Here's What's Happening: America feels Jilted
Last edited Sat Oct 13, 2012, 03:03 PM - Edit history (1)
Since this seems to raise some hairs, let me be plain: this is not in ANY way a negative or concern post. How it could be construed as such is beyond me but the gist is this: Americans (as in America the country, not DU) who are for Obama just want him to do on Tuesday, the debate that's coming, what they felt he didn't do in the FIRST debate. He does that and all will be forgiven. Romney is just a flirtation.
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We can get overly caught up in polls, calculations, anecdotes, data, pundits, and finger pointing. But let's remember, human beings are not that complex. When it boils down to it it's easy to have our emotional buttons pushed - and we have a nasty habit of using logic and reason as a cover for decisions and actions based purely on how we feel.
So let me tell you how Americans feels right now. Americans feels jilted.
Presidential elections are ultimately beauty contests, popularity contests. The analogy kind of depends on the personalities involved. This time around is a little unique. I think it's safe to say that this year it can be summed up in one word: a relationship.
You know how you've kind of been seeing someone for a while? You took a chance, they seemed almost too good to be true even, you got a tingle in your tummy (or down the leg for some I guess). You were in a bad relationship before and were kind of at a low point, feeling pretty vulnerable. But here came this right person at the right time. So you went for it. And you know what? It's been pretty great. Not perfect, because no relationship perfect. There have been some tough times. Really tough. But that person has been there for you for the most part and most importantly you know deep down they care.
So
It's the big anniversary since you met (ironic I know) and there's a special night planned. Even though you've been seeing each other steadily there hasn't been any, you know, real TALK about committment. You guys haven't had THE TALK and that's been okay for the most part because really that last relationship was pretty bad and you seemed close to having that talk back then. But there's just something about this person, you feel really good about where you guys are. So tonight is the big night, you're really hoping that they'll open up to you about where things stand. Big night, you guys are at your favorite table. Butterflies in your stomach.
But there's a problem. They're not really paying attention. I mean they are, but not you know, they just don't seem to be in the same *place* as you. You are looking into their eyes and waiting for the words. You know they care. You're positive. You just want to hear the words. It would mean so much.
But it's not happening. They seem kind of distracted. Is something wrong? Are they sick? Tough day at work? But they don't really say. They are not opening up. Not really connecting. So what's the problem? This is supposed to be the BIG NIGHT, you say to yourself. This is what you've been waiting for. Things have been going great. Is it you? Did you not do something? But they don't say. Just having hohum conversation.
Expensive dinner
Everyone's watching
You've been waiting
Oh, you're pissed. Real pissed. This is NOT going the way you wanted. They are not even saying anything. Not being totally genuine. Something's off. That's okay, you try to tell yourself, but deep down you're pissed. They were supposed to seal the deal. Not too much to ask. You've been together a while now. Not perfect, but, a happiness you've never felt before. Just say the words. You both know you feel the same way. Why can't they just say the words. About where the two of you really stand.
You're really pissed. If they couldn't bother to commit and make the relationship clear on this night of all nights then maybe you made a mistake, maybe this was all one big mistake. But you know deep that's not true. Doesn't matter though. Dinner's over, band stopped playing. You say you need to go.
You head for a bar. Just need to stew for a bit. So who happens to come up to you. The ex. The terrible person who left you with nothing and almost ruined your life. The kind of person that brings drama wherever they go, and always runs with a bad crowd. Well hell at least you had some fun times together. You did some crazy things. Some CRAZY things. You're not even sure you remember half the stuff you were so...well, it was a bad crowd. But at least you knew where you stood. So the ex says hey how's it goin? They know. You reek of dejection and frustration. Chum in the water. So what if you have small talk, dammit. So you talk away - oh wow you forgot how good they were at talking. They could go on all night. But hey, these are the words you wanted hear at the dinner so screw it. You're not stupid enough to make a move and really you don't want to, so you make vague promises of 'catching up'.
Now guess who calls. They don't even seem to know there's a problem. You mention offhandedly who you ran into. Silence. Okay, things are coming into focus now. You say it's late and maybe you'll talk tomorrow but you know, you're kind of busy. Let's see if that sinks in. Not so distracted now.
Thing is you really do care for each other. But you are pissed. That was the big night, the big opportunity and after all you've been through you wanted things to go perfect, you wanted to hear the words, you wanted that person to seal the deal. You know there's this great future you can have together and sure maybe you got a little caught up into thinking the night would be more magical than it was. But still. You just wanted to hear the words. Is that too much to ask?
This is where America is right now.
Come Tuesday, Obama's job is to bring a shitload of flowers and biggest chocolate heart he can find.
Time to seal the deal. Time to say the words you want to hear. You need to hear.
= new reply since forum marked as read
swinging that Irish around here 
you could hurt someone
