Some Final Pre-Election Thoughts

The Encouragement of "White Anger" and the Hunky-Dory Black Man

There’s lots of "angry white men" out there these days. Joe the Plumber is the archetypical angry, white, working-class man, but he's not the only one. "Mad Mike" is the name of a video put out by a group called "Let Freedom Ring," in it Mike discusses how he won't take the risk of expanding his business if Obama wins, and proceeds to go on a tirade with rock guitar underlining it saying, "People like Obama have no idea what it's like to run a small business! They say they know, but they don't!"

I find it strange that this working-class white anger is not only forgiven but is more or less encouraged and expected while Obama has to act like the least disaffected black man in the country.

The fact is, even if Obama wins, this country has a long way to go before it acquires a mature view of both race and class in this country. Because Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh have talked to people like Joe while he drives to work, he's become convinced that up is down, that he will be a millionaire someday, that the real enemy isn't unchecked corporate rule but liberals and that America has a God-given right to intervene in other countries affairs. But when you're finished chanting "U-S-A" and you've made sure the queers can't marry, and everyone's gone home, what have you gained?

The Black Community (and Young Generation) Wonders: What if Obama Loses?

There was an article in Newsweek recently all about how the black community has gotten involved with this election. They can hardly believe that a black man might actually become president, and then the article asks, "what if he loses?" What will that community feel? Will it be concluded that, "it just can't happen in this country?"

I suppose the question ought to be asked, did the Democrats step out a little too far, should they have gone with a(nother) boring white guy? Would victory have been assured or did they have to take this chance? With the Gore loss, the Kerry loss and Republicans getting away with anything they wanted for so long the Democratic Party in my mind began to have an air of "bland malaise." Obama shook that up and has thrown a curve ball to the Republicans in many ways. Perhaps it was, necessary that is.

More than just the black community, there's another question that might be an even bigger deal: How will all those young people feel who have gotten involved and put in so much hope and energy? Literally an entire generation has been inspired. Anyone who knows anything about politics knows that having young people involved is important because of the energy, new ideas and lack of cynicism they bring to the table. Even if all of their ideas can't be put into action, they provide a momentum you don't get anywhere else.

If Obama loses will we have a young generation turned cynical too soon? Or will they have made a long-lasting connection with the political process?

Electronic Voting: Is The Fix In?

This is a story that was a big deal after 2000, but finding anyone in the media to speak on it today is literally impossible. If there was any sense of urgency about our democracy, this story would be covered, not ACORN. The corporation that makes many of these machines, Diebold, is a big Republican contributor, their CEO said that he would "deliver Ohio to Bush in 2004," and there are tons of other conflicts of interest that are easily discovered if one takes the time.

Is a paper-trail so fucking difficult? The fact is I do not trust these machines, every time there's an error it just happens to go in the Republican's favor. I don't understand why this issue is not talked about anymore.

If Nothing Else, It Will Be Over Soon

Even I will be glad to see this election over, it has gone on too long and is taking my focus from other things I want to be doing (like watching film noir at 1am). Personally I am prepared for an Obama loss, I think there's a 50/50 chance he will win or lose.

Surprises could happen, I am half expecting an Osama Bin Laden tape to surface, but I think the "narrative" of this race has been set and is just being played out now.

See everyone on the other side, whatever happens its interesting times...that’s the one certainty we have.