REAL WORLD EVENT DISCUSSIONS

A post-election challenge

POSTED BY: INEVITABLEBETRAYAL
UPDATED: Thursday, November 4, 2004 17:00
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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 11:28 AM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL


Being that I'm one of the few Republicans inhabiting this board, I sat down at my keyboard looking forward to writing some snarky comments about the events that unfolded yesterday and today. And then it hit me--that would just be incredibly mean-spirited! I can't tell you how many times I've left the boards smarting over a comment about how stupid "my kind" is. I can't even begin to describe what happens to my blood pressure when I read one of Succotash's posts. And although my intent was to post just that sort of rhetoric, I realize that I can't in good conscience do something that hurt me.

See, I now know how Democrats felt during the Clinton years--to have your president hated with such violence. And what I've figured out is that it's just pointless. I wasted years hating Clinton with a passionate intensity that shocks me, now that I look back on it. I mean, give me a break--the guy wasn't the anti-Christ.

My only frustration with this process is that on these boards everyone semms to agree with everyone else's hatred for Bush. And since we all agree with each other, we can't be wrong. Then all of the sudden the election was rigged or stolen or unfair. No one supports Iraq. No one supports Bush. No one really voted for him. Everyone becomes Bella Abzug, who said, "Who is this Reagan guy? I don't know anyone who voted for him" after Reagan crushed Mondale in 1984.

George W. Bush has won the 2004 Presidential election, both in the popular and electoral vote. The question, though, is where to go from here. Am I going to be all snarky and gloat? No! That only deepens the divide between me and my fellow human beings! I should think that the nation has had just about enough division, and I lay the blame at the feet of the rabid supporters of both parties.

I just want to challenge everone on these boards to try to get across the gap that has come between "red voters" and "blue voters". I just can't take the thought of another four years of hate and discontent.

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 11:34 AM

ASTRIANA


I accept. Thank you so much for this.

~Astriana~
~Mostly-Invisible Long-Winded Goddess of Inter-Board Communication and Diplomacy a/k/a El Jefe Magnifico's Mistress... of Communications and Harems~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 11:55 AM

UNCHARTEDOUTLAW


Thank you. I agree with putting red and blue aside. Here we are all brown(coats) and we need to get through at least the next four years without turning this into the Earth-That-Was.

-Taylor

The Uncharted Outlaw!
"I brought you some supper, but if you'd prefer a lecture, I've a few very catchy ones prepped...sin and hellfire... one has lepers."
See my Firefly Store: http://www.cafepress.com/NorCalRiviera

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 2:49 PM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL


Quote:

Originally posted by UnchartedOutlaw:
Thank you. I agree with putting red and blue aside. Here we are all brown(coats) and we need to get through at least the next four years without turning this into the Earth-That-Was.



The line that keeps coming to me is, "...We could circle each other and growl, both sleep with one eye open but that thought wearies me."

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 3:02 PM

ZARK1976


Very well said Inevitablebetrayal.

"Could be he's harboring some resentment at us for putting his man through our engine."

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 3:07 PM

THEGREYJEDI


Hear hear. I didn't really want to vote for Bush's administration. But I wanted to vote for Kerry even less. Once again the lesser of two evils. I'd have voted for Clarke. I would have happily. And I'm all manner of Republican. Now we need to work with our Democrat, Libertarian, and Independent neighbors, all together to make sure the country runs as smooth as possible.

Our leaders have been chosen. You won't hear me bitch about policies, I voted for Bush. But the only people out there who have NO right to complain are the three people out there what didn't vote. Did you see the numbers?! Holy cow that was a lot of voters!

"This is supposed to be a happy occasion! Let's not bicker and quarrel about 'oo killed 'oo."

--------------------------------------------------
http://tomeofgrey.blogspot.com

http://www.jed-soft.com Gamer Rigs, Budget Prices

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 3:11 PM

ADELE



As a non-US member of the board, can I just add my fervent support to this sentiment?

While politics interests me overall, it's been a bit of a struggle the past few days to read anything that's non-political in content on this site.

Not that I have a problem with that - I think it's important that we all discuss our views, and I've learned a hell of a lot about the US electoral process etc. etc.

But it's over now. And yes, for those of you who voted for Kerry, the next few years are going to be a struggle. But hey, it's the same here in Aus for those people who didn't vote for John Howard.

Sooo..... with only limited time til the year's end and all the crap and pressure that's involved with getting organised for the silly season (and then only four months to the BDM) could we maybe think about other things (like Firefly inspired chrissy gifts to convert those stubborn members of family and friends who aren't yet on the bandwagon)?

A

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 5:14 PM

DIETCOKE


I really like everyone on these boards (except the troll.) I'm a moderate republican which no one seems to think exists, but we do.

I personally disliked all the political threads. Not because it's not important (it is) or that people do not have a right (thank God we do!) But I'm here because I thought I had something in common with people.

I guess I would like to keep this site focused on what we have in common...not our differences.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 5:39 PM

DARKJESTER


Thank you for your wise words, InevitableBetrayal. And at least this time there is absolutely no doubt that Bush won, with both the Electoral College and an clear majority of the popular vote. Can't say as I'm thrilled, being a Democrat and all, but thank God we didn't have a repeat of 2000.

MAL "You only gotta scare him."
JAYNE "Pain is scary..."

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 5:42 PM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL


Quote:

Originally posted by dietcoke:

I personally disliked all the political threads. Not because it's not important (it is) or that people do not have a right (thank God we do!) But I'm here because I thought I had something in common with people.

I guess I would like to keep this site focused on what we have in common...not our differences.



This one statement is the perfect summary of my initial post. Well said! I think that is what has irritated me all along: I came here to get along with people that share my love of Firefly, not to spar over politics.

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:15 PM

SGTGUMP


Quote:

Originally posted by TheGreyJedi:
Now we need to work with our Democrat, Libertarian, and Independent neighbors, all together to make sure the country runs as smooth as possible.




Wow, so you don't hate me? Awesome.

Isn't it great that we're all better people?

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:23 PM

MELEAUX




The line that keeps coming to me is, "...We could circle each other and growl, both sleep with one eye open but that thought wearies me."

Hey, InevitableBetayal,
What's this line from? Sounds familiar and I know I'll go "oh yea that's it". But save me a little head scratchin' please.

And in regards to this thread, I must say I am all for it, being a Republican, BUT if Kerry had won, I can't imagine reaching across party lines to embrace his ideology. So I won't expect too much from our Democratic friends in that regard. Least of all 'Tash.

She understands, she doesn't comprehend

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:27 PM

SGTGUMP


That's what the Doctor guy said just before his sister said that she could kill Jayne with her brain in 'Trash'. Sorry InevitableBetayal, I just had to answer that.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 7:39 PM

MELEAUX


Thanks Sgt.
I am usually really good at this game I can't believe that didn't jump right out at me 'cause my family quote ff all the time. By the way, in regards to you signature line "Jesus was a libertarian" How about this quote? " Well, the Pope may be French, but Jesus was English! You're on!"

She understands, she doesn't comprehend

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 8:12 PM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL


Quote:

Originally posted by meleaux:

In regards to this thread, I must say I am all for it, being a Republican, BUT if Kerry had won, I can't imagine reaching across party lines to embrace his ideology. So I won't expect too much from our Democratic friends in that regard. Least of all 'Tash.



I'm not looking to have my ideology embraced. I'm just looking not to have my intelligence insulted. I'm not stupid because I voted for Bush; I just have different views. I'm simply asking for everyone on this board to acknowledge everyone else's right to hold differing opinions without say hateful things like "damn you" to them that disagree. Last I checked, votes were for figuring who was for who. When did people starting using it to figure out who to hate? I'm just saying...

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004 10:16 PM

THEGREYJEDI


Quote:

Originally posted by sgtgump:
Quote:

Originally posted by TheGreyJedi:
Now we need to work with our Democrat, Libertarian, and Independent neighbors, all together to make sure the country runs as smooth as possible.




Wow, so you don't hate me? Awesome.

Isn't it great that we're all better people?



No-no. I still hate you. I can work with you, and your party, on a political level, because I'm that good. You have to work with those you don't like if you're holding an empire together. But them's the breaks.

--------------------------------------------------
http://tomeofgrey.blogspot.com

http://www.jed-soft.com Gamer Rigs, Budget Prices

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 3:54 AM

BROWNCOAT1

May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one.


Quote:

Originally posted by InevitableBetrayal:
Being that I'm one of the few Republicans inhabiting this board, I sat down at my keyboard looking forward to writing some snarky comments about the events that unfolded yesterday and today. And then it hit me--that would just be incredibly mean-spirited! I can't tell you how many times I've left the boards smarting over a comment about how stupid "my kind" is. I can't even begin to describe what happens to my blood pressure when I read one of Succotash's posts. And although my intent was to post just that sort of rhetoric, I realize that I can't in good conscience do something that hurt me.



Let me first say that I applaud your restraint at not posting some gloating thread about W's victory over Kerry. To have posted such would have further divided those here that belong to one camp or the other. This country has enough division and conflict without adding to it.

I try to avoid the political thread & the real world discussion, not because I do not have an interest or try to hide from what is really going on in the world, but because I do not want to see Browncoats ripping each other apart verbally over differences of opinion and beliefs. What makes us so interesting is our diversity and passion. I would not see us use those qualities to fuel arguements amongst ourselves.

I have my beliefs on politics, and a strong sense of right and wrong, but I keep them to myself. Nothing will start an arguement faster than a discussion on the topic of politics or religion.

Quote:

My only frustration with this process is that on these boards everyone agrees with everyone else's hatred for Bush. And since we all agree with each other, we can't be wrong. Then all of the sudden the election was rigged or stolen or unfair. No one supports Iraq. No one supports Bush. No one really voted for him. Everyone becomes Bella Abzug, who said, "Who is this Reagan guy? I don't know anyone who voted for him" after Reagan crushed Mondale in 1984.


I would not say that everyone hates Bush. There are many that do not agree w/ his choices or his stand on things, but there has never been a president that everyone agrees with all the time.

Quote:

George W. Bush has won the 2004 Presidential election, both in the popular and electoral vote. The question, though, is where to go from here. Am I going to be all snarky and gloat? No! That only deepens the divide between me and my fellow human beings! I should think that the nation has had just about enough division, and I lay the blame at the feet of the rabid supports of both parties.


Where do we go from here? That is a very good, and very important question, one that needs to be answered by both sides of the political spectrum.

I agree w/ what Kerry said that the country is divided. It needs to heal. We as a country need to come together and support one another and allow the rift between Democrats and Republicans to heal and work together for a stronger, prosperous America. We can't do that if we are constantly moving to counterbalance or block one another.

I do think that it is up to Bush to step up to the plate and show that the trust placed in him by the American public is not misplaced. He needs to lead! He needs to address the concerns of the people of this country. All the people, not just special interest groups, or big business, or Republicans. He needs to remember that first and foremost he is President of the United States, not just one party or the other.

Quote:

I just want to challenge everone on these boards to try to get across the gap that has come between "red voters" and "blue voters". I just can't take the thought of another four years of hate and discontent.


I agree with this sentiment InevitableBetrayal. I know that Browncoats are up to the task, I just hope the rest of the country is as well.

__________________________________________

"May have been the losing side. Still not convinced it was the wrong one."

Richmond, VA & surrounding area Firefly Meet Up:
http://firefly.meetup.com/9/boards/


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Thursday, November 4, 2004 4:57 AM

ARAWAEN


Quote:

Originally posted by BrownCoat1:
I agree w/ what Kerry said that the country is divided. It needs to heal. We as a country need to come together and support one another and allow the rift between Democrats and Republicans to heal and work together for a stronger, prosperous America. We can't do that if we are constantly moving to counterbalance or block one another.



Both candidates have expressed this sentiment of reconciliation, which I agree with. I just find it ironic coming from those individuals and groups that have been deepening the divide by demonizing the opposition for over a year.

I have never found fanaticism particularly attractive and the tendency to find no fault with one's own group and only faults with one's opposition is what has most galled me about the debate on the boards. Sometimes it is just emotions running hot and we all succumb to passion from time to time, at least I know I have.

There are issues I side with the Liberals and issues I side with the Conservatives and issues I disagree with both of them. I didn't like Bush, I didn't vote for him, but I can hardly see him doing anything to stay on after four years.





Knowledge is sorrow; they who know the most
Must mourn the deepest o'er the fatal truth,
The Tree of Knowledge is not that of Life.
-- Byron

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 5:26 AM

LOSTINTHEVERSE


Thank you, InevitableBetrayal, for saying what I myself couldn't find the words for. Red/Blue/Independant, We're all Americans (except for the non-Americans on the board, but we like them too ).

~ Lost In The 'Verse

"About a year before we met, I spent 6 months on a moon where the primary form of recreation was juggling geese. My hand to god. Baby geese. Goslings. They were juggled!"

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 5:26 AM

LOSTINTHEVERSE


Thank you, InevitableBetrayal, for saying what I myself couldn't find the words for. Red/Blue/Independant, We're all Americans (except for the non-Americans on the board, but we like them too ).

~ Lost In The 'Verse

"About a year before we met, I spent 6 months on a moon where the primary form of recreation was juggling geese. My hand to god. Baby geese. Goslings. They were juggled!"

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 5:45 AM

ASTRIANA


Quote:

Originally posted by meleaux:
How about this quote? " Well, the Pope may be French, but Jesus was English! You're on!"

One of my favorites!

Roland (played by Mark Addy), Bar scene, betting on the outcome of the latest tournament - A Knight's Tale with Heath Ledger and ALAN TUDYK!! (Alan as a redhead... Yum... )

~Astriana~
~Mostly-Invisible Long-Winded Goddess of Inter-Board Communication and Diplomacy a/k/a El Jefe Magnifico's Mistress... of Communications and Harems~

...I'm still free,
You can't take the sky from me.

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 12:05 PM

LOSTINTHEVERSE


I think this one should stay on the front page. Therefore... ::Bump!::


Woo! My first bump! YAY!!!!

~ Lost In The 'Verse

"About a year before we met, I spent 6 months on a moon where the primary form of recreation was juggling geese. My hand to god. Baby geese. Goslings. They were juggled!"

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 12:05 PM

LOSTINTHEVERSE


I think this one should stay on the front page. Therefore... ::Bump!::


Woo! My first bump! YAY!!!!

~ Lost In The 'Verse

"About a year before we met, I spent 6 months on a moon where the primary form of recreation was juggling geese. My hand to god. Baby geese. Goslings. They were juggled!"

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Thursday, November 4, 2004 5:00 PM

INEVITABLEBETRAYAL


Quote:

Originally posted by LostInTheVerse:
I think this one should stay on the front page. Therefore... ::Bump!::

Woo! My first bump! YAY!!!!




LOL!

_______________________________________________
I wish I had a magical wish-granting plank.

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