Thoughts The Day After

- I think it's safe to assume that America hates the Republican Party right now.

- And now, after 8 years of horrible, disastrous neo-conservative policies, we will see how far the rubber band springs back the other way, toward socialism, demilitarization, and continued government expansion and terrible foreign policy.


- Are race relations suddenly fixed? In the long run, this is undoubtedly a giant step in the right direction. And I dearly hope this signals the beginning of a much more peaceful, cooperative period in American life. I just hope white people stop patting themselves on the back long enough to actually make sure it happens.


- I, in the end, did not vote yesterday. I could have voted here in New Hampshire, but ultimately decided against it, since I could not, in good conscience, vote for either Presidential candidate who had a real shot at winning. As for other races, including NH's US Senator and Governor, I unfortunately was severely underinformed, and could not vote in good conscience based merely on an "R" or "D" next to the candidates names.


I cast an "anti-Candidate X" vote in 2004, and have regretted it every day since. I did not want to repeat that.


- How long before we hear from Sarah Palin again? Much like Hilary, she seemed a polarizing, divisive character. But her followers were passionate. It's hard to see her finishing out her gubernatorial term and then fading into obscurity without another foray into the national political field.


- Why are people overseas so fascinated -- and so emotional -- about American Presidential elections? I have seen in this election, and others, that people around the world and especially in Europe, Asia and the Middle East have their own passionate ideas about who should be American President. And almost all of them are always left-leaning.

1. This illustrates that America remains the single most powerful, important, influential nation on the planet.

2. Knock it off with all the loud chattering about who should be the President. You're not American, so you don't get to tell anyone in America who should be their President. It's called national sovereignty. Just because you gave yours up to join the EU doesn't mean America has to sacrifice any of theirs.

- In case anyone thinks I'm all cynicism and smarminess, I am pleased with the way that most people have graciously accepted the decision of the American people. There are few other countries which could face, accept and abide a thorough regime change without any significant or even minor civil disruption. Perhaps there is something to this democracy thing after all.

- The election of 1800 between the main competitors of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams was -- if possible -- even more emotional, nasty, and virulent than this one. Don't pretend that either candidate in 2008 invented dirty campaigning. If that is what swayed your vote, shame on you.