How the election was received in my little corner of the world

[linazelle]

I'm strangely calm after talking to people today at work who voted for Kerry but don't seem to give much of a shit that he conceded. They don't seem to realize what was at stake. It's discouraging to see cavalier attitudes knowing what has gone into getting the vote out, and how much we know that people have no idea about.

I watched one guy a work--who I suspect is gay and who also has a picture of his idol Richard Nixon hanging in his office (no joke)--pouring champagne and offering consolation hugs to whomever he could.

My personal friends and family, however, are a blessing. My boyfriend said while watching the returns last night that something was wrong. My friend called and we searched for a way to explain the red map while Kerry got no votes. Maybe they were waiting until the end to list Kerry's states. Maybe they were trying to keep the west coasters from going to the polls. We ended the conversation when there was no letup of the bad news.

Mom told me last night that if Kerry won she was going to wake up and shout with joy to the rooftops. Well, she shouted like crazy when I talked to her today but not in joy. She ranted about how crooked the election was and how the people in Ohio were disenfranchised--all without any prompting from me. That made me feel good, that at least the people I love and care about the most recognize this atrocity for what it is. At least they understand. I just wish more people did.