Arguments about voter disenfranchisement aside, there's really little doubt that Bush won this election. I hope, unrealistically, that people in high places in both parties gain some fucking common sense before the next election. That means Democrats need to get their shit together and Republicans need to get off the goddamn war drum, start spending within our means, and quit pandering to the religious right. I don't fear a predominantly Republican government, but I do fear a predominantly socially conservative one. This recurrent trend towards suppressing and oppressing the minorty is scary, and disturbing considering that it is being carried out by politicians who should know better. Of course this is nothing new, but I sometimes wish we could take two steps forward without taking a step and a half back anyway.
But, really, what I find most depressing about this election is the realization of how easily people (of all parties) can be manipulated. The truth is most voting Americans are ignorant of the issues and depend on what they are told to vote for, rather than making their own decisions based on research. As long as the majority of American voters remain uninformed, the winners will be the people who can manipulate the most blind followers. My hope is that one day people will care enough to seek the truth, and that those that do won't be greeted by lies. Of course this will only happen when everyone's shit starts getting wrecked, because otherwise they'll continue to be perfectly content in their ignorant bliss. But maybe even that is too hopeful. Even though 9/11 made some people raise questions about the way our government is run, it resulted in even more wrapping themselves up in blind patriotisim. If there is a hope for the future, it is in education; I just hope that there is money left for it after another term of the Bush presidency.
Edit: I apologize for my disjointed prose and grammar; I just needed to purge that from my system. It's late here on the West Coast, and I need sleep.
But, really, what I find most depressing about this election is the realization of how easily people (of all parties) can be manipulated. The truth is most voting Americans are ignorant of the issues and depend on what they are told to vote for, rather than making their own decisions based on research. As long as the majority of American voters remain uninformed, the winners will be the people who can manipulate the most blind followers. My hope is that one day people will care enough to seek the truth, and that those that do won't be greeted by lies. Of course this will only happen when everyone's shit starts getting wrecked, because otherwise they'll continue to be perfectly content in their ignorant bliss. But maybe even that is too hopeful. Even though 9/11 made some people raise questions about the way our government is run, it resulted in even more wrapping themselves up in blind patriotisim. If there is a hope for the future, it is in education; I just hope that there is money left for it after another term of the Bush presidency.
Edit: I apologize for my disjointed prose and grammar; I just needed to purge that from my system. It's late here on the West Coast, and I need sleep.
