My Fellow Americans

Published by Laya under Off the Top, Sharing is Caring on October 21, 2008

I am sick and tired of this election. Yeah, I said it, and I know I’m not alone.

I’m tired of analysis, of speculation, of fear mongering and personal attacks.  I wish cable news had something else to talk about (not that I watched much of that in the first place).  I’m tired of people talking about it at work.  I’m tired of talking about it with my friends and family, and I’m tired of not being able to help myself.  I’m tired of campaign ads on TV.  I’m tired of signs in people’s yards, signs in their windows, stickers on everything and buttons, buttons, buttons!  I know who I’m voting for, dammit!  So let me do that and leave me alone!

I think there is something seriously wrong with the way elections happen in this country.  If 2000 broke any illusions I had that things were fair, 2008 has ground those illusions into dust.  The level of racism and intolerance that has come from people on both sides of our “political system” sickens me, but hey - I’m black, female, and living in America so I can’t really say I’m surprised.

Despite all of my bitterness, at my core I am still American, and I still believe there are others like me on both sides who are fair, tolerant, and want what we feel is best for this country.  There was no better way to bolster my faith in my country than for me to see this video on Attackerman (via Jezebel):

It doesn’t matter than we support opposite candidates.  What matters is that we believe in some of the same values.  I’m glad that beyond all of the horrible things I’ve seen and heard throughout this campaign, there are people who are willing to stand up to others on their “side” who don’t embody the values that all of us, as Americans, are supposed to have.

And you know what?  I’ve really greatful for the Internet, honestly.  Without it this would be a completely different election, and though it has exposed a lot of our ugliness, it shows our beauty and humanity as well.  It has allowed those of us with common values to connect, and discuss, and hopefully it will help us work together.  Because no matter who gets elected on November 4th, we are all in this, together.

[Why yes, yes I am a total sap. And proud of it! :P]