And Justice For All

It is very difficult to reconcile Obama being elected to the presidency. I want him exposed for all his empty rhetoric, fraudulent tactics, race baiting, sexism and using homophobia to his advantage, but I don’t want to see my beloved country falling down around our ears just so I can say I told you so.

I’d like to believe Patrick Fitzgerald will come riding to the rescue with some indictment linking Obama to Rezko, or announce a racketeering indictment relating to all the caucus and voter fraud, but I don’t believe that will happen for a second. I’d like to think that, as nature abhors a vacuum, the media will turn their critical lens on Obama and start airing the truth. It is too little too late and I don’t know that I believe that either.

How do a reconcile the deep love I feel for my country and my upset with people already losing their homes and savings, yet wanting to see the new administration put us to rights again. Do I have faith that they can? Based on what I’ve seen from both Obama and the current Democratic leadership, I have no reason to.

I posted an article the other day condemning his election tactics as well as casting a jaundiced eye on those who allowed themselves to vote against their own interests in assisting his election. However, I said a few words at the conclusion about still being willing to open my heart and lend support, if only for my country’s sake, and I got some grief on the boards about it.

This is a tough one because I feel blackmailed into support by our current dire circumstances and by a media that deserves to be figuratively horsewhipped in the town square due to their irresponsible “journalism” and lack of honest coverage of all the candidates. It is also impossible to think the media would ever allow a huge scandal to break, given how much they were in bed with an Obama candidacy in the first place. Although, the dollar is king, so if it sells copy…

It is also a conflict to feel deeply moved by the historical aspect of Barack Obama’s election and I certainly understand the joy of the African American community, and all Americans that this barrier has been passed. I just wish that this honor and accomplishment was bestowed upon someone more qualified and less disingenuous.

David Axelrod, the DNC power elite and the media have thrown a lavish, yearlong dinner party for this man and stuck us with the bill. Is it possible for our country to succeed and get back on its feet in the near term if he fails? Or do we want that kind of failure, as only failure of enormous magnitude will shake the latte sippers and blackberry bloggers from their stupor enough to realize something’s gotta give here.

Pardon me, but I cannot wish ill. Too many hard working people are in need out there and are looking for answers and all they are hearing is hopey changey. As many wonderful NoQ readers have pointed out in recent days, if he keeps his empty rhetoric up, the electorate will awaken soon enough.

It is very safe to say I will not be drinking kool-aid anytime soon nor will I be sucked into the Obama collective. It is vital that citizens keep the pressure on our elected local, state and national representatives, the media and if necessary, their advertisers. Is it naïve to think that will make a difference? I refuse to be that pessimistic. If I allow that to creep over me, I won’t take action but curl up in a ball in the corner – and I will not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me do that.

I really don’t have adequate words to describe the rage I feel at the third presidential election in a row feeling stolen and/or decided by those not doing their homework.

Is it best to adopt a wait and see attitude? To see if it’s possible to keep him out of office by legal means in the first place? How many of us, after the primary was forcibly shut down felt that he would implode before the convention, yet the hope never materialized. How many thought ‘spread the wealth around’ would surely do him in? Nope.

If and after he is indeed inaugurated, do I just shut the TV off for the next four years – or keep making noise, hoping some of our representatives will add something to the debate that will help. I will forever blame myself for not protesting out in the street in December of 2000 but in our pre-9/11 mindset, most did not know just how bad our compliance would be.

The rage is perfectly understandable and perfectly justifiable. I am searching for the way to make it effective and not destructive – either to me or my fellow citizens working hard for their families or to those in the military and their families, sacrificing daily for our country.

Most infuriating is that Donna Brazile basically sent out a missive months ago saying “message to base – stay home.” And they got this guy elected anyway – in great part because a bunch of Republicans decided to stay home. I hope in retrospect they are likewise happy with their irresponsible decision. It is interesting to note that PUMAs did have an effect on the election as I believe 3 million voted for Senator McCain. What was not taken into account, and was certainly beyond PUMA control, is that 6 million Republicans chose to sit on their hands.

The DNC may have behaved as though we didn’t exist but we do. Our voices matter and they will not be silenced. Through all of that I can still wish my country Godspeed, even though I am furious at the blind part of the electorate that has perpetrated what I feel is a disaster on all of us by electing this unqualified man to office.

Speaking only for myself, I have lots to sort out and am still reeling from the shock that at one of the most difficult and troubling times in our nations’ history, America has chosen American Idol over competence, patriotism, knowledge and experience. Regardless of party.

How do we want to participate in an administration, either critically or constructively, that has acted as though millions of us are completely invisible and our thoughts and contributions nonexistent? At this moment the answer is admittedly well above my pay grade.

Your thoughts on this would be deeply appreciated.