Girl, Ebony

Most elections do not move me. I didn’t even vote last presidential election. That was partially due to navigating a housing crisis with one of my clients way late in the evening. And partially due to not feeling particularly moved by either candidate. (also, the fact that I have to say “either” doesn’t help) Despite the fact that I still have many qualms with our drone happy president, I believe this election may be the most important one to happen in our lifetime.

This is one of the few times we have a clear and distinct choice. And I am so fearful that America will choose wrongly that I woke up filled with anxiety this morning. We have the choice of either picking a set of candidates who will destroy Medicare, who have a tax plan that has been proven to be impossible (which if attempted would undoubtedly send us either deeper into recession or another full blown depression) and who openly hold malice towards half the damn population or… the Black guy. And I guess that’s what it comes down to. There are still many Americans who are fine with picking someone who looks down on them and would implement policies that will harm them over the Negro.

Somehow this thing is still close. And if pundits are right, the race will become even tighter. I believe the fact that this election is still close in the polls reveals the racism and ignorance still rampant in this country.

Still I don’t understand the response to the debate. Last night I did not see Romney triumph over Obama. I saw a smug asshole steamroll over the moderator while the President tried too hard to agree with the pompous anus. I do understand Barack’s reluctance to go hard, but I don’t understand him repeatedly saying “I agree with Governor Romney” and looking down half the time. But I get that he is still Black in this country and trying to avoid the “angry Black man” label. Especially when Fox News, Drudge Report and all of their conservative allies went diggin in the crates for old, irrelevant shit he said five years ago just to put that fear back into the minds of gullible Americans.

I am shocked to see so many pundits labeling him the victor. But I guess people 13 and under aren’t the only ones swayed by bullying tactics. IMO no one won that debate. A case could be made that Obama won by being consistent. But Romney assuredly did not “win” by bulldozing all over all involved and threatening to fire the moderator. But in America, the guy who puffs his chest out the staunchest and brays the loudest is the winner. So there’s that.

I am sincerely frightened for what might happen to this country if the Romney/Ryan ticket gets voted in. The issues at hand aren’t just the ones that were spoken about during the debate. Who gets voted in will effect other laws and policies that come before legislative review. I’m scared to think of what will happen to women’s reproductive rights, which are more vulnerable now than anytime post-Roe V. Wade.

Since I now live in a swing state, I will definitely be voting for Obama to do my part to prevent that from happening. I hope my fellow radical apathetics will join me.