Will The World Sleep Well Tonight?

I slept little last night. 

It's become a pattern.

Now, Rudy can attest I sleep like crap on my best of nights, tossing, turning, wandering around the house, reading, talking to the cats, thinking too much.  But this election has taken things to a new level of nocturnal musings.

Like many, I have lost sleep to the fear, the pure dread of what will become of this country, this world, should John McPOW and Susie Snowmobile attain the White House.  An old man with anger management issues, and a religious narcissist who believes we are in the "end times" and that she will meet Jesus in her lifetime.

I don't want them near the launch codes.  I don't want them near the governing bodies of the countries around the world.  Hell, I don't want them near me in the check-out line at Walmart.

They are dangerous personalities.  They are driven by some backass sense of entitlement.  John's is because he thinks it's "his turn", Sarah's because she thinks she is someone who has been "annointed", "chosen."

In the beginning,  I tried.  I really did.  I tried to see that people could be drawn to their ticket based on her staunch opposition to abortion, her beating of the "culture of life" drum.  That those who so vehemently oppose abortion see the ticket as yet another chance to overturn Roe v Wade, to legislate a woman's body.

Single issue voters, they.

I tried to look at McCain's contributions.  It's no mystery to me why my 80 year old neighbor has a sign planted in his yard for John and Sarah.  He's 80.  He's a veteran.  He is set in his ways.  And like many old people, change just doesn't sit well with them.  Things like ATMs, the Internet, cell phones - these are all scary.  (I am not surmising here - I am speaking from firsthand experience with a family member.)

I've tried to allow that there are many women in this country who are simply excited to vote for someone who shares physical traits with them like breasts, ovaries, lipstick.  I don't respect these women and, yes, view them as sheeple.  I have seen enough of them interviewed to make that assessment.  They do not care about being up to speed on the candidates, the issues, bettering themselves through knowledge.  They just see someone with shiny hair, who talks in bad English, and is thinly educated like them.

Sad that they don't realize Sarah Palin wouldn't give them the time of day in the real world.  Sarah has "climber" written all over her.  She is the cheerleader in high school who smiles at you during the week of Homecoming voting, then makes fun of you at the dance while she holds court in her crown, surrounding herself with only the "cool" kids.

She wants your vote, not your friendship.  Now move on, loser.

I have invested months and months and months in this election cycle.  I have never done that before.  Sure, I would write a cursory article or three, mostly about how badly the candidates treat one another.  But I never got involved to the degree I have this time.

This time around I have read every word I can find, studied polls, graphs, charts, watched interview after interview, sat through countless Sunday morning talk shows, endured endless stump speeches via CNN.

And what I have seen is telling.  In a campaign driven by vitriol, fueled by invective and smears, the best moments of John McCain's campaign both only happened since Saturday.

1.  His self deprecating appearance on SNL.

2.  His public statement on the death of Barack Obama's grandmother.

Those are the highwater marks in a campaign run from the sewer.

The Obama campaign has stayed focused, refusing to be drawn into the gutter.  Barack had ample opportunity to go after the choice of Sarah Palin.  Her closet is a veritable graveyard of skeletons.  Troopergate, amended tax returns, abuse of power, pregnant teen daughter, $150K wardrobe to be an "everyman", Alaska Independence Party, zero national or international awareness prior to the campaign, Bridge to Nowhere, earmarks, and on and on and on...

He didn't.  He declared families off limits.  Came to the defense of Bristol Palin and told the press to "back off."  (Sarah never said Thank you, she simply kept flinging feces like some monkey in a zoo.) When Michelle Obama was being attacked, he did not turn around and drag Cindy McCain's drug addled, haute coutured, criminal corpse into the spotlight.

And the world has paid attention.

The world has duly noted that one candidate is a pandering, angry, war mongering old fool, and the other is a peace loving, thoughtful, articulate, educated, measured, focused, citizen.

McCain is only interested in the power of the Presidency in terms of how it will change HIS life. 

Barack Obama is interested in harnessing the power to change our lives. 

He has made millions of us wake up to the fact that CHANGE does not trickle down, CHANGE grows from the roots up, blossoming as it does.  CHANGE begins with US.  He understands that in such critical, frightening times, an engaged, empowered electorate is not just a nicety, it is a necessity. 

This nation, this world, stands today at a crossroad.  What happens in those voting booths will determine whether our best days are behind us (McCain), or our best days are yet to come (Obama).

I will be holding my breath as the results begin to trickle in tonight.  I know you will be as well.  And I know we are joined by people all around this globe who see what so many of us do - HOPE.

Will I, will you, will the world sleep better tonight?

It is my most fervent wish.  I simply cannot survive another four years discussing world events with my cat at midnight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Note:  Dixville Notch, the tiny New Hampshire town - brought to the fore as "Hartsfield's Landing" by a memorable West Wing episode in season three - with only 21 votes cast (that's 100% of registered voters there), has given Obama his first "landside."  For the first time since 1968, the town overwhelmingly voted Democratic - 15 votes for Obama, 6 for John McCain.  Let's hope this is a harbinger of results to come.

Comments

[Jean in MI]

I hear you Linda, I just voted this morning and am so proud to have the opportunity to be a part of history. Because it is my fervent hope that history will be made in the next 24 hours! Please, everyone get out and vote, every single one counts.

I just shake my head at this article. You just never understood the real issues at all, Linda, and my fervent hope is that tonite or tomorrow morning, those of us with completely different values can sleep in peace, knowing that we have experience in the white house that understands how the world works, and isn't going to give my money to people who never held a job....Go McCain/Palin!

[Linda Sharp to Anonymous]

You are entitled to your opinion. As am I to mine.

Yes, I do understand the "real issues" as you call them. And I want someone in the White House who understands the big picture. That is not a warmongerer like McCain and it is definitely not a "prayer warrior" like Sarah Palin.

It stymies me how so many Republicans have made being Harvard educated some kind of slur. When you all know damn well that if Harvard accepted your child, you'd be pissing your pants in pride. And how holding up Joe The Plumber as some backass "hero" appeals to you. His name is NOT Joe, he is not a real plumber, he does not pay his taxes, and is now a reality TV whore. You have all voted stupidity into the White House before and see where it has gotten us.

Oh, and as for redistribution of wealth? What the hell do you people think income tax is? Are you consulted by the White House as to how you want your tax dollars spent?

And your money currently goes to people who have never worked. You all act like Obama is going to "invent" welfare.

[Michelle from Virginia]

I know we don't really support it, but I've been praying nonetheless that it's God's will for Barack to win. I was sick to my stomach last night and this morning worrying about what the outcome will be.

I have this political cartoon entitled "Undecided Voter 2008" where a man is saying to his coworker "I dunno... maybe I'll move to Canada if McCain's elected, maybe not..." ::sigh:: Let's hope none of us are driven to take that too seriously.

So, vote! Si se puede!

[Lisa in Ohio]

I woke up this morning at 5am. For the first time in many days, I did not feel fear or dread. As weird as it may sound, I awoke with an overwhelming feeling of hope. I don't think I have ever felt quite like this.

[Lori in Texas]

For the Anonymous Coward:

95% of *WORKING* Americans will get a tax break under Obama's tax plan. It's convenient how Repubs continue to ignore that one important word. Unemployed people are not subject to tax breaks.

Anonymous, you said, "...my fervent hope is that tonite or tomorrow morning, those of us with completely different values can sleep in peace..."

Ahhhh, but you people never do. Once one imagined threat disappears in a puff of truth, your type goes right back to work to inventing something new to be afraid of. Your type of person, with your conservative, right-wing "pseudo-values" simply lives for fear and boogey-monster destruction.

Those of us with hope in our hearts and a positive attitude tend to sleep well all the time. You might try it, Anonymous.

[Liz in CT to anonymous]

As an 11+ year employee of my state's Dept. of Social Services (I suppose you would call it free money or hand-outs to people who don't want to work), this federal program was hugely overhauled circa 1995 - a major change being time limits imposed. A single mom with a new baby can anticipate a paltry sum of money to help her get through a whopping 18 months. Thankfully, the medical benefits (for children) apply to many more households, as does the food stamp program and energy assistance program.
Yikes....you may even know someone who is receiving one of these programs and keeping their children healthy, fed and warm. Count your blessings that you do not have to choose between heating your house and feeding your child.

[Jean in MI]

Love you Lori!! On to Victory!

[Michelle from Virginia]

I know that we (on the blog) don't really support it, but I've been praying that it's in God's will for Barack to win. I was sick to my stomach last night and this morning about what the outcome will be.

I have this political cartoon entitled "Undecided Voter 2008" where a guy is saying to his coworker "I dunno... Maybe I'll move to Canada if McCain's elected, maybe not..." ::sigh:: Let's hope we don't have to take that too seriously.

So, vote for change! Si se puede!

[Michelle from Virginia]

Oops. It hadn't posted, so I wrote it again. Sorry!

[Toni in Dallas]

I don't get it. Do you thrive on hate? Have you ever thought to do some research? I could recommend some really great reading. Please search you heart for some compassion. I woke up this morning with hope in my heart. I have now added another level of hope. I hope that people like no name gain peace and happiness in their life's. I hope that they can tear themselves away from the negative forces that are pulling them down. I hope they gain the strength to follow their own path, not blindly follow someone because they can't think for themselves. Why would someone being able to pay a bill or have food for their family be so threatening to you? It's time to stop the "me" mentality and start caring about your fellow humans. OK, so their not the same color or drive a nice car like you, but they matter. What about everyone being happy instead of one little group of elites upsets you? What about being responsible for our own bodies scares you?

[Rebecca]

V-ictory
O-bama
T-oday's
E-lection

God Bless America! I will pray for whomever is elected. Both are human beings, both deserve the respect that comes with the position, both have parents and families who love them and are proud of them. Both have their flaws and their attributes and both will have a plate full of "holy crap!" to take care of when they take office. Whomever it is, may they preside with wisdom, courage, and in strength and unity to put what is best for the country first.
Thank you Linda and all the posters here for all the input over this campaign. It certainly has helped me and encouraged me to do my research and dig a little deeper than just the ads on TV etc. Remember, whether we agree or disagree... we are all in this together. Blessings and Peace to all.

[Liz in CT to Rebecca]

Right on, Rebecca.

[Theresa from Virginia]

I am excited and hopeful and so many other positive emotions today. The results of today's election - President Barack Hussein Obama (as Bill Maher said, who would have thought 7 years after 9/11 we would think a black man with a Muslim name would be a good idea for President) - will be a referendum against so many things that we recognize as wrong in our country right now, but also a referendum for hope and change and equality and peace and love and ...

I'm heading to the polls in about another hour - thought I would wait until most people are off to work. It's raining and yucky here in Hampton Roads Virginia, but tomorrow is going to be a bright, bright sun shiny day!

[MPolo]

I too, slept like crap last night. I could not get to sleep in anticipation and excitement for the first time ever, in voting. And when I finally did fall asleep, it was short-lived. I likely could have been the 1st person at the polls in my town this morning, and come home and gone back to bed. But alas, I'm glued to the TV, entirely enthralled with the turnout. I can sleep tonight, when this historic election is behind us, and Obama wins by a landslide. I have a bottle of champagne chilled and at the ready to celebrate this monumental, historical victory. I had been saving it for a long time... for a time when I felt the need to celebrate something bigger than myself and some lil' mile marker in my humble lil' life. And when Obama wins tonight, while I'll likely be alone popping the cork, I suspect I will merely be echoing the masses across our country in both my excitement and relief and sheer happiness. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting for Mom and Dad to wake up, so we can see if Santa Claus showed up during our slumber. What a long year it's been, and how hopeful I am it is just the start of something big in our country with Obama/Biden at the reins to guide us.

Btw, why is that more times than not, these driveby Obama bashers are not only condescending in their posts, they're not proud enough to even be bothered to sign their names? Seriously, why bother? If you're not strong enough in your supposed convictions, no less being able to candidly and plainly support them, what's the point? So hoping the arrogance and the ignorance magnified in this race will singe up like an ant under a magnifying glass on a sunny day, once the race has been called.

[Pat to DGMS]

Over the past few weeks, I have been asked by some friends and acquaintances, why I am getting so hot over "their" election. Why I'm spending so much time reading and watching everything I can find, and why I feel the need to discuss it so much. I also think I've mentioned before that I've had people who I feel have insulted me by comparing me to Sarah Palin because of my resemblance to her, and that I am a hockey mom. (I've since cut my hair quite short and have gone back to wearing my contacts, it's bothered me THAT much)
I've since given up trying to explain to these people that this isn't just a U.S. election, this is a world election. That when Obama wins today, that most of the world collectively can rest easier at night, but that if McCain wins, there will be even more unrest in our world.

Unfortunately, your country doesn't hold the exclusivity on sheeple.

I'm so glad that I've met all of you, and have cheered you on as you've brought other over from "the dark side"

I get chills when I hear Obama speak, and have hope that he will turn your country around and make things safer not only for your children and grandchildren, but for my chidren and grandchildren, and everyone's around the world.

I'll be busy today, but will be sitting in front of the T.V. tonight, and in the chat room too.

[Liz]

I am a regular lurker and an occassional poster. Just wanted to say that we were in line to vote at 5:30am this morning-our polls open at 6am. My husband and I took our two young boys with us. It was amazing to see how many people turned out to vote-could not believe the lines. I was happy to be there so early to cast my vote-and to see the number of people waiting patiently to do the same. Our boys were very excited to receive their "I Voted" stickers! Happy Election Day everyone!

wow Rebecca! Hats off to you! That is absolutely the nicest post I've ever seen on this site from an obama supporter. Most of us who dissent don't sign our names simply because we get the verbal crap beat out of us from Linda on down if we don't spout your party line. Thanks you so much! I too pray for both and especially whomever wins--he will certainly have his hands full!

[Toni in Dallas]

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue". ;0) I'm already in tears this morning. The liquor store doesn't even open for another 2 hours and I don't even drink. My stomach is in knots. I guess I need to get dressed and go somewhere away from TV's , computers and news for a few hours.

[Ron to anonymous]

You must not come on this site often, Linda is always respectful other people's viewpoints and loves to hear (as we all do), passionate McCain supporters. The problem is there just aren't many. Most are anti-Obama hate mongers who fear a black "muslim" president and dont really have anything positive to offer up from the conservative side but instead more of the same Karl Rove run on fear tactics.

[AnnieJJ]

I too had a terrible time getting to sleep last night. I kept thinking about Obama's grandmother and how sad it is that she didn't live to see this day. I thought about the many ways the election might be stolen. I thought about things that would have woken me up screaming if I had just been able to sleep. I'm hopeful, but I'm worried. I hope that as the results start to come in, I'll feel better. Thank you for "listening".

[Diane in Evansville]

Ron, truer words were never spoken!

[Jacque]

I'm one of those typically tossing and turning at night as well, but for some reason, I slept like a baby last night. I got up before God this morning and got out to cast my vote. I waited over an hour outside in the dark with a temp of about 45.

I feel so good about my decision and pray that we get the president we deserve. Obama is a wonderful man whose messages have brought not only a potential for change, but hope and class as well. My home is divided and my husband will be going to cancel out my vote when he gets home from work today, but that's ok....I don't know if he knows where his voter registration card is! HA!

I'm hoping/praying that I sleep as well tonight as I did last night!

[Linda Sharp to Anonymous]

"Beat down"? I don't think so.

You came in here talking down to me, dismissing my views. I said you are entitled to your opinion.

really ron? Look above after the second post--is that your idea of respectful? She swore no less than four times in her reply and belittled the whole way through...more of the same here. Read the other posts in reply to that one--all filled with hate except for "rebecca"'s. Makes me wonder what the reaction will be when McCain wins...