WIL WHEATON dot NET: 1.5

"Now, watch this drive."

*giggle*

That was a really strong sentiment Wil, and one to which I thoroughly agree, however for me, the tears have been flowing. The election result here in Australia is final, and we have our own little Bush brown-noser Howard back in power, and even worse, with a majority in the senate as well. So all those crackpot legislations he's been trying to get through for the last eight years, he'll get'em through this term, cos there's no one to stop him.

At least your presidents only have two terms to wreak their damage. Our prime ministers can just keep going as long as there are idiots to let'em.

A friend of mine just e-mailed me, and asked me if I felt like it was the night before Christmas, or if I felt like it was the night before I go to the dentist.

haha that last statement made me laugh. this election day will definitely be an interesting one. i know i'll be glued to the tv and cnn. from what i've read of your political beliefs, i mostly agree too. go kerry! some of the scenarios i've heard of this election are enough to make my head hurt. and yes i've already voted ;)

OK eveyone, get out there and vote and it will be a landslide for Kerry!We must not let GOP steal again!

It's the night before the christmas dentist.

Damn, I can't wait to vote.

"Throughout this campaign, they have tried to terrorize us into giving them four more years"

"I will cry for my children, who will most certainly face a military draft, and I will cry for my country"

You realize that, on one hand, you are accusing Bush of using the threat of terrorism to win, and on the other, you are falling victim to the draft red herring.

As Bush said, there will be no draft. It is only the Democrats that are talking about a draft, in order to terroize young men and parents into voting for Kerry.

If you are really concerned about the possibilty of a draft, you should vote for Bush. Kerry has promised to add 2 divisions (over 100,000 new soldiers). Where do you think those men and women are going to come from?

I sincerely hope that your desire for a change of President not only happens, but as an outsider (New Zealand), I have to say that it is apparent from dealing with many, many US citizens from personal friends to business acquaintances that a change of President appears unlikely. There may well be a great deal of ill-will directed at the US from around the world, but the conservative "heartland" of the US is sending a strong message that it doesn't actually care what we think of the US, and that we should fear the consequences of pur apparent ill-will toward the US. New Zealand was the only WWII ally forced to repay in full their Lend-Lease obligations (1944 Canberra Pact for more details) and this significantly damaged our fragile economy, and meant 40 years of protectionist big government. Punitive measures from the US against those that stand up on the international stage against bullying foreign policy are nothing new, and have always had the support from a large percentage of the US population as being necessary practice to maintain American sovreignty.

Everybody who is eligible to vote in the US, who reads Wil's blog, and who cares about a global community based on the celebration of differences, not the homogeneous white christian planet dreamed of by Bush, VOTE. Don't leave the outcome in the hands of the swing states or Florida. Show the rest of the world that you care enough about your democracy to actually exercise your democratic right. VOTE.

Don't let another Evil Empire grow.

Hear, hear.

Couldn't agree with you more, Wil. It helps a little to know that there are other people as freaked as I am about what could happen tomorrow.

Thanks for this post, Wil.
Crazy... I have, in my whole life, not been as excited/nervous/scared about any elections as this one now. And it's not even my country. It will not just affect your country, but all of us. You wouldn't believe the "fever" with which people are following this over here where I live.
One of my friends will pull an allnighter to stay uptodate... imagine!
I don't feel very confident about Kerry, I have to say... but I guess, at this point it is picking the lesser of the two evils. Bush must go... and I hope your optimism will prove you right.

What I really want to say is that from my experience and observations here, there has been a mild climate change. It is true that there has been a huge anti-Americanism over here... but I feel it has changed to a specific anti-Bushism (if that is a word). Most of us are aware how Bush overrides the public opinion, playing lone ranger (Blair does the same here). Most of us, I guess and hope, know that Bush does not represent America... he just represents his asshole brigade.
I love your country, and I have never ceased to do so. My experience with Americans has been, almost without exception, a wonderful one.

We are holding thumbs over here... all my heartfelt monkey mojo and prayers that Bush will go.

I must say, I've been enjoying the freedom the last 10 days to mute every single political ad that has crossed my TV screen. Early voting rawks. \m/

Mr. Baxtor: In 1998, when Dubya was running for re-election as Texas governor, he told his constituents that he had no intention of running for president and made a commitment to serve his entire second gubernatorial term. I give his commitment not to instate the draft no credence whatsoever, because he's already proved to me that he's willing to tell the big lie in order to get elected.

peeps: 'Canada?'

It's the night before the christmas dentist. - Sean Bonner

That is the most terrifying imagery I've EVER had in my head.

Andrew - So we have established that politicians lie and want to get elected...what's new? (John Kerry hasn't shown up for work in 2 years).

There's an interesting poll that highlights one of the reasons I don't care for Bush - he and his employees actively mislead people. Bush supporters continue to believe things that are provably false.

The full poll results and methodology is on "pipa.org"

72% of Bush supporters continue to believe that Iraq had actual WMD (47%) or a major program for developing them (25%).
56% assume that most experts believe Iraq had actual WMD
57% also assume, incorrectly, that Duelfer concluded Iraq had at least a major WMD program.

75% of Bush supporters continue to believe that Iraq was providing substantial support to al Qaeda
63% believe that clear evidence of this support has been found.
60% of Bush supporters assume that this is also the conclusion of most experts
55% assume, incorrectly, that this was the conclusion of the 9/11 Commission.

Steven Kull, director of PIPA, comments, "One of the reasons that Bush supporters have these beliefs is that they perceive the Bush administration confirming them. Interestingly, this is one point on which Bush and Kerry supporters agree." Eighty-two percent of Bush supporters perceive the Bush administration as saying that Iraq had WMD (63%) or that Iraq had a major WMD program (19%).

The article goes on to say that Bush supporters "have not accepted the idea that it does not matter whether Iraq had WMD or supported al Qaeda."

"To support the president and to accept that he took the US to war based on mistaken assumptions likely creates substantial cognitive dissonance, and leads Bush supporters to suppress awareness of unsettling information about prewar Iraq."

It looks like most of the folks voting for Bush will be voting for the fictional "Made For TV" version.

It feels like the night before you go in to find out the results of a medical test for a major disease. You want the news to be good, but the seriousness of the test scares the bejeezus out of you.

Hey Wil,

I think that was probably one of the most well thought out and HONEST political posts you've made. While I usually share your thoughts, sometimes I disagree, and in the past some of your political stuff has rubbed the "Is he CRAZY" button. But even the stuff in here that I'm not 100% on board with (and it's not much) is still very well explained and thoughtful.

When Jon Stewart gets drafted into Politics, you should totally take over the Daily Show. :)

"As Bush said, there will be no draft."

sure, no need for a draft when you have a back door one.

Dude! (Yes I've listened to the Gnomedex recordings *grin*)

You are right on the money - at least as far as the rest of the world is concerned. Believe me when I tell you there are literally hundreds of people that I actually know who are rooting for Kerry and more importantly for America today, and the wider world as a whole seems to follow that trend. For all of any country's faults, the ideal of America still represents everything that we should all aspire to, regardless of nationality, creed, sex, race etc., and by that I mean a place where all people can come together as one, as equals and live their lives in freedom. As an outsider, with easy access to non-establishment media (i.e. without looking for it on the .Net) it is easy for me to see that GW is a monstrous person, at least in terms of his politics, who is prepared to take that ideal and burn it on the altar in return for power and influence at home, whilst missing the wider picture that he is plunging your country into the deepest, blackest mire of ill-feeling on the international stage, perhaps that it has ever faced.

Good Luck for today, I'm no Christian but I'll be praying my way for a new start for you guys - Go Kerry!

Oh god. It really is like that isn't it? I can't decide if I feel like tomorrow is the best day, or the worst. It's enough to drive a woman insane ;)

Nice words Wil :)

Wil

Thank you for being politically silent up to this point. In my business, I never talk politics or religion. But heck, this is your site and it's all about you and your thoughts so I'll respect them.

I am a conservative and a WWdN fan. I have many liberal friends and hope you are one too. But, I couldn't disagree with you more about President Bush.

Another thing, where is your support for Kerry? All I hear is Bush this and Bush that. Don't you realize that there can be someone worse than "W"? The Russians wanted better than the Czar and they got Lenin and Stalin.

I'll be voting for Bush tomorrow and I will be sleeping like a baby tonight. I went to the dentist last week.

Val

It feels like the night before you go in to find out the results of a medical test for a major disease. You want the news to be good, but the seriousness of the test scares the bejeezus out of you.

I was thinking that it's more like the night before major surgery, but this is a good description too.

Conservatives just aren't swayed by these arguments that are so compelling for you and me.

They don't care if the Supreme Court is stacked with conservatives because, well, it's no skin off their backs. They never think THEY are the ones who will be deprived of civil liberties, and they feel that if women want abortions and non-heterosexuals want any kind of "special rights", then those groups have gotta fight harder to get what they want, and in the meantime, they better lay low or they'll end up on death row.

The conservatives especially don't care about what the rest of the world thinks about their brand of foreign policy. They see it as being what is just and right. Who can argue with that? If it's right, it's right; global consensus isn't necessary. Obviously they also see things in black and white; anything short of "nuke 'em all" is tantamount to raising a white flag in their eyes.

In general, they also feel that looking out for yourself is more important than looking out for anyone else. It's like a sports rivalry; on some level, they expect everyone else, friend or foe, to be just as adamant and vociferous in support of their own team. They expect that when push comes to shove, the players will duke it out in some way or other, and there will be winners and losers, and the losers are going to all go down fighting to the bitter end. They're not out to change minds, they're not out to rule the world (well, most of them, anyway), they're just looking out for themselves, and when in the course of doing this, toes of other nations get stepped on, they expect that everyone else will jockey for position and push back, and we'll all somehow end up with a piece of the proverbial pie.

This kind of independent, elbow-bumping, soapbox-shouting spirit is pervasive throughout our culture and is not unique to just "the heartland" or to one side of the American political spectrum. It is predicated on a number of assumptions that are false, like there being a level playing field, or that power and privilege are "earned"/deserved and thus those who don't have enough of it to compete aren't "fit" enough to survive / deserve to be subordinate to America's ways.

But the conservatives generally don't give a crap, because "we don't need to ask Francie-poo if it's OK to kick some ass" is fun to say and doesn't require an education to believe. Ironically, Bush's predecessor took a similar position when he sent cruise missiles into Sudan and bombers into Iraq without UN authorization, but conservatives for some reason honestly believe that he was "too soft on terror", but I digress...

I used to be a Republican. Everything I'm saying here is based on my own recollection of how I used to think about the world, as well as on conversations I've had more recently with conservative friends, relatives, and random people on the net. I know I don't speak for everyone. I'm just trying to make a point that it's not that vast numbers of Bush supporters haven't gotten the message about what Bush is doing, it's that they really don't see anything wrong with it. They just don't care. On the whole, Bush represents their selfish, short-sighted interests, plain and simple.

Alan: Wil doesn't want the comments section to become a dialogue, so I will merely say that I believe your assertion about Kerry is mistaken, and that I believe Bush always intended to run in 2000, making his promise not to more than a mere lie -- it was bad faith with the people he is supposed to serve. (Mind you, his opponent in that election is currently in prison, so there you have it -- not a good choice that year.) If you want the last word, it's yours.

Val: Of course there are people worse than Bush. Luckily, Karl Rove isn't running . . . or is he?

Wil, I've been keeping my eye on your blog for some time now wondering when and if you would comment on the election.

I wish I could share your opinion that Kerry will be elected, because American citizens are sick of the lies. But it seems that everyone I talk to outside of my circle of friends says they're going to vote for Bush for one of the two following reasons: 1) I don't like Kerry that much either. 2) Bush doesn't take s#!t from anyone, that's KEWL!.

It's because of this I can't help but worry. Still though, a glimmer of hope remains that you and others like you at least recognize that the country needs a change, and that George W. Bush should not be in charge.

I'm sitting here in Germany far away from America and I think I'm just as nervous as you are. I'm really afraid. I never thought that Bush could still have so many people who support him. I can't understand that. I don't have influence on the election, I can't vote. But you can and I hope that you'll make the right decision. Because this election is not only important for the future of America.I think I won't sleep much next night...

I hate to burst a bubble, but you can go on and on about how Bush is terrible, I agree with you that Bush is a moron, but there are people that beleive he is our SAVIOR.

What I am talking about is the religious right in America, they are trying to take over the country in more ways than one. They beleive Bush is going to help them take us PAGANS over. Well I beleive that Bush would lie through his teeth to get into the oval office and tell the religious right anything they want to hear.

This is all turning out to be a "Religious War" with Iraq for the Born-Agains, but it really is just a stupid lie that Bush tells them to cover up the bullshit that he really is doing, which is raping Iraq for their resources, not just the oil but the money to be made "rebuilding" Iraq through a little company called Halliburton, that Vice Pres Chaney set up in his name and is receiving money from our tax dollars.

So in other words, Cheney is taking tax dollars and putting them right in his pocket, your tax dollars and mine.

And that is just the tip of the Everest sized mountain of bullshit that the George "Dubya" Bush administration has caused.

Kerry realizes all this and wants to do something about it. Even if he wins, he is still going to have an uphill battle with the rest of the "Dubya Administration", even though the Republicans that are in that part of the administration are only about 1/3 of the total Republicans. Bush managed to screw things up THAT bad, but thank "god" that there are still a lot of Republicans that have brains and think Bush is a bastard.

We are going to pay for it for a long time no matter what. So you might as well just say screw all this and try to find happiness like you were saying, and well "pray" for the best I guess. LMAO.

Political stuff is basically a waste of time to discuss, but I will say this:

This draft talk is ridiculous, and I mean that quite literally. I'll wager any amount of money on this point, because it will never happen, not in the next 4 years.. no matter who becomes president.

Coincidentally, the "most important election in our lifetime" is sort of misleading. Wil's like what? 30 something? Not even half of his lifespan has been expended.

I think a more accurate assessment is that this is probably the lamest election in our lifetime. They gave us two poops and now we get to choose which one we think smells the best.

In the end, it's still a poop.

Personally, I'm researching which countries will accept my application for Political Asylum...

I'm favoring The Netherlands...

This is amazing. I am conservative and I absolutely cannot comprehend what could cause someone to make such untenable assertions as are in your post today, Wil, and this comment section.
- Cheney LOST money when he left Haliburton to become VP and Bush has no ties to the company. Does it make sense that they would invade Iraq for ill-gotten Haliburton money? In any case, congress approved of the war; they're certainly not making money thereby.
- What's wrong with protecting our oil interests abroad? Particularly if we can free millions from life under an uncontestedly horrible dictator?
- Bush attacked Iraq to drive the pagans from America? Do you really believe that?
- Is it better to do what other countries want, or to retain national soverignty and DO WHAT WE THINK IS RIGHT? Global tests haven't worked historically, they lead to paralysis. Yes, if it's right, it's right. To argue this point you have to show that 1) there is no God or other source of basic moral authority 2) Government has no purpose, it can do whatever the hell it wants, regardless of what is pragmatically best 3) no action people can take is better or worse than any other (because in a democracy, the government enacts the [moral] will of the people)
- True, conservatives do want conservative judges. Liberals want liberal judges. What's your point?
- Conservatives are not against women's rights; to say we are is pure propaganda. We oppose abortion for one reason only: we believe the fetus is a human. Therefore, abortion must be murder. I don't like the conclusion, but I have to accept it. Further, we conservatives have far, far, far better science backing their claims on this issue than do the liberals. Look it up sometime - the fetus has its own brainwave patterns, heartbeat, blood type, etc. and is viable OUTSIDE THE WOMB (empyrically) within the period that it can legally be aborted.
- Conservatives do care about other people and sincerely believe that a capitalist system (a system which rewards individual effort) is best for everybody. Greatest good for the greatest number, anyone? I'm not pro-capitalist because I think it'll line my own pockets.
- WMDs & Iraqi Terror Links
- WMD Development programs in Iraq
- We know Saddam HAD wmd in the Gulf War. We know he didn't destroy them. What's the logical conclusion?
- Can someone liberal explain to me how Bush lied to get us into Iraq? Even if you could do that, how do you explain Kerry's vote to invade? How do you explain Kerry's stance during his last senate race? "If you do not believe that Iraq is a clear and immediate threat to the United States of America, do not give me your vote!"
- Draft will never happen; it's not as though Bush can just decree one, it has to get through congress, which will not happen unless those congressmen think it'll get them re-elected. Further, a draft now would have to include women, and nobody will vote that through. A draft is a non-issue.
- If you want to talk about terror influencing the voters, you have to discuss the newest Osama tape. In it he said he'd direct attacks only against those states which go for Bush. Putting aside the basic improbability of Osama keeping this promise, what we have here is a known, effective terrorist threatening to kill Bush supporters. And you're asserting that Bush is lieing terror-monger for saying that there's a threat of terrorist attacks? How is this logical?
- Kerry voted to invade Iraq, voted to deny funding for the stuff he agrees our troops need, says that the tax cut was bad (despite ALAN GREENSPAN saying otherwise), now wants to send MORE troops to Iraq AND Afghanistan AND secure our borders more AND he'll do it all for less cost AND he'll balance the budget and cut the deficit while he's at it. It doesn't add up.

All of that having been said,

I live in the uk and have never posted before but would say this..most of the countries you list like Americans, I visited for 2 months and never have I met a more universally friendly, open and fun group of people. ( On the eastern side anyway. I did not head west.) I now have a 3 year old but look forward to the day I can come back. We all know Mr Bush is not representative of the average American. Never mistake political attacks for personnal ones

Wil, claiming that you cry about every event in your life is a really cheap emotional gimmick.

It's a tool for those that can not express themselves well, and you are better than that.(at least I hope you are)

Please do us a favor and grow up.

You know, I agree with a lot of that, except for one part. The reinstation of the draft was a Democrat idea.

Oh yeah, and I avoid Salon and the Daily Kos for the same reasons I avoid the New Republic, the Drudge Report, and the Weekly World News.

Wish me luck, I'm off to work the polls on 3 hours of sleep!

Wil - you've hit the nail on the head for me. My husband and I have been lamenting that our vote won't count for much as we live in Texas. IMHO we need to get rid of the electoral college - if we had, we wouldn't be in this fiasco. I will be sorely disappointed if the count today ends up the same as last time. (It almost makes a Texas gal wanna move – and it makes me cry to remember that we were a blue state such a short time ago.)

Wil,
I was disappointed in your "political post," though, I can't say I'm not suprised. It was fairly obvious to me which candidate you supported. It seems that the talking points you have offered are straight from the DNC. I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the American Legion. I have been a fan of yours since the beginning. While I don't fault you for your choice, I don't accept your reasons for choosing a candidate that hasn't a clue of what it means to be Commander in Chief. Those of us that have served honorably know what it means and the majority of us see that Kerry as President would be a disaster for our country and our military. I don't expect to sway you or anyone else for voting for Bush as I am, just please understand that this country is bitterly divided, there have been dirty tricks and lies from both sides. If John Kerry is elected there will be just as many Americans that will be disappointed, including myself. No matter who wins we need to get over ourselves, and support our President whoever he is. If John Kerry is elected, as much as I despise him now, I will still support him, I would expect the same from Kerry supporters, afterall, I voted for Clinton twice. I would hope that we could all be good citizens and show the world that we are Americans first.

Wil,

I completely disagree with what you've said. That's what's beautiful about America. Get out and vote everyone! I'll already voted for Bush.

When you do talk politics, you make a lot more sense than the whole lot of chattering experts on the tube. Thanks.

You're wrong to think that the British hate America now.

We may find it inexplicable how you managed to elect George Bush, and people are certainly upset at having been dragged into the Iraq conflict, but we don't think any less of Americans as a whole. I think most people are smart enough to make the distinction between the opinions and actions of George W. and those of the average man in the street.

I hope you get your wish when the results are in.

I heard tonight that, for the last 18 elections, if the Washington Redskins lost it's last game before the election then the party in power lost the Presidential election as well. The odds of this happening are supposed to be 1 in 235 million.

By the way, the Redskins lost to the Green Bay Packers. So, Bush is gone, or else the Universe is skewed.

I have to say that if I lived in the USA (I don't, I'm British, and despite how unhappy I am with Britain at the moment it seems infinitely better than the USA, maybe I'll move to Germany) I'd be feeling not like the night before Christmas, or the night before I go to the dentist, but the night before I find out if I'm going to be executed or not. Please, please please - if you have a vote in this election, use it wisely and don't sit at home thinking it doesn't matter. Just vote! Turn out, show people that you do care.

the thing i'm worried about even more than bush becoming president again is people becoming passive about elections again. all of america is excited about this election. i've actually been able to talk to coworkers about ballot measures! when on earth has that happened before? i'm worried that once this election passes, people will stop going to the polls again. i think that's more damaging to our democracy than bush has been (though his administration has been plenty damaging).

"Now Watch this drive."

that quote has to be the funniest thing i have ever heard.

Hay wil!: did you get the "vote Picard Riker T-shirt from startrek.com? i just got mine in the mail! its great! (although it scares me that a lot of people dont get it.)

as always, a great post Wil!

I just came from voting. I couldn't sleep last night. My feelings on the election are sinusoidal - up for a half hour and then doom for a few hours.

I just hope that at the end of this there is elation. I feel like I wasn't fooled the first time - I knew that it would be bad. I didn't realize quite how bad it would be. None of us did.

Thank you for writing this entry. I hope it kicks someone in the rear end hard enough to make them go and vote.

Wil,

You're a talented actor, a gifted writer, you seem to be a great dad and husband and an OK poker player ;) you come across as bluntly honest and one who gives thought to what he thinks. That's cool.

However, you're from California, in the creative field and within the entertainment industry and simply out of touch of the average person and much of the rest of "us".

Your take on Bush and Cheney is skewed at best but it is your take and you are entitiled to it.

Bush stood up and took action when this country needed it. After 8 years of disgust, lies, dirty politics (on both sides of the aisle) Bush has been refreshing. I don't like all that he has done however he actually did something. He realized and articulated (albeit short words and sentences!) that we were attacked not because of us but because of the hatred of others. Instead of apologizing for our freedoms and our great country he said enough.

He acted and told the world that with us or against us. 30 countries chose to be with us in the war, not bad. Sometimes the people in charge have to make decisions that htye know will not be popular - I see that in Bush, I may not agree with all, and I don't but I see a team of leaders that are not deciding on polling data like the previous 8 years.

However as a long time reader of your blog - I will be voting for Bush/Cheney and though I do not belive they will win I have the opinion they have more than earned another 4 years in office.

The last thing this country needs is the most liberal of liberals, who is a billionnaire and brings a personal injury lawyer along who is a heartbeat away from the oval office. My gosh, it's lawyers who have made this country and elections in general the circus they have become. Having 2 of them in office is a nightmare scenario.

You and I disagree and that's fine. The neat thing about this country and your site - is we can respectfully agree to disagree.

Here is hoping that whomever wins the election does so in a decisive manner so all the lawyers can go away.

Well Wil, you certainly managed to upset 50% of Americans with this post. As a Brit I'm shocked that Bush is tied in the polls at this point, Kerry should have won this at a canter. Bush and cohorts have lied time after time over the past 3+ years and yet still people seem to believe everything they spout. Wake up America before you saddle the world with another 4 years of Bush.

Wil,

Thanks for speaking up.

:o)

PS - I agree. It's not America the world hates, it's Bush and the shouty/sneaky people behind him.

Right on Wil!

Good luck America. Don't mess it up this time.

Mmmmm.....no matter which way it goes, I'll be optomistic if we wake up tomorrow and know the results. I think it will be a few days more.

Historically, a statistical dead heat is always bad news for the incumbent.
You are right Wil, Kerry will win. The young (and un-polled) vote will not disappoint.

i would just like to say, if some brits now have a dislike for your nation, you should know that at least this brit shall remain standing shoulder-to-shoulder with you. we have been allies and friends, that is how it should always be. God bless America. and her people.

i just read some of the other posts. im glad that more brits have a similar view to me. i hope things turn out the way you want them to.

I voted for Bush in 2000. But this year, I already voted for Kerry. Do I really like Kerry? Not especially, but I do not reward people who lie to take our country to war.

As a Canadian, I assure you that we share your anticipation/fear/elation/dread about the election today. Your comments about the Bush administration and the probable future should he be allowed to rule for another four years are the same I've heard echoed here as we have watched the build up to today. I am truly frightened of what Bush could do globally over the next four years. I can only hope that Americans are worried too and don't give him the chance.

Thanks for using your forum to put your thoughts out there, Wil.

Something from my friend's AIM profile, just to make people smile:

"Practice abstinence on Nov. 2: No Bush, No Dick."

Well said, Wil! I just finished voting, in Texas, mind you. From here at least it seems like the mere whisper of hope that Kerry might win. I cried when Bush won last because I feared for the future of our nation. I agree, four more years of Bush would be cause to grieve.

On a happier note, at least in my neighborhood in Far North Dallas, the early morning turn out was great and outside the polling place several people were talking about a Kerry win. In veiled terms of course. This is still Texas. =)

Wil-

I took your book to the polls so that I had something to read while I waited to help you make some changes around this place!

-troy

Good post Wil and a brave one. Judging by some of these posts it hasn't done anything to upset the Bush spin machine but you are right. Bush is the worst president in over a hundred years. His record is shameful and it's amazing that anyone would vote for him again.

You'll cry? Your children will face a draft? Goodbye freedom from religion? Goodbye freedom of choice? Goodbye Freedom for gays?

Holy hell someone has chugged ALL the Michael Moore kool-aid.

I'm crying right now, I'm laughing so hard.

Wil,
I'm not going to agree or disagree with most of your post - I'm Canadian, and I was pissed off when Michael Moore told us how to vote, so I'm not gonna tell Americans how to vote.

I do want to respond to a couple of things you said though.

#1 is that this is the most important election in our lifetime. Even accounting for rhetoric and assuming "US" belongs before the word "election", I'm going to have to go ahead and kind of disagree a little. (Ever seen Office Space? I have a coffee cup next to me as I type this too. :) ) *Every* election is this important. Even in our lifetimes - I'm about your age - I think the ones that brought Reagan into power were pretty big ones. Bush Sr. too. They helped to put the coup de grace into the Soviet Union. Not much beyond our lifetimes, we have JFK. What would US foreign policy in Vietnam have been like with a different President? How about the Cuban Missile Crisis?

#2: you've got some traditional allies a lot closer than Europe. We share the world's longest (mostly) undefended border with you. Bush didn't even mention us when he thanked America's friends who helped out after 9/11. That you've forgotten us too kind of smarts.

And for the record, I don't think most Canadians hate Americans any more than we did already before Bush Jr. Yank-bashing is our third national sport, behind our official one in lacrosse and our unofficial one in ice hockey, after all. :) And again for the record, I actually don't participate much in that particular sport. I'm pretty sympathetic to the US, actually. I think y'all are in a difficult spot - it's tough being at the top. Everything you do is under a microscope, and everything you do is wrong. Don't help troubled countries? You're not willing to use your power to help friends. Help elsewhere? You're power-hungry imperialists.

Anyway, I'll stop now.

Wil, your gift with the pen is so rich, so deeply felt when read. I, too, am very concerned about this "most important election" of our lives. Over the past two years I've battled some of the most ridiculous, improbable assaults from life which have virtually halted personal progress, yet the Universe does not seem to care one bit... the fight is over when it's over.

Four More Years? Bush seems to be a great guy: loves God, family man, apple pie, the works. But is this reason enough for me to give up my human right to think, to question, to wonder why when reasonable answers are not given (ever) to very serious questions? Why can't we (the voters and taxpayers) have a straight answer about Iraq? I heard on the news this morning (Election Day) that people had waited in line up to 5 hours to vote in Florida. This tells me that if the citizens are willing to endure this level of inconvenience, something is terribly wrong in the White House. The people have turned out because they want something to change, and they want it to change quickly.

Four More Years? It could happen, tho at this writing I don't see any particular benefit to it, except to further destroy the morale of the people while continuing to gut the Constitution until it is no longer our governing document. Of course, I speak as one who does not benefit from tax cuts for the wealthy, so my opinions may not be totally fair and balanced.

However, the more I talk about it, the more I like "No Mo Years" for this incumbent.

THANKK YOU Wil for posting what you did.

Four more years of Bush is unthinkable...

John Kerry HAS to win.

I too will cry if he looses.

and to the poster that thinks "crying" is immature
crying is about maturity and the realization that
the real world is hard and cruel and people can be
the same way.

But President John Kerry can help heal these things.

Thanks again Wil.

(I won't sleep at all.)

Wil, I have enjoyed visiting your website for many months now...and it is not hard to see what your politcal leanings are and I certainly respect those feelings.

However, most of your assertions about Bush seem to come straight from Democratic propoganda...nothing really of substance. (Yes, the Republicans have their own propoganda machine too). We've heard the cry of draft (and it will never happen in our immediate lifetimes) and the cry of voter intimidation (who is stopping who from rightfully voting?).

Please come back next time with some informed arguments and not just "My Euro friends and I hate Bush".

Wil,

In my opinion, you're right about a lot of things. But when you said, " the vast majority of the world viscerally hates America because of George W. Bush", you were dead wrong.

Two days ago, a leftist Dutch TV network had a theme night. The theme was, "Why is it impossible not to love the U.S.A.?"

Because of its diversity.
Because of its promise of eternal change, its "newspaper boy to millionaire" myths, its passions, the Grand Canyon, the Manhattan skyline (pre and post 9/11).
And because most Americans do not closely resemble this President.

Personally, I "viscerally hate" Bush's policies. Meaning, I strongly oppose them, and I fear their consequences (war, destruction of the environment, indiscriminate discrimination of minorities, racial hate, government corruption, loyalty oaths).

But I believe this to be true: it is impossible not to love the U.S.A.

You, go, Wil!

Wil,

Thank you for your candid look at this miserable failure. I still can't believe most people look at this President and consider four more years with him. It just escapes me how this man and his administration keep getting free passes after screwing up. This isn't Yale, GW, and this isn't daddy's Good Old Boy network, anymore. You're playing with real people's lives and real nation's soverignity.

If any of you are still confused why the Dems or anyone else is so adamant about Bush's removal, visit BushHatesAmerica.com and spend a few minutes examining the evidence. Then go vote. But do yourselves the favor to read about the atrocities attributed to this man before you make your pick.

And please, do not make Wil cry. There is nothing more sad than seeing a grown man (and a nation, collectively) cry.

I am half-hoping W will be reappointed. With all the angst out there (like in Eminem's new video), it would seem a shame to let it fizzle after the election.

Real change isn't going to happen in a Kerry administration, we'll just be holding ground. We need people to fight for workers rights, to fight for sane foreign policy, and to fight for fair trade.

Four more years of Bush and we'll have enough pissed-off unemployed people to march on Washington and demand these things.

Oh, and I fully expect a draft. Why? Because Bush said he won't have one. If you take all of his sentences and negate them, that's what he'll do. The "uniter" has divided this country and the world. He said he wouldn't make the US the "world police," and now we're the world police. And he said he wouldn't engage in nation building, which is what we're doing in Iraq.

Wil, you need never be reluctant to voice your political opinions. They are part of the foundation of your character. It only takes a new reader a few moments to realise how you are politically offiliated. It will never be a secret. In other words, you won't alienate your viewers and readers if you express your opinion, as they already know.

Watching from Canada, I'm slightly optimistic, but more afraid. We're already getting beat up over policy that affects us. The discover of a single case of mad cow disease has closed the border to beef in our country and completely destroyed our industry and many families who couldn't sell their animals. Because we had such a level of trust, we foolishly relied on beef processing that existed *outside* of our borders. The wealthy cattle lobbyists have been very successful in keeping the border closed, despite our top notch science and handle of this single case. This has been a lesson learned, and our own processing industry is getting a significant kickstart. We'll be less dependent next time. Lesson learned.

I won't bother going on about all the other ways we've been impacted by the current administration. I'm not writing a novel afterall. But I will speculate on this. If the administration were to continue for another 4 years, I truly worry about what steps will be taken to secure *our* oil. The U.S. currently gets over 15% of the oil they buy from the world from Canada. (more than Iraq supplied). Although I don't expect an invasion, I fear tactics more insidious. Because you are 10 times our size, you can easily pressure on other fronts. It's been happening, and even NAFTA isn't being honoured. I welcome a change of administration and the hope it brings for restoring good faith between our countries.

When I look at Bush, I see a schoolyard thug. And I see that he's truly just a puppet, with Cheney and friends controlling the president, inciting him to do their bidding. I fear Bush isn't smart enough to even see this. I have never ever before thought that any world leader was a stupid idiot, before Bush Jr.. I can't fathom him continuing as President. How can the citizens of the United States not see him for the lying fool that he's demonstrated himself to be.

And Doug S., intimating that Wil cries as a tactic because he *can't express himself* is just about the stupidest thing I've ever read. Shame on you Doug for attacking Wil's character because you disagree with him. That's the mark of someone with no valid argument.

A-farking-men, Wil, Amen...

That's so eloquent I couldn't say it better myself. I posted that (with a link and credit to you) in my livejournal this morning. No one reads it but my friends, but still.

This *is* the most important election of my (short) lifetime. My mother told me last night she hasn't seen the country so divided since the late 60s. Not since the Vietnam war. This is scary stuff.

Amen, Wil.

I love your blog Wil and appreciate your thoughts. I think you are a great guy with the a good heart. I always find it amusing that Hollywood types support Kerry, talk about being divorced from reality. I will stand by President Bush; Iraq is the current battle with terrorist as they pour in from all over the world. To cut and run now would not only make the sacrifice of our troops null and void, it would also send a clear message of weakness on our part. By the way, how do you support our troops and tell them what they are doing (and most believe in) is wrong? Luckily I will sleep well tonight because I know that to put my complete trust in either candidate is futile. I believe there is a God and He is in control of history. Whatever comes next is in His plan, not mine or yours.

"Goodbye freedom from religion"

Sorry Wil the line is, "Freedom of Religion"
Huge difference.

Thanks for writing this. Throughout this whole campaign I have been fighting back hope for a Kerry victory for fear that optimism would doom his chances... talk about having a world-revolves-around-me complex, right? But I guess that underscores just how terrified I am that Bush might win, because I honestly don't know what I (we) would do. Fight back, obviously, because surely a Bush win would—hopefully—force the country to really wake up and realize what terrible things his administration has already done and will continue to do. Perhaps things will have to get really bad (again) before they can get better.

Sorry if I've brought you down with these thoughts. Actually, I've been less able to hold back my hope lately and am starting to feel a little more optimistic. At least I know I am not alone. Millions of Americans are furious with this man (Bush) and I have faith that we will stop at nothing to keep him from ruining us.

Well said Wil!
You put that as well as any other left-wing blogger could have. My sentiments, exactly.
Cheers!

The Trash Heap Has Spoken!

I am curious; do those of you who hold to Wil's political beliefs REALLY think that half of all the adults in America (or Australia) are stupid?

Do you really think that the wide spectrum of people - from highly educated to working class poor - that support Bush have NO intellectual reason for doing so?

If you really think this, then isn't it your "side" which is intellectually impoverished and vapid?

I believe you DO have good reasons for selecting Kerry as your candidate BUT I think my reasons for empowering Bush are more relevant and urgent.

It's just a question; will you slam me? ... or honor the half of Americans who have a different moral and political objective?

...bwelkin

It does not fail to amuse me a little that everyone is so heated in their feelings about their candidate... and the irony that everyone is accusing the opposing views of only listening to the "propaganda".

I, too, have my own strong feelings about who should win... but since I have found that there is no swaying those with a mile long barrage of sarcastic retort to my political sentiments, I have (sadly) stopped discussing my views with most people. These comments just further prove why I have resorted to such silence.

It is enough to say that I (like Wil) didn't really NEED to say who my candidate is... it was apparent before you said Kerry.

Thank you for sharing, Wil.

Thank you, Wil, for your heartfelt and true thoughts. I voted Kerry this morning, and I sure as heck hope many others do the same.

I appreciate your comments, Wil. I agree it is time for a change, although I could not bring myself to vote for either the Giant Douche or the Turd Sandwich (thanks to South Park for defining the race in terms I can identify with). This election has been one of hyperbole on both sides, not saying how good they are but how bad the other guy is. Well, the ads worked on me. For the first time in my life I voted for a third party candidate with no chance of winning (libertarian).

I fear for the future of our nation as well... that is PRECISELY why I voted for Bush/Cheney two hours ago. I cannot for the life of me figure out the anti-Bush blather I'm reading here. How on earth can you people forget September 11? How can you possibly turn your back on securing our nation? Forget the rhetoric, look at Kerry's record! Not 3 days after the leader of the most devastating attack on our country comes out on TV with a clear stand on who HE would like to have in office, I come and read this drivel of those that agree with him! UTTER INSANITY!

You aren't doing anybody any favors cheerleading those nations and convincing them they have cause for being anti-American.

Bush did NOT lie. He WILL win, and I'll continue to sleep peacefully under his watch.

I look forward to next week, when I can actually enjoy your site again.

Oh, and another thing... This whole gay-marriage thing... what's that all about? I'm all for letting partners get death benefits, etc., but I absolutely believe that gay tendencies are unnatural. You think people are born like that, then sobeit, but you also have to believe that some people are born with lust for children or animals too... how can you think otherwise if you believe the former? Seriously, I'd love to know how one belief doesn't open Pandora's box.

Here in Georgia, we had the referendum for the constitutional amendment... I very happily voted for the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

SECONDLY, forget this whole malarkey of Gore was the rightful president because he received the majority of the popular vote. You CANNOT assume that the demographics of those who would vote would be the same if the president was elected from a popular vote. Those states that are a lock have a lot of voters that, when they go to the polls and see 200 people standing in line, figure that precisely because it is an electoral-college based election, there vote doesn't mean as much. If you really want the popular vote, I suggest you look at the polls... Bush wins in the vast majority of them.

I voted. I voted for someone who's name starts with a "B" and it wasn't Bush. Thank God he was actually on the ballot in Arizona.

"Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil." -Michael Badnarik

Speaking as 'one of them' there 'other' voters, I'm amazed that folks are missing a HUGE factor that Bush had NO control over. Remember when some other people parked some airplanes into the New York skyline? That wasn't his doing, but his response to it was the best we can honestly expect under the circumstances. (The US, militarily, does a GREAT job in shooting at large immobile targets...like countries...and a crummy job of shooting at individual people, although the three Husseins might disagree with that statement.)

We prevented an economic meltdown of biblical proportions, just after a Dot-Com bust that had everybody's grandma investing life savings in Internet Dog food sales, and some really rich CEO type people were getting richer by mis-managing their employee's retirement. (and I'll mention Enron here, fill in the blanks)

While we still have problems eradicating Al-queda (note: which was CREATED to be hard to hit, hard to find, and hard to stamp out), I think the actions taken were appropriate considering the data we had at the time.

It's a great armchair quarterback that can look back and say we coulda done different. And as long as we've got something other people want (or don't want us to have), there will be nasty military repercussions as a result.

The election is a popularity contest. Remember the kid in 6th grade that said if you'd vote for them as Class president, you'd have Chocolate Milk on Fridays?

I didn't get my Chocolate Milk either.

If George Bush wins the election today, our children will witness the third world war. In my opinion, it will truly be one of the darkest days in America.

God help us if Bush wins.

As one of the people who emailed you waiting for your political rant, it's good to see you make one. For all you know, Wil, there's some swing voter out there who will read this and get to the polls, just like you've inspired people to start up their own blogs or live their dreams after setbacks. Never underestimate the power of the individual.
Your friend - Chris Feyrer

THE most important? I seem to remember people saying the same thing in '00. We'll have the same opinion in '08, no matter who wins today.

I also need to point out that the current employee didn't lie for the entire four year term, nor do I think he expected to have to deal with 9/11. So, if anything, he's lied for the last 2 years of his term.

Just my nitpicking, of course - I seem to be the last one in America remembering the 80% approval rating in Nov/01... People disapprove of the last two years and simply forget that the guy didn't suck three years ago.

Too much exaggeration out there, is what it is.

Power to you, Wil, for speaking with such passion about your political beliefs. I wish I had as much guts as you do to talk about issues I strongly believe in, but unfortunately I can't because where I come from, politics is a very touchy subject. Talking about politics and religion is the fastest way to make enemies here, even though my best friend and I belong to different political parties (I won't even say what political party I belong to here). I respect everyone's opinions but will not put in my two cents on such subjects as abortion, gay rights, or gun control, because when you start talking about politics, you're treading on sensitive ground. But you... I really respect you so much more for having the balls (excuse my language) to actually post your opinions on political issues. Every time I read your latest post, I always find myself gaining a little more respect for you. You are the coolest!
By the way... this year was my first year voting. Over here in Florida- yes, the state that fucked up the number of votes four years ago- we get to vote early (but I'm not sure if other states get to do the same thing). I already voted and I'm proud of myself for that. Adios and ciao!

-Vanessa Nichole

I am traveling to Germany next week, and I am worried about how my family and me will be greeted. Of course my family will love me, but it is the people that I meet in the towns and villages that I wonder about. Bush has had a casual indifference about the people of Europe for the last few years, and this indifference has caused a rift larger than has been seen since the end of the Second World War.

Can Kerry fix this like he says? I do not know, but he says he will try, while Bush says nothing to this effect. That more than anything has sealed my decision on this matter. The United Stated of America is facing the edge of a changing world, with the European Union, and now is not the time to turn our policies away from these countries, but find ways to work with them in a truly global vision.

Good Luck Kerry, I hope you can fulfill what you have promised.

It is simply unbelievable to me that his many people, including Wil himself can get so easily wrapped up in the Liberal agenda. Make no mistake, there ARE evil GOP'ers out there attempting to suppress the vote. Hoprefully they are caught and prosecuted. But no one ever raises a finger at how the DNC INTENTIONALLY goes into poor and especially BLACK neighborhoods to woo them to the polls. One woman in Chicago reported to WBBM that she was told that Bush would decrease her welfare payments. What a bunch of BS. They'll say and do anything to hold the poor and uninformed/unintelligent masses to their party. Makes me sick. I have two jobs, my wife works full time, and we have a one-year old son. I take NO handouts, and under Kerry's plan, we would immediatly be offered free healthcare for our son. I don't want government-run healthcare! I will gladly get off my ass and work to afford to protect my family! PLEASE, don't make the mistake of voting for Kerry. Sure, he's surrounded by celebrity supporters, and even Wil is touting him....but these people DO NOT live in REAL America, where we have to work for a living! Please help re-elect Bush and keep us safer and stronger!

Amen.

I am a married father of one, with no. 2 on the way, living and working in the NYC area & I fear for my children's future if W wins. As a native NY'er, who used to live just across the East River from the WTC (Brooklyn Heights), saw the towers fall from my office window, and take the PATH into WTC station, getting a first hand look at what was (very creepy when you get your bearings in the new PATH station, find a landmark that remained, and realize what's missing), I could write a column myself of how I'm sickened of the way that this administration has hijacked my home for its own needs

Instead, what really disturbs me is that so few are concerned about the slippery slope of the erosion of our freedoms and liberties that this administration has endorsed based on religion. This is a multi-cultural country with many religions. One's personal beliefs should be just that, personal.

Our forefathers, who saw how discrimination led to much pain in Europe and some of the colonies were very wise to seperate religion from state but this adminsitration has been intent on legislating as if their version of faith is the version and that whatever anybody else may think is moot. Whether life begins at conception, when the heartbeat of the fetus is first hears, when the baby's head crowns or when the baby takes a first breath is very personal and it is not the state's place to tell me X because a religion says that X is so.

I just can't see how any true freedom loving American could support an administration who wants to amend the US Constitution, the document that guarantees our rights, to purposefully discriminate against a group of people based on their sexual orientation.

The supreme court won't touch Roe V. Wade, they would have already done so.

There will be no draft.

Can you imagine John Edwards as President...yeesh.

Socialized Medicine under Kerry, thank goodness congress won't let him.

I don't really like Bush, but Kerry is the worse candidate for us.

I'm curious... Whatever happened to the option of not voting for either of the party candidates? I hear from all sides that they absolutely detest both Kerry and Bush. Whatever their reasons they find both extremely distasteful and out of touch. Why not take the simple step of refusing to vote for either? Why allow your vote to be counted for a candidate only because "he's marginally better than the other guy"?

Why not organize your friends and do a write-in candidate? Write in John McCain, Karl Rove, or anyone that you think will do a better job of leading the country. Isn't it our duty to actually vote for some one who we think will actually do a good job, not just the ones that are presumed to be our "only choices".

hi wil...</