Post-Election Thoughts

First off, I'm shocked that Prop 8 passed-- although I'm not heartbroken because it was by a slim margin. I thought if any state had a more enlightened populace, it would be California's. Interestingly, the minorities that Obama's people pushed to "get out the vote" for him were the ones that helped Prop 8 pass.

It's times like this that make me wish I had pursued a sociology degree because I find it very interesting that white voters were split on the issue, but African Americans and Latinos were in favor of it. On first thought, you'd have to think those two minorities would be more sympathetic to those being prejudiced against. On the other, much more cynical, hand, I wonder if a small part was the fact that they may have wanted same-sex couples to be discriminated against to take some of the heat off them.

But the big excuse is probably stereotypical: Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and we all know how intolerant the high-level muckety-mucks in that organization are. As for African Americans; well, there have been some people who have proposed that they are more homophobic than other people. I know it's not true of all people, but there are enough that it's become a bit of a stereotype.

The good news is: we as a people are heading in the right direction. California had a similar proposition in 2000, and the vote passed with over 60% in favor.

And there's always the possibility that the courts will step in and declare a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional again. I'm all for democracy, but if we learned anything in the 2000 & 2004 Presidential Elections, the people are not always right.

On to the other vote I was following: the Minnesota Senatoral race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Yes, that Al Franken; the guy from Saturday Night Live. I've read all of Franken's books, and they have increasingly become more political. I give him props for putting his money where his mouth is and running against a tough opponent. Sure, Franken's running in honor of Paul Wellstone-- and against Norm Coleman, who has become his nemesis the past few years-- but I also think he can bring some new ideas to the Senate.

Unfortunately, he's trailing. From somewhere between 500 and 1000 votes, depending on how many more votes have been counted that hour. Both candidates have 1.2 million votes and change. We are talking a difference of one-half of one-half percent. The closest major election in Minnesota history. Absolutely insane. A recount is in the works, and I've read that most players don't think this will end without the courts getting involved somehow.

One little tidbit more about the race: A big shout out to St. Louis County, who voted in favor of Franken more than any other county in the state (according to the stats compiled by the Star Tribune ). Being born and raised in that area, it makes my heart warm to see "my people" vote as I would have if I didn't live in Wisconsin now.


And finally, did you ever imagine that a person of color would be president five years ago? It's mind boggling. Part of it was because I knew there is still just too much prejudice out there and part of it was there's never really been a candidate of color that could talk without rhyming, which when used too much, is about as credible as a candidate rapping.

But the thing is, I think Obama was the best choice for someone who could lead the people and the country out of the mess that President Shitforbrains has gotten us into in his too-long tenure. You may not like Obama's politics, but I think he's qualified to inspire us as well as mend some fences our Nimrod-in-Chief has demolished in his eight years.

As for our current president: don't count him out yet. He's still got a solid two months where he can [f-bomb] up something bigtime. I think the odds he'll blow another opportunity is about even because I imagine his people will do everything they can to keep him away from dangerous things like Iran, South Korea, the economy, butter knives...

And the absolute best thing about the vote: we don't have to hear about a damn race anymore. Is it me, or is two freaking years a bit too long to run for a job you'll hold for only four years (maybe eight, but you've got to sell yourself again for a second term)?