We gave it our best shot.  So many of us voted for Kerry in the hope that we could get Bush out of office.  It didn't work, I'm afraid, and it shouldn't surprise anyone.

Madison was this nation's first wartime president to seek re-election.  Bush was the sixth.  No previous American president who sought another term during a time of war was ever defeated.

History isn't lost on me and I realize the odds were in Bush's favor because Americans wrongly believe that our ability to execute military action successfully must hinge on consistency at the top.  It's the premise that you don't change horses in midstream.  That's not true, but truth be damned when the herd mentality sets in for Americans.

I do not want Bush in office for another four years.  With the election results as they are, however, the decision is made and is clearly inarguable.  I just hope that this administration's tendency toward police-state tactics and arbitrary trampling of the Constitution will stop and that we can reverse the downward spiral of our international relations.

brushed aside
then left alone
wondering what
went wrong
not sure what
has happened
but knowing
about the past
confused
alone

[circa 1986]

Election Day is upon us.  I voted early this year so I wouldn't have to deal with the crowds today.  If you haven't already voted, you need to do so.  Although I'd prefer that everyone vote for Kerry (for the reasons I've already pointed out), my overriding desire is that people simply vote.  Not participating in the democratic process means your voice is not heard.  It also means that you should shut up for the next four years since you'll have no right to complain if you didn't participate in the process.

Sorry, but I have no patience for armchair quarterbacks who don't bother to participate in the game yet feel it's their right to bitch and moan about who wins and what happens next.  If you're going to sit on the sidelines, keep your opinions there with you.

So get out and vote!