Stranger To My Country

First of all, I am terribly worried for all of you in Hurricane Ike's path. While you probably won't see this, since you are all fleeing (you are fleeing, right? Or safe already, I hope? Please don't stay there!), know my prayers are with you and your families.
________________________________________________

The latest political controversy--this stupid fucking "lipstick on a pig" flap--has once again caused me to be completely enraged. First of all, the whole concept of the Republicans crying sexism over this flap--claiming that Obama was thinking of Palin as the lipsticked pig--is so completely and utterly hypocritical that it defies reason. After all, here's a clip of McCain calling Hillary Clinton's economic plan "lipstick on a pig" and Rachel Maddow (oh, how I adore Rachel Maddow) had a group of seven or eight clips of McCain using the phrase.

But what bothers me the most about it, is that I just know that someone, somewhere is buying this spun crap and thinking to themselves, "See, Obama really is a sexist. Maybe I'd better vote for McCain since he at least picked a woman for a running mate."

*head explodes*

But I realize, after I calm down, that my real problem is something totally different.

My real problem--my deepest, darkest fear--is that very soon there will be no place for me in this country. Or worse, if my daughter follows in my political footsteps, no place for her. That the conservative trend that has swept through this nation in the last thirty years--since Reagan was president--is going to continue to swell and grow, and soon, I will be on the wrong side.

This is why I get so angry. This is why I lie awake at night worrying about politics. This is why this election--more so than any other--feels to me to be the end of the line. If Obama loses, and another right wing war monger wins (and yes, I'm sorry, but that is how I see McCain) then this nation will no longer be my home.

Sarah and I have been looking at real estate in Canada. No, really. I know some of you think that leaving means I'm abandoning my country, but that's not true at all--I feel like my country has abandoned me. I'm a free speech loving, civil liberties adoring, peaceful, pro-choice, pro gay liberal with socialist leanings. Where would I fit in to a John McCain/ Sarah Palin America?

I feel like I've stayed and fought. I really do. This last eight years has been TORTURE for me. Watching our servicemen and women die in Iraq and Afghanistan primarily for, as far as I can tell, Dick Cheney and his cronies to put more money in their coffers. Watching the complete and utter erosion of our civil liberties--I mean, THEY TAPPED OUR PHONES (and yes, I know Obama voted to allow that and it makes me sad) and arrested people and put them away without a trial. Watching women's rights be slowly whittled away. Watching a Supreme Court hand-picked by the richest people in our country allow cities and states to just take away our property with the eminent domain laws. To learn that the majority of people in my country support the erosion of the separation of church and state.

It has been truly awful.

I don't see how I could stay here, how I could raise my child with my morals in a country that finds my particular moral values abhorrent. How I can stay in a country that is reviled by the rest of the world. A country that has chosen to owe its soul (and my daughter's future paychecks) to China and other nations to fund this war (this is the only war that didn't cause a rise in taxes--even though I know I would have been happy to pay a bit extra to not have our nation go so deeply in debt, even though I opposed the war).

I just finished reading a science fiction novel--written in 1995--that described a world where California is its own nation and the rest of the country becomes Christian 'Merkka. It should have seemed absurd, yet it didn't. It seems inevitable.

This country has become so divided--fanned by the flames of shrieking pundits filling the 24 hour new networks (God, if we could just outlaw punditry maybe this country would be able to heal and people could develop their own opinions based on FACTS)--that I cannot fathom it being healed into one solid nation again. I really can't. All I see is a nation that is half disenfranchised, no matter who wins.

God, it's too early in the morning for me to be so bitter.

The only thin thread that give me hope is this blog. The fact that so many of us, with such divergent opinions, have been able to find common ground in mothering and wanting to mother. If we can do it, maybe the rest of the nation can. But the truth is, even though we've found peace here, I doubt that most of my conservative readers would want to live in the same nation that I would find ideal. So I find myself, once again, feeling frustrated and isolated.

Admittedly, I only feel this way a little most of the time. The elections have just heightened everything to a level where I feel like I don't fit in, here, in the nation of my birth anymore. And I don't know what to do about it.

I wanted to end this entry on a positive note--I don't like being this negative--but I can't seem to find one this morning. How do I find hope? How do I find my way to healing? How do I stay here, in this country I love so very, very much--from the deserts of my birth to the green, rolling mountains of the state I now call home--without feeling like a liberal outlaw? I don't know. I really just don't know.

Comments

[mar]

1.

Oh, I was so hoping you would write about this! My biggest beef (OK, I have many beefs, but for the last few days, this is the one making my head explode!) is - actually with us - the women of the United States. Poll after poll showing that because McCain picked a woman, his numbers with women, esp. white lower and middle class women, have gone through the roof.

Seriously? Do we really think that just because she has a vagina that she is the best choice for our country? Ladies, ladies, ladies! We accuse men of thinking with their penises, but this proves that we're no different! She's against gay marriage, wants to overturn Roe v. Wade, supports abstinence only education(and with absolutely NO judgment of her daughter, that obviously didn't work out-she's a kid and the adults in her life should have given her better tools!), thinks we should drill for oil anywhere we think there might be a year or two's worth of oil regardless of the cost to our environment. She's at least inquired into what would be required to ban books from public libraries. I am a bit more conservative on the financial side of things (even if I am obviously hugely socially liberal), but even there I find room for improvement!

I could go on and on - but I am so disappointed in us, as women, as mothers and daughters, sisters and friends, that we would sell ourselves so short as to just vote for someone because she is a women???? If all things were equal, would I be more inclined to vote for a women? Definitely. But things are definitely not equal here, and we are doing ourselves a disservice if we don't look at all the sides, all the issues, all the truths.

/rant

[Laura]

2.

If it makes you feel any better, we non-liberals are just as scared. I live and work in a very liberal environment where my beliefs and values would never be accepted and I can't just be myself.

I totally understand your desire to move to a place more in line with your values and beliefs.

[ckmunson]

3.

I can certainly feel your desperation in this post.

I have not thought about moving to Canada, fleeing the revolution, and escaping this twilight zone of a world I'm living in now. Even reading your post the thought didn't occur to me "Maybe I should to." - infact reading your post caused me to think about why I am not or will I ever think of leaving.

I am a third generation Norwegian American and live in the state that holds the second largest population of Norwegians on earth. Its home, and I consider my citizenship much like my marriage unbreakable.

"I, Connie
Take you, USA,
To be my country;
To have and to hold,
From this day forward,
For better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish,
'Till death do us part."

I think those examples you have given are really growing pains from 9-11. As time passes things will continue to change and evolve from decisions based on fear, to decisions based on what is best for all of us. The radical right, and the radical left will always exist and it is possible for them to coexist (even if they do not think so) and balance out America. There is a place for all of us in this country - there always have been. I don't need the right to agree with my politics, and views on the world to be secure. I will continue to fight for my beliefs, and will raise our two daughters with the same values and convictions I was raised with. It is going to be a hard road ahead of us, absolutely, and its going to take blood sweat and tears to get this country back on track. There are a lot of people out there that want the best for all of us, a lot more than we could ever imagine. I am going to stay and fight - my momma didn't raise a sissy. I'm tough, I can take it.

[Karen]

4.

I've been feeling bitter lately, too. But then I read these columns:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/opinion/11collins.html?scp=1&sq=Collins&st=cse

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/09/opinion/09herbert.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Herbert&st=cse&oref=slogin

They reminded me that it's not over yet. Personally, I think the debates will be what finally kicks the media and public opinion back in Obama's favor.

It also helps to remind myself that when it is over, if the outcome is President McCain (ugh, I hate the sound of that), then this country still needs liberals. The liberals are the only ones willing to fight for positive change and human rights.

As much as it feels like we can't make a difference now, I'm sure there were many times during the civil rights movement in the 60s when activists felt defeated. Imagine how defeated they must have felt after the assassinations of MLK or Bobby Kennedy? I'm sure the Suffragettes went through the same rough times of doubt, too. As long as we're here, fighting against the status quo for human rights, America still might have a chance.

I hope you find your hope again. Hold your head up!

[ls]

5.

What i find the saddest thing of all is that people are so willing to just stop thinking, an dtreat an election as some sort of football game, where you cheer (vote) for your team NO MATTER WHAT. I am shocked beyond words that women think that Palin is somehow "on their side" when nothing she has done supports this erroneous belief. She cut funding to Alaska's public schools, which have the lowest graduation rate in the country, and cut funding to support teen mothers (!!), even though her daughter is about to become one. It boggles the mind. And, this is someone that thinks it is A-OK to shoot wolves from planes and helicoptors. It is beyond cruel.

[Laura GF]

6.

I feel this same frustration. It's too bad immigrating to Canada isn't as simple as packing up and heading to Vancouver. If you're serious about considering it, here's a good place to start looking: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/index.asp

Hopefully it won't come to that and Obama will win in November...

[Gia]

7.

Cecily,

You have to FIGHT for what you love. This has become my mantra this last week.

I have been feeling that same sort of desperation. I have been so frustrated watching McCain and Palin tell out and out lies and watching Obama (who I honestly feel lives his life with integrity) sit back and ignore it for the most part. I think the tide is turning ... the mainstream media is finally getting tired of McCain using them for his own purposes. The media are FINALLY starting to call him out on the lies. Thank Godzilla!

Did you happen to watch the forum on public service with Obama and McCain last night? McCain went first and while nothing he said was out and out false you could easily tell he doesn't believe an iota of what he was saying about public service. It is not in his soul and you can't fake something like that. He seemed robotic, forced, and extremely uncomfortable in his own skin. The only time he got the least bit fired-up is when he was speaking on military service. Fighting, war, hate ... it is what he knows and is good at. Obama went on to speak and ultimately what the candidates said was not that differnt. The major difference is that Obama believes it ... he has and continues to live his ideals. He put his heart into what he was saying. He spoke with conviction and I think ultimately left those that heard him truly inspired. It is easy (and not forced) to speak with such conviction when you are speaking about something close to your heart. This is the type of person he is.

This last week I have tried my hardest to turn my frustration into activism. I am going to Obama campaign fundraisers, hosting a bar-b-que/fundraiser for my local community at my house to raise funds and foster a sense of belonging. I am volunteering at the local college to get the word out to vote. I am finding ways to turn my frustration and outrage into something positive ... into something that can potentially help make a change. If Obama does win I will most definitely feel like I have done my part to aid with his victory ... which will be a victory for us all.

Hugs for your frustration. Hopefully you will be able to find a way to work through your frustration in a positive manner also.

Gia

[maggie]

8.

I am sorry you are so upset - Canada is really nice so if you go there you will like it - and good healthcare :). How does Charlie feel about moving?

Regarding the lipstick on a pig... You have to know that NOTHING either of the prez candidates say is NOT SCRIPTED. Obama HAD to know that comment would not go over well...anyone would compare it to what Sara Palin said - that is how it works... plus the people he was speaking to laghted a bit too hard --- they knew. Stupid move on his part...

I still dont know who i am voting for... fun!

[Gia]

9.

Addendum to my above comment ... I just saw this but others are thinking the same way ...apparently.

Here is a suggestion.

http://georgia10.dailykos.com/

[MsPrufrock]

10.

Our plans are also Canada. The US (my country) is a near no-go for the reasons you have mentioned, plus the complete insular nature of a large percentage of the population. The UK (his country and our current location) has a shitload of problems we are having difficulty coping with, so we decided a couple of years ago that Canada was the place to be. In our case, it's the best of both worlds.

Unfortunately getting in takes AGES these days, and our application has been pending for about a year and a half now. We were told to expect it to be four years before our application even gets past the first stage. The good news is that it's a points-based system, so you can get an idea beforehand as to whether you would be likely to be given residency there.

I look at Canadian real estate like it's my motherfucking j-o-b, so I know all about that. The obvious starting point is mls.ca, so get carried away there if you haven't already.

This comment hasn't really served to talk you out of this, but for the record you're not abandoning your country. I think as parents, we owe it to our child(ren) to raise them in the environment we think is best. If that involves leaving one country to reside in another, so be it. Why should you be satisfied raising Tori in a country which is proud of being dreadfully ignorant to the world around it?

[Meg]

11.

Slightly related... Some of the reason we are so deeply in debt to China is Chinese brilliance, not just US stupidity. Hu Jintao has arranged for China to take American debt to other countries in lieu of money. It's a FANTASTIC PR move in China, as Hu can now say "The Americans owe China $$$$$$$$$$$$$$, so you decide for yourself who's the better nation"

Brilliant move on Pres. Hu's part, and this is the type of head of state that our president will be dealing with. I cringe at the thought that that could be Palin. (McCain, although I disagree with him on almost everything, is at least educated and intelligent, but he is old and more importantly, NOT IMMORTAL)

[Gia]

12.

Another thing I did yesterday ... which made me feel much better :)

A friend drafted this email and sent it to me and I then forwarded it on to EVERYONE in my address book. I come from a long line of evangelical conservatives (unfortunately for my liberal self). After all the lies and negativity it made me feel better to do something ....

Here is a copy ....

Hello to all my friends and family,

I want to pass on a great resource to you during this election season. It's one more tool to help us all be informed voters and not to allow ourselves to be spun by the campaigns.

www.factcheck.org

It's an organization whose goal is to provide well researched, unbiased, and factual information in response to misinformation and political spin. They are well regarded as unbiased and hold both campaigns responsible for the information they are putting out there.

They are not going to give you a complete picture of the candidates. For that, you'll have to do some research. They also are not going to provide political analysis. Their main purpose is to correct misinformation and provide context for information that is coming from the campaign and also that is just generally floating around (viral emails, etc). The content changes regularly, so check back often, especially after the debates.

Feel free to pass this along. Perhaps if we all make it a priority to check our facts and not allow the campaigns to feed us bad or misleading information, the campaigns will hold themselves to a higher standard, and we can help to create a nation of well informed voters.

Love and Best Wishes,

[beth]

13.

here are the things that have kept me from looking at real estate in canada -

1. I listen to the BBC News World Service on NPR. They are covering this election with fervor and a dedicated team. Even if you leave the country technically, you are not going to get away from the effect of this country on the world - and if you renounce your citizenship you can do even less to stop it.

2. I remember that after 9/11 the propaganda out of al Qaeda was that it was going to divide and conquer our country. At the time I thought it was a totally silly idea, especially given the way people were banding together. I think what we've had here is a profound, years-long grieving process brought about by that day, and I truly believe that people are thinking more clearly now. And because I believe that if democracy and free thought is to occur anywhere, it's going to occur right here - by finding consensus and proving them wrong about division being the end of us.

i understand how you're feeling (although obvi i don't have kids), but hang in there.

[R]

14.

I share your anger and frustration. To work some of mine out, I did a lesson in my English class about context, in which they all agreed that "lipstick on a pig" in that context was not, in fact, sexist. (At least I think they all agreed. Probably there were some super-angry conservative students who will tear into me at evaluation time.)

I'm also looking into voter registration events where I can volunteer, which I haven't done before. But I live in a state that's crucial for this election, and I feel like I have to do everything I personally can so at least I know I tried. I'm completely terrified about what might happen to this country...3 probable Supreme Court appointments...the constitution gutted...aaaaaggh I can't even let myself think about it.

[maggie]

15.

just to cear - i do not think obama was calling palin a pig -- i think he was trying to get a laugh.

politics people!!

[electriclady]

16.

I know. When McCain picked Palin, I thought, "There's no way any Hillary supporter could POSSIBLY get snowed by this." Until I found out that a friend of mine, who is otherwise very smart, who voted for Hillary in the primaries is now wowed by Palin. AAUGH!

The thing that keeps me holding on is the fact that, divided though we may be, it is still very close. Even if (shudder) McCain wins, it will be by a sliver. Half this country believes what WE believe. We just need to keep fighting for that half.

[Leta]

17.

I thank God all the time that I have cousins in Canada who can help walk me thru the immigration process if/when that becomes neccesary. (My cousins emmigrated from Serbia, so they know about both Canadian law and emmigration. Bonus!)

My husband has a job wherein he, I, and both our kids get free college tution thru Master's degrees. It has fatty-boom-batty health and retirement benefits, too. (The pay is okay, not great, but okay.) It will be hard to walk away from that. However, we have been discussing, seriously, the thought of me going back to school to get my RN (I have a B.S. in public health) so that I could more easily support us if/when the time comes that we are forced out of our country.

I am crying now.

I love America. I do. But I am sick over what is happening to her.

I keep telling myself that politics are tilting left in this country, that the old guard is, in fact, quite old. That the average O'Lielly veiwer is in his/her seventies, and that within the next 10-30 years the Republicans will have gone the way of the Whigs because they are all in the next world.

And yet, I thank God for those Canadian cousins and continue to develop my Plan B.

[Leta]

18.

P.S. Check out Dignam Land catalogs. They offer in house financing, very reasonable terms. Payments usually run between $200 a month and $600 a month for 4-12 years on buildable lots/acreage. You don't have to be a Canadian citizen to purchase, but owning Canadian land can help open the doors to citizenship.

DH and I have been seriously talking about buying the land on payments, and once it's paid off, selling our house and using our equity to build on the land. Just a thought.

[KimPossible]

19.

I usually avoid commenting on the politically inclined posts because we do think so differently in our political leanings. But I can't help it now - I am so riled up and just sick of it all. I did mention a few posts ago about how much I dislike politics and politicians and really can't wait for this freaking election to be over - I depise how we are all forced into 1 side or another and that we have to accept that just 2 partis can address all the myriad of issues that affect me and us. I am fairly conservative on the economic side but much more liberal on some social issues (pro-choice, pro-gay rights) and also believe the government should be there to protect us but that's about it. They should stay the hell out of our personal lives and furthermore stay out of businesses and stop meesing with capitalism.
So what candidate and what party do I have? That's right folks, I've got zip zero zilch.
Don't know if it's any consolation Cecily but at least you have a party and a candidate to fight for. If I want to have any voice with my vote I have to choose the "lesser of the two evils" (just a saying folks!). And no matter which side wins I will still feel like I lost. UGGHHH!
Thank god it's Friday and I get to spend the weekend with my wonderful (most of the time) husband and amazing (all the time) son.
Kim

[Journeywoman]

20.

I understand where you're coming from. I too am thinking longingly of the north or Europe.

That being said I love this country so much and it will kill something in me if I leave it. so I am working like hell.

Not this weekend, but next and next and next I am coming to PA and getting out the vote.

Sign up, Join the Obama Campaign.

[Kira]

21.

I'm sorry, but this really pissed me off.
This used to be a place where I could come, as a conservitive, and read and comment to try to come to some mutual understanding. You used to listen to divergent viewpoints, not just vilify the people you disagreed with. I've learned a lot from you, and have a much more compassionate and nuanced understanding of the world than I used to, thanks in part to you and your readers. But lately, it's all "conservatives are satan," all the time around here.
You know what? I guess you do need to go, then. But think about this; how much of the anger and stubborn refusal to listen is coming from you? Because that's the portion you'll be taking along with you.
P.S. FWIW, I, and most reasonable conservatives I know, realize that Obama wasn't calling Palin a pig. Please. Just listen to that statement in context. The politicians are spinning it, the way they all jump on any opportunity to spin any comment that might get a reaction. Don't confuse me, personally, with ANY politician. That's TRULY insulting.

[JoJo]

22.

after being so frustrated i can barely even see through my rage every time the words "sarah palin" are mentioned, i feel a little better today after her trainwreck-ish interview with c. gibson last night. she knows nothing about the bush doctrine and jibbered double-talk when asked about invading pakistan. and she STILL spouted her craptastic line about the fact that alaska neighbors russia equals foreign policy experience.
i think the media is finally going to start picking apart the lies and unravel what the mccain campaign has woven. i feel like the air will be let out of the palin balloon slowly but surely.

in other words, today i feel renewed hope and have not given up. and don't forget that a good solid half of the country feels exactly the way we do - and the fact that obama is actually leading in a few critical swing states.

at its core, america is still a country made up of amazing people willing to give the shirts off their backs for others in need. it's still the country where everything and anything is possible. i'll never give up on it.

[Green]

23.

Please, take me with you! I will be your nanny / personal assistant.

[Ellen]

24.

I have to say, I think you might be in a good position to help prevent that from happening. I mean, you're awesome voice with a devoted following and mad pr/writing skills. AND you live in a swing state. I love where I love (Massachusetts) but here I'm just a big ole part of the majority, which means that the land of the stupid-ass electoral college, my vote doesn't really count. But YOURS does. I'd love to think of you kicking ass down there and taking names. I feel sure you could do it. Not that I'd know how, but I bet you could.

[Ellen]

25.

Ugh, love where I LIVE, that was supposed to say. I guess technically this is also where I love, but that's besides the point. ;)

[Marivic]

26.

Cecily,

How do you stay in this country?

Run for office. Pour your energy into a councilman or alder seat, something.

We need that passion here.

Something to think about. I think you'd be unstoppable.

[JoJo]

27.

Oh and I thought I should mention Canada's PM is pretty conservative actually. The grass is always greener.

And Kira - does it have to be said that this is a personal blog where the author has the right to vent and post whatever the hell she wants? If this is the way she feels today, then so be it. Find somewhere else to hang out if it's so hard for you to read deeply personal truths.

[Slim]

28.

First Obama was an elitist who had no idea what ordinary people are like, and then he uses a common phrase of profound folksiness, and suddenly it's a covert reference to the Republican's notion of Everymom?

I'd write more, but I have to take care of my children, who are right -- oh, no, I forgot, I can't bring them to work with me.

[Pamala]

29.

I too have thought about moving to Canada but my family is here and I just can't leave them. I'm just so scared for the nation that we are building for our children. What's different about Obama, and he said this in a recent speech, he's about building this country for our future, not for us right now. So maybe we won't see huge changes right away but he wants to put the foundation in place for our children to have a great nation. And that makes me hopeful that someone understands how this nation should be run. It's not about the short term fixes, we need long term fixes.

[Maren]

30.

I found some comfort in this man's words: http://www.salon.com/mwt/col/tenn/2008/09/08/republicans/

[mar]

31.

Kira -

I hope that you do stay around to comment - I for one like to hear reasoned arguments from the "other" side. My husband is more conservative than I, and we have trouble occasionally having a civil conversation about these things! I think it's helpful to hear from both sides, and I do truly feel that the things that unite the bulk of us (U.S. citizens) are far greater than the things that divide us. And I often do wish that we had more independent, centrist candidates that didn't pander to either left or right - I do hope that there is a firm middle ground that we can all meet on and move forward together. During this lightning rod "silly season" it is often hard to see that as a possibility.

I was just appalled that women are blindly following a woman, regardless of her qualifications. It is somewhat scary that in this day and age of information that is readily available that people can be so easily pushed one way or another. If you support her because you support her beliefs and views, that is one thing. I don't agree with you, but I respect your decision to do so. The people who are making me crazy right now are the ones who are blindly following a woman strictly because she is a woman. Doing so belittles all of us.

And I understand Cecily's frustrations, I do. Suppose it was the other way - that we had had many years of truly liberal leaders - wouldn't you feel as though your voice had been drowned out, that no one thought or supported your views, your choices, your way of life? None of us wants that. And yet one group of us, if political practices maintain their status quo, will always be in that position. And that can be so very disheartening. No one would question you if you felt you had to move out of a neighborhood that had gotten dangerous because of drug dealers or gang violence. Although the physical realities of becoming an ex-pat are different, it's all still around the same reason - to be able to live and raise our families in an environment that is nurturing, safe and supportive.

[The Aitch]

32.

If only getting canadian citizenship was that easy. Does anyone remember Mollie from what was it, greenerpastures? I think it took her like 3-4 years and even a year before she could apply to move there? And there's a multitude of examinations to go through, health ones too. My canadian source tells me gas is well over 5 dollars a gallon, home prices are insane and canadians rarely hire outside of Canada unless they can prove to the government that there are no qualified canadians for the job first (now that's what I'm talking 'bout!)

If you are serious, do some investigation into what it takes to move there first. Otherwise it just sounds like idle threats.

I'm scared too but I'm not just gonna run away....yet!

[Kris]

33.

Oddly enough I am a Canadian that (yep, fled) to the USA in hopes of a better life for my family. The whole "grass is greener" thing...eeekkk...I've learned my lesson. It's just a different shade of green.

Lipstick on a pig...LOL...this whole thing drives me batty too and I can't even vote!

K.

[Jo-Ann Rogan]

34.

I share your anger and frustration. Reading the comments here has me all hopeful again in a good way. What amazing readers you are so lucky to have!

I agree you should run for council in your little borough. I bet you'd be AMAZING at it.

[Rev Dr Mom]

35.

"I'm a free speech loving, civil liberties adoring, peaceful, pro-choice, pro gay liberal with socialist leanings. Where would I fit in to a John McCain/ Sarah Palin America?"

Me, too! Can I join you in Canada?

Seriously my older daughter who is left even of me has promised that she will not live in the US if McCain/Palin are elected.

I keep reading angst on blogs and having these angsty conversations with my friends, and then I read in the news that women are flocking to Palin because "she gets them" WTF?? She doesn't "get" me, and she doesn't represent my values. So does that really mean I don't belong here?

And HOW THE HELL can Clinton supporters vote for her? She is completely antithetical to everything HRC stands for. How can you not get that?

Sorry for the rant, but you so perfectly articulated my fears that I couldn't help myself.

[Colleen]

36.

We've had this same discussion in my house - even going as far as looking into emigrating. But in the end, the reason I am so distraught is that I love my country so much and am horrified to watch it decline while so many are happy to go along for the ride with slogans, lies and appeals to their fears and resentments. It is worth standing up, staying put, and fighting for the country I love.

You are fortunate to live in a state that matters in the Electoral College. This election is not over yet and there is still a chance to make a difference. You are doing a lot just by getting your voice out there through your blog. I know that I am inspired to do more just reading what people have to say here. Thanks for making that possible. It just might make all the difference in the world!

[Libby]

37.

Kira, honestly, I love your blog, your writing is exquisite, and I thought you were fabulous when I met you at dinner last year, but you are out of line here. No where did Cecily say conservatives are satan. If you are going to just spout off how insulted you are by someone's heartfelt fear and frustration on their own blog, then you're right, you should read elsewhere.

Cecily, I am so depressed about this election. I too feel like I am no longer welcome in my own home. I had such hope for Obama, and now I'm just scared. What is it that is making people want four more years of the disastrous policies of the Bush administration? I have not found a satisfactory answer.

[k]

38.

I'm a little disturbed that one commenter made a connection between McCain's support of the military and being a warmonger. That is very unfair. Military service and the support of it does not equate to being a warmonger.

Also, while I think, Mar, that your comments are respectful and thoughtful, please do not assume that women support Palin only because she has a vagina. That would be the same as saying that people support Obama only because of his race. Let's always encourage people to make their decisions based on facts and the candidates' views and not their chromosomes, hairstyle, or hat size. Hopefully, though, we can also accept the fact that people who support the OTHER candidate are not WRONG in their thinking, just different. It's disheartening to feel, reading the posts and comments here, that conservative readers aren't seen as having differing views and opinions, we're seen as just plain WRONG. What makes anyone's opinion the only one or the correct one?

[Ellen]

39.

To Kira -
If it makes any difference to you what another poster thinks, I don't think lots of the things that I deplore from the last 8 years happened because GWB is conservative. I feel pretty certain that his father would never have restricted civil liberties the way he has, for example. (And we know from a book he wrote, for heaven's sake, that he wouldn't have invaded Iraq.) And if he had beaten Bush out for the nomination in 2000, I don't think John McCain would have, either. Of course, I didn't expect this from pre-9/11 W, either, so what do I know?

What I personally am afraid of is that John McCain has placed himself in a position where he has to support George Bush's financial and martial disasters. I feel like he's sold his soul, in a way, to get this nomination. I don't think he can find his way out of this. I actually voted for McCain in the primary in 2000, and would have had a tough time choosing between him and Gore if he'd made it to the general election. There's no way I can vote for him now, though, because I really feel like he has lost the admirable independence he had then. I also can't support the vicious way he's running his campaign, full of Rove operatives and ugly, misleading attacks based on semantics instead of substance. I wanted to think he was better than that, but he is disappointing me a lot.

I also don't think that Cecily hates conservatives. I don't at all think that's what she was trying to say. The news of late is frustrating to those of us who want to see the country go in a new direction, and that can get you down.

At the end of the day, our government is predicated on the idea that people of good faith can and will differ on how to run our country, and how to achieve our common goals. We all should have a voice. And what would be really lovely, after the rancorous politics of the last forever, if the people in government actually set about doing that, and trying to fix stuff together with good will.

Pollyanna, signing out (hopefully without having offended both sides in the attempt to be generally supportive)...

[Leta]

40.

I'm not speaking for anyone but me, but here it is:

I used to think that I had more in common with Republicans/conservatives than I did with non-voters, because at least the Repubs and I were both civically engaged.

I don't feel that way anymore. Not at all.

I don't think conservatives are satan.

What I do think is that conservatives, and especially Republicans, are ruining America. I think they are wiping their ass with the Constitution- blurring (destroying?) the lines between church and state; allowing untrammeled corporatism to stifle freedom of the press; violating the fourth amendment rather than actually tracking down terrorists; selling our kids down the river to China, to Iraq, to dumbass earmarks.

My husband and I both come from very large, very political families. Mine is very blue- I have only two wayward uncles that vote Republican. My husband's family (other than he and his sister) are a bunch of Republicans of just the worst order- gun nuts, bigots, conspicuous consumers. We are staying home for Thanksgiving this year. I cannot bear to be in the same house with anyone who voted McCain. Can. Not. It makes me, quite literally, sick to my stomach to think about what they are doing to our wonderful nation- we were the light of the world, the city on the hill, and they've just shit on all of that.

I honestly don't know how anyone can be in a mixed marriage. If DH wasn't a liberal, I would have fed him arsenic tainted water by now.

[justdawn]

41.

Cecily...will you marry me? If you say yes, you (and Charlie and Tori) can come live in Germany with my husband, my kids and me:) heh

[Sherry]

42.

Currently, Canada's prime minister is part of the conservative party. I just returned from spending a month in Newfoundland with my parents, and although my Canadian-born husband has tremendous pride and love for his home country, he's maintained that he'd never move back. I'd strongly suggest spending some extended periods in areas you're investigating to get a better gauge of what the climate (political, economical and environmental) is like. Seems similar to the US, but most places are strikingly different.

[Maura]

43.

What makes this all so horrible is how many people feel powerless to make a difference.

But you are NOT powerless. And what I promise will make you feel better is to jump in and get INVOLVED in the Obama campaign. PA is an important swing state and you can make a huge difference in your own neighborhood, your own precinct.

Find your closest Obama HQ and sign up for some shifts of phone banking. You and Charlie could make a huge difference by volunteering to host a "parents night" at HQ -- encourage people to bring their kids, and then take turns supervising them.

Or find your precinct captain or your local Obama organizer and get a list of all of the targeted voters in your neighborhood and go door-to-door for Obama. The MOST effective form of voter contact is in person. Take Tori - she'll have a BLAST walking, and there won't be a single person who'll be able to turn you away from the door crankily with Tori's cute self by your side.

I know it's seductive to think you can do it all from your computer, but as you can see from comments here, most people online have their minds made up. Plus this is a very passive medium compared to in-person contact.

See if Sarah will go with you to do some doors. I PROMISE you will convince some people, plus you may make friends with new neighbors. I was really daunted before I did it for the first time, but now I LOVE it -- and it REALLY helps to assuage that sense of frustration and powerlessness we can feel just watching cable news, etc.

[Carla Hinkle]

44.

I know how you feel. I have started to feel anxious *all the time* about the election. If McCain and Palin (my god, Palin!!!) win I think I'll move to Europe.

But. But. BUT. All is not lost. We have almost 2 months left and now is the time to buckle down and WORK. I just sent a email to my friends/family, esp. those in swing states, talking about why I support Obama and if they are interested, what they can do to help.

You live in PENNSYLVANIA, for Pete's sake, you should be out there working!!! If you go to the Obama website you can sign up and just start making calls to people. (I live in CA and they are having us call Nevada since CA is not up for grabs.) Are you involved in your local Obama volunteer organization? Even if you have just a few hours a week you can make calls or canvass -- it can really make a difference. You would be surprised how receptive people are to a volunteer, not paid, taking time out to work for a candidate.

Make sure everyone you know who is likely to vote your way is registered. What is the deadline to register in PA? Send out an email to all your friends/family asking them to check if they are registered.

Cecily, I really, really share your pain on this. I feel like I hardly know this country sometimes. But now is not the time to look for real estate in Canada. There will be plenty of time for that after November 4. (Plus, I bet Canadian real esate is a f*cking bargain in the winter. :-)) Now is the time to WORK to try and get Obama in office.

I will email you some stuff. Let me know if you need anything else!!!!!

[Amie]

45.

That's why I am a proud libertarian. With libertarianism, liberals get their social freedoms, conservatives get their fiscal freedoms and personal responsibility would mean something. Instead of choosing parties to enforce our personal beliefs, how about we all support true liberty and a smaller gov't?

[Canadian Jen]

46.

It would be America's loss and Canada's gain.

I love my country (Canada) very much, but please note it is not all sunshine and roses here either.

I hope things work out for you in your home, but if you choose to come to mine - be welcome.

Jen

[Christina in MO]

47.

This is going to give you all a great laugh.. yet.. this is how I think.

We are raising our child to be moral honest caring and loving. Of everyone and everything. Don't pass judgement, think before you speak, actions speak louder than words. Money doesn't make you rich, the love of a family does.

I am a registered republican, I am roman catholic, I am thirty something living in middle america. Aren't you worried now that you know this?

I don't care who or how you have sex, its none of my business. If you have an abortion, man you have a lot on your plate to deal with. (I hardly believe anyone takes that step lightly no matter what people have said/written) If you smoke dope, drink to alcohol pop pills or strip for a living. Fine I DON'T CARE! If you possess many guns.. see above.
The only thing I have complete control over is me and my emotions. My daughter may very well grow up to be a lesbian who has had 50 abortions who deals drugs and guns is an alcoholic, snorts coke and is a Pimp with a whole heard of girls bringing her money. can I control that? No. Would I be happy? No.

My point is this.. I have even been guilty of it. We are allowing the MEDIA to dictate to us what is or isn't relevant to our lives. If everyone were to take the time to do their OWN research and not rely on inflammatory sites (drudge dailykos.. gimme a break!) the decisions you make well be based on your own opinions. Not what someone else has told you to think. I have no one to vote for. I am a floating little paper cup in the gutter of politics right now. Even Palin does not represent me.
I am just not going to choose the least disgusting of the two, simply because I think I could stomach that pile better than this one.

Instead of waiting for the world to change (good song by the way).. do it yourself.
If you talk the talk.. walk the walk. Put up or shut up. (okay I'm out of cliche's here)
Everyone is real comfortable monday night quarterbacking.. but if you try to throw them the ball during the game.. they duck.
rambling yes..and Im sorry.
I'm still not convinced voting in this election is going to me any good.

[LB]

48.

Cecily, I have long suspected that you were really a Canadian at heart! Come join us, it's lovely up here! Not to say that we don't have our own political problems, but it does seem that we don't suffer from the same kind of insanity that you folks do in the US. Plus, your health insurance would be considerably cheaper!! But of course I'm partly kidding, it's not something to be taken lightly, and I'm sure it's not an easy decision.

As I see it, though, we are mothers first and Americans/Canadians/Whatever second. So if you feel that you can reconcile those two, and raise your child the way you want in the society you are living in, then that is great! And so much easier! But I think if any mom is getting a persistent 'this is not the place I want to raise a child' feeling, then it's time for her to think about a change. Whether it is leaving her marriage, her neighbourhood, or her country, I don't see any disloyalty there. Just loyalty to what really matters in life. No judgement on your situation in particular, Cecily, as I'm sure it's very possible that you will find a way to raise Tori as you choose, within the USA.

(Also, good to know that we get a huge influx of immigration applications in the weeks after the Republicans win an election. Anybody who is serious about it should put an application in before the election.)

[Clover]

49.

I hear you. My husband, who was until recently registered as a Republican and who voted for Bush I in 92 and Bush II in 2000, has been talking about moving to New Zealand (I think cause its about as far as possible to move away and because the climate is better than Canada).

[Awake]

50.

I agree with this from K (prior commenter):

"Also, while I think, Mar, that your comments are respectful and thoughtful, please do not assume that women support Palin only because she has a vagina. That would be the same as saying that people support Obama only because of his race. Let's always encourage people to make their decisions based on facts and the candidates' views and not their chromosomes, hairstyle, or hat size. Hopefully, though, we can also accept the fact that people who support the OTHER candidate are not WRONG in their thinking, just different. It's disheartening to feel, reading the posts and comments here, that conservative readers aren't seen as having differing views and opinions, we're seen as just plain WRONG. What makes anyone's opinion the only one or the correct one?"

I find it almost comical that many just can't understand why women wouldn't be excited by Palin. I guess it's because I just didn't realize that all women were supposed to think the exact same way. It's very interesting how Palin has turned feminism on its head.

And, while I respect that this is your personal blog and I greatly respect your desire for open discussion on the issues - there is such a disrespectful tone towards conservatives here. Not so much with your posts, but with some of your commenters. Which is well and good for the most part - write/think/say what you want people, no skin off my back - except how is this country supposed to become less divided when conservatives (and, in particular, conservative women) are thought of so poorly? Just wondering.

[Laura M.]

51.

I feel your pain Cecily. I looked to immigrating to the UK, its quite difficult if you're not a european already.
Come live here in San Francisco...its a little better here. :)

[Dave]

52.

I've thought about living in another country, but never for political reasons. Lately I wouldn't even consider living anywhere but the US. There are so many freedoms we have that get taken for granted every day.

As far as Palin goes, just remember around this time last year the conservative base thought Thompson was their man. (And I thought he was underqualified... compared to SP... come on!) McCain's campaign was almost broke, and the republicans only circled the wagons recently because he is the last one standing.

Palin is in WAY over her head, folks. A lot can happen in 50+ days. At the end of the day? Polls=1/2 bullshit and 1/2 future. Don't stake anything on it.

[JoJo]

53.

Awake,
Can you please explain (and I am asking this with utmost sincerity) to explain what excites you about Palin? what makes her a qualified candidate? I just can't find any answers anywhere.

[Danielle]

54.

I totally understand how you feel. If not for the cold weather (it's too cold for me here in the Northeast, much less Canada) I would consider moving too.

When I watch too much of the political stuff on television I find myself in a panic attack as well, unable to comprehend that after 8 years of Bush Jr. how we could possibly have an election so close. I also CANNOT understand how the Republicans are saying they are going to change.....the Republicans. Mind boggling that people believe it.

Anyway, what I am trying to do is remember that at least half (hopefully more than half!) of people agree with us, otherwise this election would not be so close. Thankfully in this area of the country there are many more blue states than red (I guess PA is close, but Philadelphia is overwhelmingly blue as is NJ where I live). Still, it’s not totally safe. I have to find a new hairdresser now because mine told me last week that she does not like Michelle Obama because- ready for this- she is “too black”. It took all of my strength not to scream and run out of there with foils all over my head. Unbelievable. It just makes me wonder that if people feel that way here in NJ, liberal state that we are, then how much worse is the racism in other parts of the country? I could cry thinking about it.

Also, please explain to me how someone not voting for a candidate because they were a woman is any less sexist than someone voting for a candidate simply because they are a woman. That does not sound like progress to me.

You are not alone!!!

[Eva]

55.

We are moving to Sweden in a year or so. Not for political reasons, but they are definitely on the "pro" side of the moving reasoning list.

[Anne]

56.

I sometimes give in to despair, too. It's hard not to in today's climate. But, then I figure that even if McCain wins, he will have to work with a Democratic Congress if he wants to get anything done. And, unlike Bush, at least McCain has a history of bipartisan efforts (hopefully he'll get back on this track in the future). He's also more moderate in a lot of ways than Bush. I know, I know, it won't be *good* if McCain wins,far from it, but I don't think it will be as awful as the Bush years. McCain even stated in his CONVENTION speech, of all places, the the Republicans have really messed up in the past eight years and they have to take responsibility for that. And, since he has been trying to win lately by usurping Obama's message of change, I'm assuming Congress will hold him to this if he were to get in office.

However, if McCain dies and Palin is president? Forget Canada, I want at least an *ocean* between me and her. The woman freaks me out completely. In some ways, I think she's even worse than Bush because I think she's got more raw intelligence and chutzpah. Shudder.

[Elena]

57.

Forget Canada - go to Scandinavia! If you read that article I linked to you a few weeks ago I think you'll see that it's a leftist liberal panacea over there!

[Leta]

58.

To say that Sarah Palin has turned feminism on its head is like saying that Clarence Thomas turned civil rights/affermative action on its head.

She's a token and, -make no mistake about it- a traitor to feminists everywhere.

[Susan]

59.

It's become incredibly hard for me to listen to the media and pundits analyzing every word to the point where we forget what the speech was actually about. Like you, I hope the debates take us back to what we, as voters, should take into consideration when voting.
What I really would like to do is vote for Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas in The American President), he gave a kick-ass speech towards the end of the movie that I really loved and is quite appropriate at the moment.
Here's the link to the speech (page down a little to get to it).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112346/quotes

[Elena]

60.

You know it was the liberal judges on the SCOTUS that voted for the eminent domain thing - Kennedy, Souter, Ginsburg, Bryer and Stevens.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/23/AR2005062300783_pf.html

[JoJo]

61.

There's just one more detail about Sarah Palin I'd like to bring up (cecily I'm not sure if you addressed this here already, so forgive me if it's redundant).
During SP's tenure of mayor of Wasilla, a town of 9,000, rape victims were charged for their forensic examinations. That is fact.
She was already in office for four years before the state legislature got wind of it and passed a law which no longer allowed the town to do it. That is fact.
Now Palin's people are claiming she didn't know about the fact that the police chief -- of whom she was in charge during her tenure -- was charging victims for their kits.
Either she is lying or she couldn't keep track of her few employees while she was mayor. Some executive experience, that.
Either one of those scenarios is mindboggling to me.

Rape happens to anyone, regardless of political affiliation. It's just one more thing that says a lot to me about her character. And I don't like it.

Oh, and Leta...hear hear!

[wrongshoes]

62.

Become a proponent of instant-runoff voting - it would be a great way to unite many of us, I believe. http://wrongshoes.com/?p=464

I'm not saying it would solve all the problems, but voting would be much less motivated by "us against them" in many cases.

[Tricia]

63.

Oh, I feel your pain. I've always voted (even for local elections) but this time I feel a sense of duty like never before. This time it's so personal for myself and the future of my children. I, for one, have decided that I'm taking a bit of time off from watching and reading propaganda. It's not a permanent fix but it's working for my hopeless food.

It's amazing how much politics divides a country rather than unifies us.

[Tricia]

64.

Oops, meant to say "working for my hopeless mood"...not hopeless food!!...although my food prices are up so much my food does feel hopeless at times!

[MLB]

65.

I understand your frustration and anger. Please, I beg you - turn it into something positive. Make sure your state votes for your(our) candidate. This is the prime time to be DOING something. Why despair now? Noone has won or lost yet.

[Sarah]

66.

I am absolutly in teh same boat. My husband I are thinking about how can he spin it to relocate to Canada (he's a partner in company), and how utterly sad it would be to leave our family, our home and sense of place. BUT, the craziness that has infected this country is horrifing, and it scares me to think that when I am finally an-in-the-flesh paretn that I may have to explain why the world is so awful, and why bullies always win. The rebulicans are such bullies, and it is sickening to think that bullies win. Ick.
On the bright side, if you move to BC we'll have kick ass community of expats.

[Mary]

67.

Very interesting, I was just having a very similar the conversation with a co-worker before I read your post.

Most of the time, I live in the illusion that most of the country is as progressive as those of us on the coasts. Or at least in the same ballpark. The enthusiasm for Palin has stripped me of that illusion. The 20-30,000 people now attending McCain events because of her are attending because the LIKE her being pro-life, pro-gun, and evangelical. Scary. It upsets me that she has called the war in Iraq a "righteous cause" and makes me worry about asserting that policy decisions in the name of God's will. Not saying that she is one -- but religious extremists are religious extremists, whether Christian or Islam.

Another interesting insight tho -- I made a big decision to take a pass on running for judicial appointment this year because I knew I wanted to be pregnant right around the time that I would need to be interviewing with the legislature. I realized today that Palin's choice to return to work so soon would have legitimized my decision to try to be a judge when I was pregnant/abt to have a child. I don't agree with her choice, and chose a different path, but somehow feel more free to make those decisions, now that she has been chosen....

[Betty M]

68.

I would move to Vancouver in an instant. But even there life can be not so rosy (East Hastings anyone?). I also know from experience with Mrs Thatcher here how dreadful it is to live in a country governed by people whose values and beliefs are so alien. The absolute joy when Blair was elected was amazing. Not everything turned out so great though with that particular promise of change. Change just takes so much longer than you would expect. The media want everything instantly so you end up with policy making by press release and new policies required everytime something amiss happens. It doesn't make for good government. Rest assured the rest of the world is rooting for Obama (and all the Americans I know although as they are all in NY or California perhaps that is no surprise). At least he has seen some of it unlike Palin.

[Julie]

69.

Cecily, I’d give anything to live where you live. I’m a liberal tree-hugging commie living in Oklahoma. I repeat, Okla-freakin’-homa. And get this, I’m originally from Texas! Yes, I have seen raccoon served at a family function. While it’s not fair to stereotype people (even though it’s good for laughs), I rarely meet people here who are comfortable questioning the status quo. I feel alone a lot of the time, and I’m no stranger to grand dreams to move to an area of like-minded people…like Tulsa—just kidding…no, not really.

But I really think there’s a reason why life has kept me firmly cinched under the buckle of the Bible belt (how’s that for a metaphor?!). I’m around a lot of people who only think in terms of right or wrong, blessing or sin, black or white. While I’ve experienced my share of rage and frustration, my resolution was to “be the gray” for these black-or-white people. I live my life as an example that it’s okay to ask questions, it’s okay to do things differently, and it’s okay to embrace differences. And, not only can I still see my reflection in a mirror, but I also haven’t grown horns or anything!

My intention in “being the gray” is to show others that while I’m a liberal tree-hugging commie, I’m not without morals, values, and a strong love of country. And as much as I want conservatives to see the gray in me, I have seen the gray in them. My friends, family, and coworkers who would label themselves “conservative” are not evil, and I don’t think their intentions are malicious. I don’t want to see a revolution in this country where one side wins and the other is defeated. Unfortunately, our two-party structure seems hell-bent on this. It’s just that I’ve seen so much good come from “being the gray” that I have no choice but to dig in and recommit my purpose to encourage others to search for the common ground that we patriots all share.

And if someone doesn’t agree, then we’ll send them on a boat to Cuba! Just kidding…no, not really.

[irshlas]

70.

I CRIED when I read this post. You've captured my thoughts completely and concisely. A stranger in my own country... For me, my fall back country is Germany.. DH already speaks German and we have family there. Let's hope and work that it doesn't come to that!

[Blue]

71.

Amen sister!

I have recently been hearing a lot about California's fight to defeat Prop 8, which would eliminate the right for same-sex couples to marry.

It's about same-sex marriage on the surface, but in reality it's about shutting down the radical religious right. One of their own leaders, Donald Wildmon, recently even said that if they lose Prop 8, they will have lost the "culture wars" forever.

Can you imagine! A chance to do the right thing (preserve the right of gays and lesbians to marry) AND shut down the religious zealots who have hijacked our country? Awesome!

Unfortunately the bad guys are out-fundraising the good guys (our guys) 3:2. We are down $4.5 million. So what we all need to do is DONATE! I know it sucks, but it's true. We all just need to give as much as we can - www.NoOnProp8.com/contribute.

PLUS of course everybody tell everyone they know in California to VOTE NO ON PROP 8!

I am so done with the direction this country has gone in the last 8 -- or even 28, really -- years. This is our chance. Vote for Obama and vote NO on 8 in California!

[Dena]

72.

Let's do what we need to do so none of us need to move!

We need especially folks in Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana!

http://poplicks.com/2008/09/taking-it-to-streets.html

To quote the blog post above:

"Bush didn't win in 2004 because Americans are stupid. He won because the GOP turned out their base and did it impressively. Mathematically, it should be the Democrats turn but only if they turn out their base.

And that's especially important to readers out in Iowa, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, Michigan, Iowa, Ohio, West Virginia and Indiana. Work a phone bank. Walk a precinct. Do whatever you can do to get people to exercise their right as a citizen to have a say in their government."

[jeannie]

73.

I think we are all kind of overreacting. The election is far from over, and instead of freaking out, we should do something. Moving to Canada solves nothing. What makes you think it is better there? Maybe moving to Scandinavia, but I don't think Canada is some liberal bastion. Better to work on keeping the country you love a place you want to live. Better to take action.

I donated money to the Obama campaign.

I live in a decidedly blue state, so I can't make much of a difference campaigning here, but I have volunteered to take part in voter registration drives and working at polling places to help people vote, traveling to other states where it is more meaningful, hopefully. Not sure yet.

You, Cecily, live in a very important swing state. I think you can do a lot to help. You can volunteer to help the campaign, even if just a tiny bit. I know you are busy, but I bet there are ways you could get involved. Even just talking to people you know, spreading the word. I think the discourse has to remain calm and not panicked and on message, though. It is not about Palin, it is about issues. This election seemed unlosable by the Democrats a short time ago, and we have to remind people why. The last 8 years have been awful. The economy is in the tank. It is only getting worse. We are stuck in a war that is costing us billions of dollars and thousands of lives, and we can't get out. We have to remind people that Bush put us there, and McCain and Palin will provide more of the same.

The Obama haters will stay Obama haters. The McCain lovers will stay McCain lovers. It is the undecided voter you are after. The ones who don't have such a set liberal agenda, who maybe find things to like on both sides. We need to find a way to at least get these people the truth, so they can make an informed decision. To let them know whose tax proposal will benefit THEM, and not huge corporations. Make them see how having conservatives in the White House can impact their lives for possibly decades because of the possibility of even more conservative Supreme Court nominations.

There are some women who have been so excited to see a woman on the ticket, a working mother from an ordinary background, that they have lost the forest for the trees. We have to persuade those women who would otherwise have voted for Obama to come back, to look at the issues that matter to them, and to show them why they and their daughters will be better off waiting to finally have a woman in the White House.

There is a lot of work to do. We shouldn't just give up and pull our hair out and start looking at real estate in Canada. We should get the word out, the truth out, and let this election be decided based on accurate information and not spin.

[Jen]

74.

I am a liberal and I live in north Texas. Everyone around me is conservative. They speak openly about their politics and aren't shy in stating their views.

Despite being forced to endure their diatribes, I will not change my vote or opinon. Do I force my beliefs down their throats? No. I barely even talk about it.

Politics by nature is very partial. People feel strongly about their beliefs. Cecily, I think you should just go for it. Don't apologize for how you feel. The conservatives are exactly the same way on their side of the row.

Personally, I think conservatives are despots who do the bidding of the elite and that Republican women are traitors to their sex. I think they sell themselves out to become successful in politics. This way they are less threatening to men. I can't tell anybody that in real life but that is how I feel. I know this will piss the conservatives off but I have had enough of listening to their rhetoric. Thank you Cecily for giving me a place to speak.

Jen

[Susie]

75.

One of my best friends is Iraqi, and she and her family have suffered tremendous pain on behalf of this country since 9/11. Nonetheless, this week she became an American citizen. We've been joking that she's done it just in time for all of us to pack up and move to Canada. (We have friends who actually did just that after the last election.)

I say these things in jest, but really, they make me tremendously sad.

[Dramalish]

76.

You know what's scary, Cecily? It's like the liberal faction is giving up. Like the election isn't almost two months away still.

"President McCain" isn't a given yet.

So why are all the political blogs/posts I've been reading lately assuming another Republican presidency is a foregone conclusion? I think this is one of the reasons that I am an independent now, and not a democrat... it doesn't take much to take the wind out of the sails of the DNP.

Just because McCain has closed the gap doesn't mean he's going to win. I'm still fighting for change; I'm not voting for him.

[rachel]

77.

I am sure you will follow your heart and go to Canada id it is meant to be. I have a blog buddy up there who LOVES it and can imagine living nowhere else. But we did enjoy bumping into you at whole foods in the area.

[Pictou]

78.

I am so frustrated, too. I had a lunchtime argument with a woman whom I knew to be a republican but thought she was at least able to discuss policies. But her only belief is that Obama is a Muslim and the world will end when Muslims rule. The Bible says so. And the Democrats are the reason we're not winning in Iraq.

Then my head exploded and the conversation ruined the rest of the afternoon for me. I'm still pissed.

[Shelli]

79.

This whole lipstick thing is driving me fucking crazy. E-fucking-nuff. What makes me even crazier is that there are stupid ass women out there who will vote for her because she is a hockey mom and they are too. Yes, I know one of them. She's voting for her because she is a hockey mom. Is that fucking crazy?! I wanna smack her. And she is a good friend. We don't talk politics or I'd kill her. (Not really, anyone who is reading this, it's a figure of speech.)

I know people who left the country after Dubya was re-elected the last time. If it is another 2 vote election and the republicans come out on top, I think there will be a rebellion. I mean, how can that happen 3 times in a row. It smells funny.

[Claudia Marsh]

80.

Just 'cause it might not go your way is no reason to consider leaving. Diversity in opinion is what makes America great. Leaving solves nothing. Canada has its share of problems too.

Reading the comments from others ready to jump ship to Canada breaks my heart. I still believe that there's room here for everyone.

[sarah]

81.

i hear you, my sister, i hear you.

[Star]

82.

I don't have the energy to read all the other comments just now, but I have to tell you that I have very similar feelings. I've been giving it a lot of deep thought in the past two weeks, and even though I have a child to care for, when I hear people chanting "drill baby drill," and think of how they are clamoring for the annihilation of us all, I just want to lay face down on the floor and cry, not just for me, but for my son, who will have to live in the world they will create. The problem is that elections are not about issues, because the 20% or so of the electorate who are the "swing" voters don't vote based on issues. They vote on the basis of their emotions, on who they want to have a beer with, on the smoke and mirrors games the Republicans play so well. In this world, they can say that down is up and black is white, and the truth doesn't matter. I don't have a solution for any of this. It is depressing as hell. I told my husband this morning that I think we should just divide the country in half. Those who want universal health care and good jobs at good wages and a clean environment can live in one country, and those who want to stone gay people and kill animals for fun can live in another one. I have a feeling, though, that we would have to seal up our borders, as the citizens of Merkka (sp?) would be clamoring to get into a nation where they could be, you know, happy.

[Amie]

83.

We'd love to have you here in Canada :) Sucks that you're thinking about coming this way because of politics but we'd love to have you either way :)

[Christina in MO]

84.

Jeannie.. you hit something on the head that I would like to address.
the undecided in the middle ground person who is trying to gather facts to make an informed decision.

eh hem.. that would be me.

When I ask for NON PARTISAN UN BIASED areas to look at those who are running.. I get NPR and BBC.
That would be like me telling everyone to watch Bill Oreilly on Fox news. Right? So non partisan is that program. Or maybe Hannity and colmes.. or Catherine Coulter.
Sure.. and Monkeys are flying out of my butt.

Not to mention I have a sincere and honest distrust for politicians at every level. (personal and public experience)

Its hard to be in this position and to just say.. I'm not going to vote. Then whoever we all get.. it's on you NOT ME. I saw through all the bullshit from both sides and said.. enough. I'm not doing it.

SO.. Jeannie.. how would you help someone like me?

[Amazon]

85.

Cecily,

I'm sorry but I just don't get it. I can't imagine how the election of any politican would make you want to leave your country. You have to realize that to a conservative like me the thought of Obama, Reid and Palosi in power is like the three horsemen of the Apocalypse riding us all down. But you know what- if Obama is elected I will survive just fine (I made it through 8 years of Clinton afterall). Doesn't it comfort you to have every major news outlet, every cool entertainer and half of the country's population in your corner? Do you need us all to be in lock-step political opinion with you as well? I know you you have some good and valid points to make so I'm going to ignore this tantrum.

[kathleen999]

86.

My biggest fear is that the war-mongers will win and keep winning and that eventually women will have no rights and young men will be routinely shipped off as cannon fodder through a draft. It could happen.

I'm not letting that happen to my boys. If there is a draft when my boys are ready to turn 18, we will pack up and leave. My babies aren't going to fight a war so rich people can make more money. It's sickening what has happened in Iraq. The military families have done so much more than they should ever have been asked to. And lost so much more too.

I'm with you in frustration, Cecily, but we have to fight! We have a great picture of Zacky when he was a newborn and he always used to wiggle his right arm out of his swaddle in a "Fight the power!" salute. I think of that all the time. We need to fight. Maybe sign up to help the Obama campaign in some way. And keep writing about what you believe in. It's important and it's your best contribution.

[Sophie]

87.

So, yeah, I gotta be honest.

Lately when I've read your posts they've annoyed the hell out of me... b/c at times I feel you whine and moan too much (knowing as well, mind you, that it's your blog, right? so I don't have to read it...and yet, I do)

Tonight? You just nailed every anxiety I've been having. I feel I've been screaming, mouth open wide, with no one hearing me, a mute, since labor day weekend especially and hearing about the "bounce" they're getting and watching the interview with Gibson....."ARE YOU F'ING KIDDING ME?"

Sigh.

I'm scared.

I'm damn scared.

I've never been this scared before.

My husband is in Iraq right now and I'm so freakin'g scared.

Is this really my country?

I think about the next 60 days....I try to picture my life at day 61 and just wonder................................

[Sophie]

88.

You know what? I sent you an email, but the thing I forget sometimes is that there is actually another person on the end of this blog that actually reads the comments.

I apologize if I was harsh, but I guess after reading you for so long I built up this armor about you.

So I hope my email explained that a bit and hope you know how much I appreciate your thoughts and insight, and how much I value them, even when they diverge from my own views.

Know they always get me thinking, and that is the type of insight and conversation that I crave and seek out in my life. It's funny....my 'circle' of confidantes is small and my circle is also divergent from myself in their views on so many issues, but what I value from them is their insight and views that I would never have contemplated before.

Keep on, Cecily.

[cathy]

89.

come and live with us in australia! we're nice!

we have gun control, public health and a high standard of living as well as beautiful beaches. also almost full employment.

i mean it isn't paradise but it makes me happy. nothing against those who want guns and no public health of course, but i wouldn't want to live there myself.

you'll like the way that religion and politics are considering fairly odd topics to discuss publicly. and we have sarcasm! that you don't have to point out because people just understand it!

in fact our next door neighbour is an african american lady who left the US for exactly the reasons you describe.

move to melbourne, you'll love it!

[Anne]

90.

Cec I'm so with you on this one. My Husband is Native Hawaiian and a pro-Hawaiian Sovereignty activist and I've actively fantasied about Hawaii being independent for about the past 4 years. I also almost as frequently fantasize about what other Pacific island nation could we move to? Tahiti would be nice to say the least and the most like here but my French is awful. Samoa is out - American Samoa (for obvious reason) and Western Samoa, both are very religiously conservative places. the Cook Islands? New Zealand?

[Kathleen]

91.

You need some perspective. If I didn't continually put things in perspective, I'd be seriously considering leaving. And I think that would be a huge mistake in the end.

Having my husband deploy twice to Iraq was difficult but I know it was no where near the pain that other people have gone through with this war, on both sides. I stay here to speak for those who cannot.

Having a gay son who is facing a future with diminished rights is painful, but it's not nearly as painful as being the one denied the rights. Or living in a country where people are legally executed for being gay. I stay here to fight for the rights unjustly denied to others.

Conservatives are not the enemy. Poverty, injustice, violence, inequity. Those are the enemies. If we would just join hands on the things we do agree on, we could get so much done. Instead we nurse our grudges on what we disagree on, refusing to find the middle ground in the name of ideological purity.

I do it too. I am trying really hard to stop. This country belongs to me as surely as it belongs to anyone else. This country provided me with an education and a voice; something that many women around the world do not have. I'm not giving up on America. No way.

[Lisa]

92.

Ugh, I so feel you. We have explored immigrating to Canada, and we would actually qualify on a number of counts, but both me and my fiance both work in "the business" so let's face it, the rest of my life will be lived in Los Angeles. So, the way I see it, I can effect more change from inside the system than from outside of it. I'm not leaving and I'm not changing my mind and I'm not shutting up.

I've always had this huge feeling in my heart that said "I believe" when I thought about Obama becoming president... right now it is just a little whisper, but it is still there.. I believe in justice and equality and I believe in the promise this country holds. And I think we can get back there. I'm just going to plug my ears and close my eyes until the election, because listening to this garbage really just depresses me and takes my focus off the prize -- which is a better America, with a better President -- President Obama!

[Lisa]

93.

And by *garbage* I mean the ridiculous attacks McCain is making on Obama. Like Obama said on Letterman -- it's silly season in politics!

[Lisa]

94.

Oh and one more thing b/c I can't shut up on this topic, hehe. Not to be dramatic but as they say, "It's always darkest before the dawn." I think this McCain/Palin bounce will be temporary because the economy is continuing to worsen and will do so at least through the election. It's hard to vote on "values" when your house has been foreclosed upon, or you've lost your job to outsourcing, etc all because of the failed policies of 8 years of a Republican administration, so I think the average, middle of the road American is going to go Democratic in this election, if only because of the horrific state of our economy.

95.

@kira: Who said that? Nobody! This "S" word did not occurr. You simply do not understand, why the fundamentalistic fears and motivations of some conservatives in your country are a good reason to feel scared about.

Conservatives used to be - as the word says - conserving the old, stable values. Family, traditional christian values, stable market in favour of free capitalistic business, taking care of neighbourhood, loving the American flag...and so on.

But from an outside view on your country, christian fundamentalism seems to take over and mix religious beliefs with politics.

That is in fact scaring us, too, over here in Europe, although not all beeing liberal "red socks".
P.

[Paula]

96.

Sorry, forgot to put my address in in my last post.
Paula

[Calliope]

97.

I'm so thrilled that my favorite bloggers are really going there with politics. Lawd knows the candidates aren't these days. It is comforting to read this as it makes me feel less alone. But I am really nervous about November...

[Bleu]

98.

I already did the work and got the papers and immigrated t Canada. It took 3 years for the paperwork to go through. We move next April/May.

I lost faith long ago and having a son made it no longer worth the risk for me. I like Obama but the fact that there is even any poll with McCain anywhere near close to Obama makes me realize just how sure I am of that decision.

I will still vote and I wish you so much luck!!!

(btw if you look at property prices in the Maritimes you will faint they are so good!!)

[Flidais]

99.

As a Canadian I'm finding the "it's bad here, let's go to Canada" thing to be getting a little annoying.

If you are looking to escape a hard handed right wing Government that is hell bent on taking all of your civil liberties away and are thinking that coming here will fix that them I am quite sure you know very little about my country. We currently have a war mongering religious fanatic running the show, sound familiar? Harper is more dangerous then Bush because let's face it, Bush isn't all the smart as far as I can tell and is just a puppet, but Harper, that asshole is smart and is a puppet for no one. And with an Election coming up here as well we face the very real possibility of going from a minority g'ment to a majority then that asshole will have complete power. *shudder*

Take a few minutes and google Bill C-51 or Bill C-10. Still want to come here? And forget what you think you know about free health care. How does waiting in an ER for 16 hrs grab ya? Or how about a year wait to see a fertility specialist? Sure it is free, but there is a steep cost for that.

Canada is a hell of a lot more then cheap Real Estate. Thinking you can come here and escape the problems that your country is having is just plain old foolish. I fail to see how leaving will fix anything?

[Photographer Lori]

100.

All politicians are the same. No matter which side. They really don't have anyone's interest at heart except their own.

I don't fall in any political category. I here on some things, there on others. I have friends and family on both sides. I can never voice all my opinions to anyone. I would be beheaded by everyone! LOL

I try to just focus on the positive things. (and there can be positive in anything.) If I focus on the craziness, the ugliness, the what the hell are they thinking - ness...I would go crazy.

We need more than two political parties. We need more choice.

So...I just try to live my life the way I believe. I pick my battles. I let others have their own thoughts and feelings and realize that in the end, politics and politicians are all full of crap!

LORI