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

[darkstar]

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

[darkstar]

1. My sincere apologies, DU!

I already hit alert on myself.

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

[sandnsea]

3. Now that really is sad

Pour your heart out and then have to hit alert on yourself too. Damn. Bad day you're having, ain't it sweetie. :donut: Have a treat, you'll feel better.

[fishnfla]

2. Aw man, this aint the lounge

maybe a nice mod will move it on over. :)

[For PaisAn]

4. Look on the bright side...

"When 4 out of 10 of your neighbors vote for Bush...." that means 6 out of 10 don't. Unfortunately there will always be people who can't see the truth or don't care about anything outside of their own little world. That doesn't depress me when compared to what I feel for those who do see and do care and are victims of this administration and victims of that apathy/ignorance.