Observation of the 2004 Election

In the most recent issue of Newsweek, a letter to the editor from a woman in Bethlehem, PA, states the following:

"This is not the first time our nation has been bitterly divided by color. In 1864 the colors were blue and gray. Then there were some fine people in the gray states, but their side, and their cause, were wrong. I believe history will prove in the not-too-distant future what Kerry supporters and world opinion already know- that in 2004, as in 1864, the Blue States had it right."

Those long-ago Gray States are now Red States, along with a few such as Indiana and Iowa. I agree. When people say that "Northeastern Liberals" or even all liberals are out of touch with the mainstream of this country, they should remember that those who do not remember history are indeed condemned to repeat it. A cliche, yes, but very true.

Time to Give Thanks

Let’s give our thanks. Despite all its problems, we still live in the greatest country in the world. We elect our leaders without bloodshed or military intervention, we can criticize the government without fear of retribution, and we are free. That is more than many people in the world have been able to say, both currently and historically. We are lucky.

This country will withstand an assault by the right-wingers who threaten it, by the religious people who seek to shape it, and the hawks who mislead it. For at least two years and possibly four, the Republicans will control the Executive Branch and Congress. With their multitude of influential backers, they could seek to outlaw abortion, weaken the environment, and send us back to the Eisenhower era socially. They are well on the way to bankrupting this country, cutting taxes while increasing spending. They have already raised the debt ceiling to allow even more spending even as they talk of cutting more taxes and placing even more burden on future middle-class taxpayers.

There is much wrong with this country, and it is easy to get fed up and frustrated. If you see something wrong with this country or its government, then speak up. It is our right to do so, and for that I am thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!

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"As democracy is perfected, the office of president represents, more and more closely, the inner soul of the people. On some great and glorious day the plain folks of the land will reach their heart's desire at last and the White House will be adorned by a downright moron."
---H.L. Mencken (1880-1956)