats in general?

I think we misjudged things on a frightening scale, and I agree with sabine101 that in many ways, the loss of Tom Daschle is more crucial than the election of the Man Who Would Be King (sorry, the snottiness will stop now). I believe that Congress must be balanced to be effective, and the legislation passed there is the legislation that effects all of us. This is the place where we all - conservative or liberal - must focus our efforts on making sure our representative make good, representative decisions!

I'm disappointed in the states that banned gay marriage and civil unions. I'm gloriously pleased with Illinois, and I want to stick my tongue out at Mel Gibson and say nyah nyah because Stem Cell research will be pursued in California, and it makes me love my home of fruits and nuts, and shake my head at The Terminator, who says it Caleeeforneea. Snort.

But, dude, record turnouts and I'm proud of that, even if their voices didn't swing my way because people involved will hopefully lead to people informed, people caring about the things beyond their fear and their front porches.

And the Democrats? I'll only say it once. Liberal is not a dirty word!! It's something to fight for and be proud of and if you don't figure that out soon, you're going to alienate your supporters. Education is not something to hide, intellect is not something to play down, and taxation - god, save me - taxation is not the root of all evil, so get your frelling acts together and make a stand!!

Oh, and rubberneck, I'm writing you porn from the Ghost Story. I need a little exorcism, dammit.