election
Keith Olbermann on Prop 8
I admit, I didn’t pay much attention to the issue of Prop 8 in California. I never seriously thought it would pass. I can’t remember a single time in history that a constitutional amendment was passed to take away rights that had already been granted. The very idea leaves a sour taste. It is hurtful and disgusting. I still find it doubtful that it will live long – court battles and ultimately future elections will likely rid California of this dark shadow. But that is beside the point, I was watching Countdown last night. Keith can tend to be a little overly dramatic (more of a drama queen than most guys I know), but last night’s special comment was poignant and moving. He talked about Prop 8 and it will definitely go down as one of his most memorable comments both for its sincerity and the power with which it was conveyed.
Finally Wayne County Results
Six and a half hours after polls close – finally results from Wayne County (Richmond Indiana)
For Wayne County
29,085 total votes
14,558 for McCain
13,459 to Obama
I wonder if the networks will finally call Indiana?
Wayne County Indiana ‘Glitches’
Imagine it, 6PM Eastern. Indiana polling places close. Those in line work their way through. Votes are counted. Television and Internet reports of Indiana are made. The map fills in and it is too close to call. Look at the county map and see the lone Indiana county not reporting. Could it be Wayne county – the county I now live in. Is it that we simply forgot to vote? No, not quite. There are apparently ‘glitches’ that are affecting their ability to tabulate the votes. Even the local paper can’t find out the real reason. I sit watching their web chat with other frustrated residents trying to find answers. For me it is more curiosity, are we the ‘hanging chad’ of the 2008 election?
They said in chat that they sent someone to the voting center (since they can’t get an answer by phone). Hopefully we will know soon.
Moments
I sit here reflecting on McCain’s consession speech and the events of this evening. As the commentators and pundits have said, this is a truly historic night on many levels. Our first African-American president – our first bi-racial president – deep red states turning blue. Have we finally been able to move past race as an issue? Only a few months ago, it seemed difficult to believe this day would come. Many Republicans thought they had this election in the bag – because of race.
Instead Americans, black, white, and every shade in between came together to say we have had enough and deserve – no need change. We looked beyond color and saw the future. I truly hope the promise becomes reality. This country is hurting – not just our economy, but our souls. We are so divided, so deeply deeply divided. Hate, fear, envy, greed – this is what we have become. As a country we have needed healing for a long time, someone who can bring us together not further divide us. Will Obama be the one? The hopes, dreams, and aspirations of millions go with him and we pray for healing, for hope, for the future. MLK’s dream is still alive – a country where all are seem for our ability and promise is that much closer. Already this one act has begun to restore our reputation in the world, not only do we celebrate, but the world is celebrating this historic event with us.
As I often do, I got side-tracked. This started to be about defining moments. Tonight, we have witnessed one such moment. For me, I already now, this moment is burned into my memory as much as the tragedy of 9/11, the recent crash of the world markets. These are defining moments, while it hasn’t been an easy decade, it has definitely been one of the most memorible and historic. And we still have two more years to go, what can we expect, what will we see. Will we have a government that truly cares for and represents all people, will we finally fix health care, or will it just be four more years of the same. I don’t think it will, I see change on the horizon and realize how blessed we are to be here to see this day.
I am an election result addict
How did we ever vote before the internet?
McConnell a Closet Case – don’t make me laugh
This is somewhat old news, but it has been interesting to read what people have to say about it. – the AFSCME radio ad that is.
Conservatives call it slanderous and outrageous, moderates consider it distasteful, liberals ask ‘well what is he hiding’ . In truth, I heard the AFSCME radio ad the last time I was down in Kentucky. It never once crossed my mind that they were trying to imply that McConnell was gay. I took the ad as being targetted to softening his support among veterans. When I first heard the comments about the ad, it reminded me of the old Shakespeare line ‘The lady doth protest too much, methinks.’ – in other words conservatives seem so obsessed with sexual orientation it makes me wonder what they have to hide. (Total side topic, stay straight – we don’t want you on our team).
When I saw the village people ad, I finally got what they were trying to say. First off, it was stupid. It didn’t work when Republicans tried it in the last governor’s election, so why would you think it would work for you against them. Come on now people, I won’t pretend that Kentucky is the most cultured state in the union, but nobody is that blind.
As much as I hate to admit it, I have met/talked with McConnell many times in my life (daddy is a diehard Republican). Not once did I ever think McConnell was a closet case. My gaydar can be faulty, but it isn’t that bad. If it is, I need to turn in my gay card and become an ‘ex-gay’ – the very thought of which makes me cringe.
Ultimately, who cares why McConnell left the military it was a LONG time ago. So what if he blew a few guys – hasn’t everyone. 
I care more about his record in the Senate. It says a lot that McConnell used to tout how close he was to Bush and how he was proud to support him; then now he goes around touting how his position lets him bring lots of pork ($$$) back to the state. First, I never saw the fruits of his labor (nor did most Kentuckians). Second, if either are things you are proud of you should be absolutely ashamed. Pork and Bush as your proudest points – you don’t deserve to return to Washington. It is time for change, the sad part is it won’t happen. The recent polls have said it will be close, but the people in the street could have told you that a couple months ago. In the end, he will probably still go back – it will be yet another sad point in Kentucky history.
Oh Canada
I had a reminder of last election this morning. People swearing up and down that if Bush was reelected for a second term they were going to move to Canada. Hopefully we do not see another Republican upset this time, but it has already started. I came in today to a student listening to Oh Canada. His response, he needed to practice in case he had to move (i.e. McCain wins).
Kentucky Senate Race
While I may no longer live in Kentucky, it is still home. I find myself obsessed with the Senate election this year. I was born and raised a Democrat and cringe at the thought of voting for a Republican. To put it in perspective, for years I simply would skip the box for Senate race as opposed to voting for McConnell. Personally, I have never been fond of that man and would have loved to see a good Democrat run against him, but it never seemed to happy (the life of the incumbent). This year though, I wonder what I would have done. As I said, I don’t like McConnell, the last 8 years have definitely cemented that fact. The problem is that I am not particularly fond of Lunsford either. In truth it is one of those items that for me comes down to the devil you know vs the devil you don’t. In this case though, the devil you don’t is definitely the strongest choice for me. I will be watching election night hoping for a McConnell fall. It looks like it will be close, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed.
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