The election is in a week. It seems like such a big deal right now. So much has been said about its importance. I have on several occasions heard it referred to in language like, “THE MOST IMPORTANT ELECTION IN DECADES”, and talk of how it will, “DETERMINE THE COURSE OF THE WORLD FOREVER”. So, I ask: Will it? In eight months will it seem like such a big thing? Two years? Maybe.
     I mean I'm still pissed about the last election. As you may remember, we democrats got robbed. I remember how I felt on that overcast and stormy inauguration day when Bush emerged from his limo, put his hand on the bible, and pledged to serve the country and its ideals. I was sick. It felt like a coup. It was bullshit, and everybody knew it.
     But I looked at Al Gore and thought about how strong he was having to be. How much strength of character and integrity it would take for you to stand by and witness the man who lost to you take your presidential oath? How painfull must it have been for him to see Bush do what he was supposed to be doing? Could you do it? I don't think I could.
But he stood there, and took it like a man.
     I thought about how THOSE were the qualities that I wanted in a president. That’s how strong I wanted the leader of MY nation to be. He showed, by his cool headed and inspiring performance that day, what building and maintaining unity was all about. He stood and did his duty, and followed the word of the court for the good of his country, at the cost of his own political life. For America. He didn't have to. He could have stayed home and cried into his pillow and thrown a temper tantrum, but he didn't.
     That’s tough. And I'm still pissed. If you think W will handle defeat with as much decorum and grace, I beg to differ. Im so pissed that November 2nd I am going out to vote for the first time in my life, and I'll be doing it for John Kerry. And Al Gore.
     So yea, these things matter. To me at least.