"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...

although it's still cloudy here, it's not raining anymore in Chicago...

thank you for your post about the most important election in our lifetime... i am off to a reception for Illinois US Senate hopeful Barak Obama at a hotel in downtown Chicago tonight... keep your eye on this guy - i think he's going to be running for president one day...

i am hoping for sunny skies here tomorrow... and i hope the same for the rest of the country...

be well...
renee
A Canadian in Chicago

http://thomas.loc.gov/, enter HR 163.

This shows sponsorship of the current bill in the house regarding the draft. Please note the sponsors of the bill, and their respective party associations.

Just FYI. Wil is a good guy. I don't see eye to eye with him politically; I read his website often for his insight and humor. However, I think that the statement about his children facing the draft needs to have the root cause laid where it belongs. On the shoulders of the people who proposed it.

Wil you are an eloquent writer. You summed it up beautifully.

Like you, I don't know what to feel. I want so very much to be optimistic however as one of my like-minded co-workers pointed out, we WERE optimistic 4 years ago.

I have cast my vote against Bush. Again.

I have a terrible knot in my stomach. If we get bushwhacked again, I AM going to cry. We, the Nation, just can't take this anymore.

It was one thing growing up knowing the world at large perceived me as the ugly American; now more than ever, I am the killer-destroyer American with the blood of countless innocents on my hands.

I saw a sign on the way to work this morning driving through my ultra-conservative, right-wing neighborhood that read, “It’s like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.”

‘nuff said

First off, I’d like to just give kudos to Wil for voicing his political opinions. In the few short months I’ve been reading his blog, I’ve come to appreciate his honesty above all else. Sure, there will always be those that disagree, but that’s okay. Freedom of speech is just one of the things that make this country great.

I’ll be casting my vote later today for John Kerry. There are many reasons I want Bush out of the White House but I won’t go into them all here. I respect the opinions of those that support Bush and I ask they do the same for those that support Kerry. Without the Democrats and Republicans fighting it out, there would be no balance in America.

Wil, well said.

I look at my 10-yr old daughter and realize *she* could be embroiled in this insane conflict/supposed mission accomplished war.

I cannot support Bush and I too am from Texas (remember he really wasn't BORN here, his family moved here to AVOID PERSONAL INCOME TAX!).

And it's sad/funny when I meet people from other states and they give me that side-ways glance of "You're not for Bush are you?" Once I say no, they relax... and we can talk about the state of the world.

Here in my small town, we pro-Democrat supporters are strengthening. I still wish we had more than 2 choices to work from... and I wish we had a way for ANYONE to be able to run for office... money notwithstanding.

Since a lot of this all comes down to who has the money and spends it on their campaign, not to do with all the scare tactics and preaching. The money.... thank goodness for all the grassroots efforts: moveon.org, truemajority.com, etc.

Praying we awake to a new properly elected president...

From Texas, where yes we voted early as well.

-- Beej

Excellent words. There are so many reasons why Bush needs to be replaced, we have to focus on the big ones. You nailed a big one. (dirty thoughts aside)

I rocked the vote and I rocked it hardcore. I also just read your book Wil, and it rocks the house. Ok... I am a geek and not a gang member. Wil, you book rocks like the Atari 2600. :)

Wow.

Well said Wil.

As a Canadian, I've watched US with an increasing sense of horror. Not just for the people of your country, but for mine as well.

If Bush can lie and cheat his way into a war with Iraq, I fear what he will do to those other countries who have vocally opposed his administration and scare tactics. (Remember Freedom Fries?) I was never so proud of former Prime Minister Jean Cretian as when he refused to back the war with Iraq because the UN was against it. I can well imagine the reaction Bush had that we, the public, never heard.

I hope that citizens of the US can pull together to rid themselves of a distructive dictator.

Hey Wil - want some cheese to go with that whine? ;)

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

Sorry Mike... even if unintentional (and I hope it wasn't), Wil was correct. While the common statement is 'Freedom of Religion', what the citizens of this country need is freedom FROM religion. Too many important decisions are being made based on religious beliefs. While I have my own opinions on the topics of gay-rights, pro-life, and stem cell research, Kerry solidified my support when I read that despite his personal beliefs as a Roman Catholic, he's stated that he won't legislate to impose those personal beliefs on Americans of other religions.

Here's my two cents...
Major reasons I'm voting for Kerry:
1) SUPREME COURT - Democracy cannot work if the deck is stacked.
2) Education - No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is a joke. The GOP loves to point to some of the higher test scores, but considering a majority of the schools that I've visited since NCLB started actually sacrificed instruction time in non-tested subjects in order to "cram" for the tests, the scores do not provide an accurrate evaluation.
3) The environment - Too few are paying attention. The war on terror has been a great diversion from the assaults that are occurring on our own soil.
4) The ecomony - There are no words to covey the contempt I have for what this administration has done for this country's economy. In it's current state, for my 18 yr old to attend college, get an advanced degree, buy a new car, and own a modest home he will put himself into debt that will last twice as long as it did for past generations.

Enough of that. My son & I are off to vote! :) You're all invited to our all-night election party. Let's hope it has the ending we hope for.

Wow, there's nothing like political commentary to bring out the comments from people, eh?

This is a preview of what will go in my blog today (I tend to compose them in Notepad over the course of the day when I have spare moments):

Now, if you're an American go vote for Kerry. Or at least, vote either way. If you don't vote you have no right to complain about the person who is elected.

The local [ed. Toronto] news calls it "the most important election of the milenium". All over the city (and country) people will be gathering to watch the results. Some in bars and restaurants. People are having parties. Now, I understand the magnitude of this election and the fact that the U.S. is the most powerful nation. I too look forward to the outcome. This election will have world-wide implications. I don't want it to seem like I don't care. But really, can't Americans humour us a little and PRETEND to care about Canadian politics? Really, who, outside of Canada, got excited during OUR election last year? Paul Martin who? Canada and the U.S. are neighbours. We rely so much on each other.
Former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once said, "When the U.S. sneezes, Canada catches a cold." That's how dependent Canada is on the U.S. economy. And yet, Canada acts like the U.S.'s younger sibling. Trying to emulate and get attention, trying to assert its own identity when the concepts of cultural imperialism and globalization are as old as, well,... they're really old.
That's my mini-rant.
**
Yeah, go vote.

I think you've highlighted what is paradoxical about this election: why are people so happy with Bush? I keep wondering what I'm missing here:

* Economy tanks, the tax cut changes a surplus into a record deficit;
* A major military exercise in Iraq on precarious arguments now shown to be baseless; and realistically, it's not something we can just shrug our shoulders and walk away from.
* Energy policy based on drilling in national preserves, less so on alternative sources and better utilization.\

If the race were Bush versus Not Bush, Bush would lose hands down. But, since a name to "Not Bush," it's easy for the attack squad to pigeon-hole him, using fear, surprise and fanatical devotion to the -- oh wait, that was the Spanish Inquisition.

Shame on you.
I mean seriously. I usually like what you have to say Wil, but your blindness and bigotry just jumped to the surface.
"Goodbye freedom from religion."
There's no such thing. Even atheism is a religion. Television is a religion. And Bill of Rights says:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;..."
Banning prayer (of any sort) banning religious displays, any banning of any religious practice, is in fact directly forbidden by our Constitution. The constitution is there to protect and defend rights not take them away. Something that Mr. Bush seems to have forgotten, and you seem to have forgotten as well. Perhaps you have more in common than you'd like to believe.

I often vote a split ticket and try to be pragmatic about who and what I vote for. For years I identified myself as a republican and many values I hold dear used to be "republican" values.

The current administration has changed my basic voting identity. I cannot abide the lies, incompetance, hostile actions, profiteering, short sighted and (insert other characteristics here) any longer. For the first time I am fearful for the future of my country.

Bush and his twisted little cadre are over.

If Kerry wins today, I will cry with joy.

Enough lies and stupidity.

Out Bush! Be gone! Go home! Let's use bleach and get the stink out of our Whitehouse.

They hated us long before G W. The young seem to think it's all GW. How easy that would be, wouldn't it? :) But there's history there. And some seem not to have learned their history. If you have traveled Europe before GW, or even the first Bush, you will know what I am talking about. If you studied your history, you'll know the facts that have led up to the actions that are being taken.

You might think GW made the wrong decision to enter Iraq. That's fine. But don't say he caused Europe to hate us. That was there a long time before. They hate our our money, our freedom, our opportunities, our individualism, etc. and have for many, many years.

Get out there and vote, everyone. We need to get this idiot out of office.

I feel like it's the night before I go to the gyno. I am scared.

Last night, there was a Kerry rally here in Cleveland. Springsteen played and all seemed right in the world. PLEASE let Kerry win this for all of us- for our children. I just may lose hope if W wins this election.

Canada here I come, if the evil one prevails!

I am so tired of hearing all these people say if (blank) wins I am moving to Canada,England,ect... If you truely feel that way then please leave now. Let those of us who care about our country stay here and work on it. We don't need "fly by nights" anyway. And by the way most of Europe has disliked America and American's since the start of our nation, and I am pretty sure Bush wasn't there then. Heck the Spanish and the French only helped us then to get at the English.

For many of us, Bush is a terrific president. Where you see freedom of choice, we see freedom for the unborn that cannot protect themselves. Where you see freedom from religion, we see freedom of religion. Where you see equal rights for homosexuals, we see states rights returned and minority judges no longer overturning the decisions of state legislatures.

What you see as Bush lies, we see as Saddam lies that Republicans and Democrats (yes, even Clinton and Kerry) fell for. Where you see a military draft, we see a proposal only from Democrats to reintroduce the draft for political gain. Where you see the world hating the US, we see the US stopping the innocent slaughter of 500,000 Iraqis and ending payoffs to the UN, Russia, France and Germany from the corrupt Oil-for-food scandal.

Where you see Kerry as a hero, we see a Monday morning quarterback who changes his story daily to appeal to people. I still don't know what Kerry's position on Iraq is. He voted for it, he voted against it, he's the anti-war anti-terrorist candidate that will stop at nothing to kill terrorists except we need to pass a global test.

I don't expect you to see this - it's National Polarization Day - but it's the other side of the issues you don't see that compel 50% of the American people to vote for Bush.

Better get your tissues ready Wil. Four more years.

The reason for us being in the position we are in now is because of 1978, when President Carter did not help out the Shah of Iran. Islamic's looked at us as a country that would not fight for anything. We have had at least 6 attacks and we did nothing. Did you cry after 9/11? Now we are doing something so that a 9/11 will never happen again. You are like the liberals in Boulder CO. that called my daughter a baby killer when she was in her Army uniform. So get a life and if you don't like President Bush I'm sure you have enought money to move to a country that will not protect them selves. God Bless President Bush.

You want to talk about lies, huh? Don't think we've forgotten how you helped cover up that training accident at the Academy! Or your cowardice during the Cardassian incident!

"doesn't it bother anyone that the vast majority of the world viscerally hates America because of George W. Bush? I'm not talking about "The Terrorists." I'm talking about our traditional allies in France, Spain, Germany, Britan, and pretty much all of Europe."

Hell no it does not bother me. They are only our allies when they need something.

Thank you for posting this, Wil.

IF Kerry is elected, THEN you WILL see the draft reinstated. It is Democrats in Congress who have authored the legislation to reinstate the draft and it is John Kerry who has stated that he does not see any "other way to do it" ("prosecute" a "war") UNLESS there is a draft.

President Bush, on the other hand, has been clear throughout his Presidency that he is NOT going to reinstate the draft. The all-volunteer military has and is working under President Bush; however, a Kerry in the White House will likely have to have a draft reinstated inorder to "do" a war effort.

So, by electing Kerry, you Democrats will, in effect, manage to get your draft reinstated.

You should have supported President Bush and voted for him, if the draft issue is what is most paramount to your voting process, as to being something you "fear" for "your children."

Kerry will need a non-voluntary military, however, given his problematic history as character, something that many military and pro-military individuals have a problem with, as to Kerry's character...among which is a probably less than honorable discharge from military service, something Kerry has worked quite fervently to prevent being made public. Thus, his published and edited "military records" on his campaign site, but his refusal to sign the permissions form by which his full records could be made public. With the Navy's help, however, Kerry's past records, in full, might soon be available to the public. It may be too late, however, to prevent a person who campaigned upon covertly misleading millions.

If Kerry is the best the Democrats could do, they DESERVE to lose to Bush. Kerry is a proven liar who takes more sides on issues than panels on a Rubik's cube. Get him to sign an SF-180 to release his military records and we'll talk. The Dems have done everything they can to show that Bush didn't meet his service requirements (of which I personally believe that he didn't, but was given as pass, not based on who he was but his overall service record and the policies in place at the time) while Kerry has lied about his service, slandered his 'fellow' soldiers and refuses to release HIS service records. Until then, B.S. walks. It goes to the (lack of) character of the man.

It it always better to vote FOR something than AGAINST somthing else. Kerry brings nothing to vote FOR.

I'm not voting for either. They both disgust me. I find my local bond issues and state ammendments much more pleasant to consider. My protest is leaving the president column blank; not that it matters in my state anyway. I considered voting for a candidate that more closely matches my personal beliefs, but the lack of experience makes that candidate a joke too.

BTW, the way you will feel if Bush gets elected is how millions felt when Clinton got re-elected. I'm sure you'll deal (or become an angry shell of a person who throws money at the opposition and will say anything to defeat them: George Soros?????)

Crying is what some people do best.

I actually saw an Iraqi woman cry once. She was happy someone had finally avenged the deaths of her husband and sons (three of them) when we cleared her town of Ba'athists. This was not the only scene of Iraqis showing immense gratitude towards not only American forces but all of the military forces we worked alongside. But from what I understand, none of this kind of news is popular in the US and now that I have been back, I see it is true.

It amazes me the different perceptions you folks have over what is worth doing and what is worth ignoring.

I also find it disheartening that the fact women are voting in Afghanistan and soon in Iraq goes unnoticed by people who claim women's rights around the globe are actually a concern of their's. No US president has done more for universal women's rights than this one. And no one cares....

How many on this thread have done something to serve this country - military or not?

How many just enjoy the birth-right?

How many have an actual stake in what is happening in this world?

The more I talk to those who really oppose the President, the more I support him. For very, very few have a single iota of personal experience with those things that have formed their opinions. And little or no interest in doing anything to make the world a better place.

Communism, facism, and slavery were not conquered by sanctions and debate.

So continue to cry, some people have a real reason to do so, others...well, I just don't see the point.

Feels like the night before the dentist. When you know that toothache is gonna require some drilling.

This is the most asinine thing I've read in a long time. Proof yet again that Hollywood doesn't know jack shit about politics.

John Kerry and John Edwards have been talking tough since their campaign began, but one look at their individual voting records shows that it's just that...talk. Voting to slash the intelligence budget, even after strikes on our nation and cutting the military by nearly 300,000 personnel does not make America stronger. That's the record Kerry and Edwards are really running on. On the other side, President Bush has shown true leadership in the war against terrorism and oppression. He knows that we have no choice but to fight terrorist and that no matter how tempting it may be, we cannot afford to go back to a September 10th mentality. We have made a serious dent in the al queada terror network and have overthrown the taliban and Saddam Hussein, turning both countries from sponsors of world-wide terror to budding democracies, and freeing millions of women and children from the grips of oppression. On the home front, unemployment is steady at 5.4 percent, and the labor department reported today that 175,000 new jobs were created in the month of October. Home ownership is at an all time high, the stock market is steadily climbing and inflation is almost nil. Taxes have been cut across the board, not just for the rich. The Bush tax cuts have put approximately 2,000 more dollars in my pocket this past year. By way of comparison, my union (Which is supporting Kerry) negotiated a measly 1 percent raise for the rank and file, which comes out to about 8 dollars a pay. Once again the facts differ from the rhetoric and lies of the Kerry/Edwards team. If faith matters at all in this election then people of faith should look towards George Bush. The alternative would be 4 years of partially born babies aborted, the pushing of a homosexual agenda, legally assisted suicide, and tiny fetuses growing in labs awaiting the harvesting of their stem-cells. All of this will be tax-payer funded of course. George Bush cares for and supports life in all its stages, and this brings me to social security reform. Allowing younger workers to invest a portion of the social security any way they want, while continuing to fund those current recipients of social security greatly differs from the Kerry/Edwards plan of doing nothing and letting young workers face the prospect of working until they're well into their seventies. For example, if I'd have been able to invest just 10 percent of my SS contribution I'd have close to 75,000 waiting for me right now, and I'm only 39 years old. At the current rate of growth for my market investments, if I work another 20 years I would have close to 200,000 waiting for me. This is in addition to my pension and my individual retirement fund. I could retire at 59 and not have to find a part time job. Privatizing only a portion of SS would greatly benefit younger Americans and this would in no way affect the benefits being paid now to retirees. In closing, I can find no areas that Kerry and Edwards will handle better than President Bush, and that's why I'll cast my vote today for Bush and Cheney.

John Kerry and John Edwards have been talking tough since their campaign began, but one look at their individual voting records shows that it's just that...talk. Voting to slash the intelligence budget, even after strikes on our nation and cutting the military by nearly 300,000 personnel does not make America stronger. That's the record Kerry and Edwards are really running on. On the other side, President Bush has shown true leadership in the war against terrorism and oppression. He knows that we have no choice but to fight terrorist and that no matter how tempting it may be, we cannot afford to go back to a September 10th mentality. We have made a serious dent in the al queada terror network and have overthrown the taliban and Saddam Hussein, turning both countries from sponsors of world-wide terror to budding democracies, and freeing millions of women and children from the grips of oppression. On the home front, unemployment is steady at 5.4 percent, and the labor department reported today that 175,000 new jobs were created in the month of October. Home ownership is at an all time high, the stock market is steadily climbing and inflation is almost nil. Taxes have been cut across the board, not just for the rich. The Bush tax cuts have put approximately 2,000 more dollars in my pocket this past year. By way of comparison, my union (Which is supporting Kerry) negotiated a measly 1 percent raise for the rank and file, which comes out to about 8 dollars a pay. Once again the facts differ from the rhetoric and lies of the Kerry/Edwards team. If faith matters at all in this election then people of faith should look towards George Bush. The alternative would be 4 years of partially born babies aborted, the pushing of a homosexual agenda, legally assisted suicide, and tiny fetuses growing in labs awaiting the harvesting of their stem-cells. All of this will be tax-payer funded of course. George Bush cares for and supports life in all its stages, and this brings me to social security reform. Allowing younger workers to invest a portion of the social security any way they want, while continuing to fund those current recipients of social security greatly differs from the Kerry/Edwards plan of doing nothing and letting young workers face the prospect of working until they're well into their seventies. For example, if I'd have been able to invest just 10 percent of my SS contribution I'd have close to 75,000 waiting for me right now, and I'm only 39 years old. At the current rate of growth for my market investments, if I work another 20 years I would have close to 200,000 waiting for me. This is in addition to my pension and my individual retirement fund. I could retire at 59 and not have to find a part time job. Privatizing only a portion of SS would greatly benefit younger Americans and this would in no way affect the benefits being paid now to retirees. In closing, I can find no areas that Kerry and Edwards will handle better than President Bush, and that's why I'll cast my vote today for Bush and Cheney.

Thanks for your words Wil.

For those of you who took the time to learn for yourself the untold damage this president has done to our country, I thank you.

As for the rest of you people who are voting for Bush, I implore you to stop watching FauxNews and get your news from OTHER sources. Each time I read something here from a conservative or a republican who supports the Shrub, it's glaringly obvious you haven't spent any time researching the facts about this administration.

I'll leave you all with this thought:
Why is the person who is actually responsible for the attacks on 9/11 still at large while our administration kill tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians? Is that acceptable to any of you?
guardian

Wil, great post...my sentiments exactly.
In 2001, I became a father and have been horrified by what the Bush Administration has done--the lies they have told, the NeoCon agenda they have pushed on us. During the Presidental debates I would joke at work that I did not watch them because I am trying to teach my son no to lie and having GW on TV does not set a good example. I want to teach my son that America is great and America is Good.

The Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive strikes anywhere in the world we feel like hitting was taken to its full --and some would say logical-- conclusion in Iraq. Nearly 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died according to a new Johns Hopkins study. Much ill has been done in our name.

America is the greatest, most powerful nation on the planet. With Bush (hopefully) out of office soon, maybe we can start acting responsibly and morally.

(I'd better stop now or I won't be able to stop.)
Thanks again for your thoughts.
BTW, I have really enjoyed "Dancing Barefoot" and the journey you present in "Just a Geek"

Look, ma! Free range Freepers! Best fertilizer EVER.

That said, get your hankies ready. This genuine conservative sure as hell didn't vote for the liberals-who-done-got-Jesus party candidates, but they'll probably win anyway.

FAUXnews? LOL!

That ranks up there with CBS is a news source to be trusted. And the UN has actually done good for the planet in the last oh,...decade. Sudan anyone? Oil-for-Food anyone? Will veto in the Security Council for kickbacks? Gotta love those "allies."

I would love to hear what part of my post came from Fox News.

And what part of anyone's here has come from personal experience....

Strangely enough, I'm going to the dentist the day after election -- twice.

And just out of curiosity, Wil, what does a comment about Hammas ("Now, watch this drive...") have to do with what happened on 9/11, in your opinion?

You do know the day that golf scene was shot, a suicide bomber (and not an American Christian one to many's dismay) had just killed innocent people in Israel that day, right? And that was the question posed at the time, right? You do know the facts surrounding the quote do you not?

I have no problem when someone supports Bush with eloquent and well put-together arguments. Congratulations to Wil for expressing his opinion in a civil, civilised and eloquent manner. As for me, I'm pessimistic about a Kerry win - the odds are 5-1 on Bush getting a second term in the White House. I would point out that there are plenty of good conservative politicians that would make far better Presidents than George Bush. John McCain is one example that comes to mind. I'm sure that Conservative supporters can think of plenty of others.

If the draft gets reintroduced, I'm willing to shelter any draft-dodgers that I can. In my community, we have people (who have since done quite well for themselves) who came up here to escape the Vietnam war. We've done it before and we'll do it again.

It seems a lot of people will "cry" if Bush wins.

But no-one has said they would "cry" if Kerry wins.

Says something......

Personally, I think Bush did a kick ass job of running this country given the circumstances. Can you remember 9/11/01? If we DIDN'T do something then we would've invited more terror! It would've been like, "Hey you guys... we don't care... come on back now, ya hear?! Hit the pentagon a little lower and to the left next time! :) "

I still think you're an awesome person, but politically, I think that you have a totally warped view...which is fine- my best friend is also an avid Kerry voter, but to each his own.

I would not feel safe with Scary Kerry as president. He can't make up his mind about anything- and he was a supporter and still is supported by the American Communist Party. Do we want a communist government?? No.. I don't think so...

GWB started the war on terror, and only GWB can bring it to a close. He was right to start a war on terror- it was the only forseeable way at that moment in time...sure, there have been mistakes, and casualties, but what war does not have these things? And although GWB is wrongfully slated as "starting this war", isn't an attack on several important government buildings, where entire cities are at danger a DECLARATION of war?? Al Queida STARTED the war... GWB just kicked their asses for it.

Anyhow- there are two things that no matter how hard you differ, you cannot deter ones opinion on- religion is one, and politics is the other... so in short, I just think you're wrong, but you have a right to vote for whoever you wish...

Have a good one!
*Melinda*

IF John Kerry wins- I WILL CRY-- OUT OF FEAR- and then I will probably shoot myself...because it's coming anyway with that jerk in office!

You should understand that there is zero chance of a military draft if Bush is re-elected--none--nada. The reason is that the voluntary armed forces are much more effective than any conscript service. Only the Democrats are lobbying for a revival of the draft. So logically you should expect to see the draft reinstated if Kerry wins.

Hey Wil,

I am from the East Coast of Australia and we just recently had our own Federal (National) Election. Unlike in the US our vote is compulsory. Mainly because our population is too small to take the chance on giving people the choice of voting.

Reading your election posting recalled a lot of the memories of uneasiness that many of us felt during our election. In our case the majority of the country voted for and successfully re-elected John Howard. This man has been accused of a lot of things over the past 12-18 months and has had a lot of mud thrown his way. Many people the world over probably wonder why we voted him back in.

But in all honesty the alternative of voting for Mark Latham scared a lot of us. While voting him in may not have had the same repercussions as a vote for George W. It was a vote that threatened to hurt our economy, hurt the chances of young families from ever owning their own homes, and hurt our relationship with our allies (including the US)by withdrawing our troops from Iraq.

I may not agree with the war as it stands but I agree that we must support our allies if we expect them to come to our aid in a time of crisis.

I am thankful that our vote ended as it did and I hope that the you can feel the same relief at the end of your election when they announce your new President as I did when they announced our new Prime Minister.

cheers
Lauren

If the U.S. worked in cooperation with the U.N., you wouldn't need to worry about running out of troops.

Bush and his administration are bullies. He cuts taxes for the rich and yet runs up a huge deficit. His dad had quite the definicit too. I thought repulicans were supposed to be fiscally responsible. It looks like democrats are the ones who can deliver on balance budgets.

Please understand this if you understand nothing else. Iraq was not invaded for the reasons you believed. It's all about the oil. They used the lives of those who died on 9/11 as a excuse to invade. It's shameful. Bush are his administration are bad people who are directly profiting from a war targeted at innocent people. The U.S. citizens get to pay that bill.

Uh, ANC I hate to rain on your parade, but the UN is feckless and has been for years now.

Look at how Saddam abused them for over a decade.

Ask the Sudanese how the UN has helped them.

Ask an Iraqi how much of that Oil-for-Vetoes, er, Food money got to them.

The UN is a farce and serves no purpose. A huge percentage of the members are dictators and totalitarian regimes and you want to tell me they represent the will of their citizens in world affairs?

The US benefits from nothing in the UN.

Has not since Korea.

Um sweetie... the Republicans, including George W. Bush do NOT want a draft. The DEMOCRATS do. I don't know how many times that must be shouted at you people before you get it through your heads. You need to look things up and actually research them instead of just being a parrort and saying things just because of some other misinformed people in this country are saying it. Seriously folks a bill was brought up about the draft BY DEMOCRATS to be voted on. How did Kerry and Edwards vote? Neither one showed up.

Wil,

Wisdom comes with age. A person becomes "older and wiser." You're just a youngster. You'll learn. All I will say is--my vote cancelled yours out...this is democracy.

Freeman

This all just a bunch of political tripe. Especial the comment by Paul Stephen. What's next? Bush and the born-agains want to eat our babies? I've noticed a disturbing trend. Christians get blamed for all the ills in America. I think I remember another religious group that was blamed for the down fall of certain country. Somewhere in Europe. Say, around 1938. Think about it.

"just think about the very real possibility of a Supreme Court stacked with Bush appointments: goodbye freedom of choice. Goodbye freedom from religion. Goodbye equal rights for homosexuals."

I know you'll probably read what I'm about to say and think I'm an idiot or something, but I assure you that I'm an intelligent person who just happens to have very strong beliefs, for very good reasons, which just happen to be different than yours. That being said, my response to the above quote is:

Sounds good to me!

I'm just glad I know I won't be the only one shedding tears when it's confirmed Ohio went to The Liar.

That even the popular vote validated those lies, at a cost of over 100,000 human lives, is despicable.

This nothing short of an insult to the rest of the world - sans Isreal and Russia, that is.

well i sure cried. they're saying dubya's lead in Ohio is "statistically insurmountable"

not to state the obvious but we are so screwed. i think this was an election of the world, not just America. i'm not American but i was up til 6am my time. with an effin headache too.

and all to see bush win. joy. :(

Please show me something other than hearsay and punditry that leads you to believe that there will be a draft. This is Democratic fear-mongering at its worst. Another tool in the tool box. I voted... Libertarian.

Bush Wins!!! Woohoo!

To all those crying, I gladly extend a handkerchief, and a shoulder to cry on.

There, there... don't cry. Everything's going to be okay.

Honest ;-)

Uh, Wil?

Refering back to your 2nd-to-last pargraph "So if..."

George Bush is actually AGAINST the draft, FYI.
Anyway, ttfn

I grew up in a Europe in the grip of a cold war. I never felt as threatened by the Soviet Union as I now do by the Bush Administration States.

Sad days ahead if you're not a Haliburton shareholder.

This post struck so many cords with me. As a UK national, you're right - Dubya has destroyed America in the eyes of the world. My mind boggles when I try to understand how he has come to be re-elected - the man has turned an economy with a budget surplus into a multi-billion dollar deficit! I can't even begin to understand how he's managed to do it, and that's only one of the many, many things that frightens me when it comes to George W.
So Wil, you're not the only one sitting down today and crying. I'm really, really scared of what's going to come.

Wil, I really don't think the majority of the rest of the world hates America.
They may dislike Bush and some of the other politicians but there is still great love for people of America and what they have contributed to the world. That ain't changing no matter who is elected.
That's the way I feel anyway.

Ferris (British)

Cry Cry you liberal losers. Bush won. Also, I give a crap about what the rest of the world thinks. What is best for the United States comes first and foremost. The rest can wait in line.

???

So if George W. Bush wins, I will sit down, and I will cry. I will cry for my children, who will most certainly face a military draft, and I will cry for my country, because I believe that America can, and must, do better than George W. Bush.

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

Come on Wil. Don't believe everything the Democrats say. I personally don't believe most things either the Democrats or Republicans say.

The draft issue sounds like last minute fear mongering to me.

One other thing, the "voter intimidation problem" panned out to be pretty much non-existent.

Seriously don't jump on the first thing you hear.

I don't even live in the US and this election is everywhere!
Without hurting anyones feelings or going against anyones beliefs I do believe that it is wrong that Bush has won...again! He has projected such a bad image onto America, one that many people in Britain find it hard to ignore. Tony Blair is no better and when our time comes to vote, I hope his term, unlike Bush's, comes to an end.
Now...let's talk about something else

"I will sit down, and I will cry."

What a wuss.

http://www.thenoiz.com/photoblog/2004/11/to-wil-wheaton.html

Well little Willie, please don't cry just because a MAJORITY of the citizens re-elected me. Perhaps instead of crying, you should take a real hard introspective look inside yourself and THINK that MAYBE that MAJORITY of citizens may know something that YOU don't. If you really do decide to move to France or something, let me know, and I'll put in a good word to Jacques for ya.

Oh and BTW, Laura sends her best.

God Bless You and the United States of America.

GWB

Draft my butt. No one would be stupid enough to install the draft again, because people would actually start to care, and our stupid government certainly can't have any of that right now.

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!! LIVE IT OR LIVE WITH IT, YOU TALENTLESS HACK

Will someone please explain to me why this washed up has-been thinks anyone cares what he thinks about politics? This is the ultimate in narcissism, thinking that we are held in thrall by the prodigious outpourings from his lil' pin head...Well, having followed the blog trail to here, I now eradicate all traces of it from my web browser, and leave him (and his hapless band of syncophants) to quietly contemplate seppuku, preferably as soon as possible, thereby freeing up bandwidth for the web celebrations that are about to start up..

"Inflammatory comments will be deleted." I suggest you start with your entire blog. You're a waste of good bandwidth. Right after you sit down and have a good cry, that is. Here's a kleenex.

Our long national nightmare CONTINUES.

Very disheartening.

But oh man, John Kerry . . . what a class act in conceding.

Interesting... "goodbye freedom of choice. Goodbye freedom from religion. Goodbye equal rights for homosexuals."

You do have a choice, the choice to practice safe sex. There is no such thing as freedom "from" religion... it's freedom OF religion. In the words of Jefferson, "Congress shall pass no law respecting religion or prohibiting the free excercise thereof." Thus... freedom OF religion, not FROM it. Also, homosexuals have the same rights as everyone else. A gay man can marry a woman and a lesbian can marry a man, just like anyone else.

No chance of a draft???? How do you know that for sure? Because you believe everything they tell you? I can't believe how many adult human beings are so naive.
Bush also said that he didn't want to privatize Social Security.....he's already talking about doing it and he was only re elected 2 days ago. He's a crooked career politician, just like all the others. I'm going to drag my handbasket out and fix the holes in it because I don't want to fall out on the way to HELL, 'cause that's where we're headed.

Sigh...
Now don't you feel kind of stupid? If not, give it some time and you will. Grow a backbone and find a new hobby. Maybe that will help.

Just to correct some misconceptions in the comments here:

1) Yes, it's the democrats that pushed for the draft; there's no way there will be a draft. After Vietnam, any politician passing a draft faces political suicide. Since politicians only care about getting elected/re-elected, there will be no draft.

2) The whole Social Security thing is ludicrous. First of all, it's not Bush's plan; it's one of three reform models proposed by a BIPARTISAN committee in 2001. Bush hasn't even chosen which reform model he's going to pick yet. (www.factcheck.org)

Wil:

I hope that our nation can start to heal now.

I have spent 13 years in the USAF and believe me the last thing we (the active Military) wants is a draft.

The only Bill introduced to start a draft was started by congressman Jim McDermit and NY Sen. Charles Rengal. The vote was like 99-1 in the Senate against a draft.

You kids seem safe from a draft.

Kerry would have not been the choice. The man is as about as much of an idiot as Michael Moore. Stay the course with Bush, and you will see a better America. As far as the crying goes? Get the Fuck over it.

Y'all need to realize that lots of Americans don't buy into the progressive ideal. We don't like having our noses rubbed in your perversions. We're not homophobic, and we really don't care what two consenting adults do in the privacy of their own home, but hey, do try to keep it out of our courthouse.

People keep going on about how Bush is evil incarnate and Kerry was the Great White Hope. Some of us found this strange, since Kerry admitted to being a war criminal, a serial killer, and a mass-murderer. (Please note: War criminals are people who kill innocent civilians, as Kerry admitted to doing. That's murder. And doing it repeatedly as Kerry claims to have done in his four month tour makes him a serial killer. As to the mass murder bit, that's killing two or more people in one incident, again, which Kerry admits to) Some PEACE candidate there, eh?

To top this off, Kerry went far beyond merely protesting the Vietnam war, he committed treason by providing both and and comfort to our enemies. He doesn't deny this, but basically claimed that "Treason is Patriotic." On top of that, the records he posted on his site make it appear that he was actually given an "Other Than Honorable" discharge from the military in the early 1970's, and was essentially "pardoned" by the Carter Administration in 1978. FYI, if you get an OTH discharge, you can apply to have it upgraded after 5 years have passed, and that's EXACTLY what it appears Kerry did.

Democrats have been going further and further into the complete tinfoil-hat loony-bin left. They've abandoned the middle. For example, there are leftists out there who are claiming that Kerry lost because he was too mainstream, despite his being considered to the left of Teddy Kennedy. They're talking about Dean being the head of the DNC. And they're talking about running Hillary in '08. The problem isn't that Middle America has moved to the right, the problem is that the Democratic Party has moved so far to the left. They've alienated huge parts of their historic base, with issues like gay marriage ("We're here, we're queer, get over it!" doesn't play well in much of the country) and gun control. The left portraying religious people as being America's version of the Taliban didn't help either.

The Democrats are marginalizing themselves. Until they stop doing that by abandoning the freaky-far left, they will NOT receive the support of the majority of Americans. And Europe and Canada can go fuck itself.

costa rica adventure | costa rica beach | costa rica coffee | costa rica fishing | costa rica flag | costa rica flight | costa rica honeymoon | costa rica hotel | costa rica information | costa rica lodge | costa rica property | costa rica rain-forest | costa rica real-estate | costa rica resort | costa rica scuba-diving | costa rica sport-fishing | costa rica surf | costa rica tour | costa rica tourism | costa rica travel | costa rica trip | costa rica vacation-package | costa rica vacation-rental | costa rica villa | costa rica volcano | costa rica weather | jaco-costa-rica | manuel-antonio-costa-rica | picture-of-costa | quepos-costa-rica | rental-car-in-costa-rica | san-jose-costa-rica | surfing-costa-rica | tamarindo-costa-rica |