Reply #122: Do you live in a red state? [View All]

[Carolina]

I feel as you do on one level because I now reside in a solidly red, frequently politically stupid state that will likely go to Bush regardless of my vote. I also feel as you do regarding Kerry, who I once, long ago it seems now, supported but who seems the most flawed, compromised and totally uninspiring candidate we could have possibly chosen.

In 2000, many friends of mine in NY flirted with Nader's campaign and indeed voted for him since they felt safe that their state would go blue (Gore) anyway. Though I chastised them, I realized they had that luxury of voting on principle because of geography.

2004 is quite different, the stakes are different and there is not only anger from Democrats but GOP angst and disgust as well. I have surely heard many repugs here say they would have voted for Clark or Dean in the GE but have yet to hear the same from them about Kerry. Course, those with whom I spoke could all have been pulling my chain to begin with, but who knows. The situation may so deteriorate that come Novemeber even they will choose the ABB candidate.

Anyway, unfriggrinreal, I know how you feel as I have become completely disgusted ever since Iowa and NH. The insurgent outsiders who caused Kerry to find his voice (or the right voice for this campaign) have been and are being eliminated before most people have a chance to vote. Democratic primary voters have fallen for alleged electability. Sadly, they did the same thing in 1988 ...

You vote your conscience and if it tells you not to vote, don't be ashamed of saying so. Sheesh, I thought a d/Democratic board was the one place, the last refuge where we could be ourselves and speak our minds. But are we becoming what we seek to end ... a group that brooks no dissent because people won't fall in line?

ABB (also interpreted as Against Bush's Butt) is fine but we need to be EFS (enthusiastically FOR someone/something).