Reply #21: During this election [View All]

[Jersey Ginny]

I've always voted. In the past, I voted Republican (follies of youth). My "activism" was seared when Kerry lost. I had contributed money to Kerry and I've never done that before. I didn't really understand why it felt so important to contribute until Kerry lost. When the "polls" came out stating people voted on "moral values" and that 11 of 11 states voted against recognition of any type of gay relationship, I became viscerally fearful. I have two kids and have legally adopted them (NJ is a great place). I felt my government would not protect me. I felt horrible for other gay folk in these oppressive red states and the palpable hatred they faced. It felt like my American dream was ripped from me. My father was a WWII vet, so I've got a lot of pride and idealism in my country. I understood how I hold onto this idea that America moves forward and becomes more civil and inclusive. That dream met reality when Bush won the election (sort of). I walked around like a zombie for a few weeks, very distracted. I had an inkling of why some minority groups struggle to prosper, because many in that group have no hope that even if they work hard, help old ladies cross the street, be kind to their neighbors, that they won't be allowed to succeed and they will be hated no matter what they do. There is no American dream for them. I decided I had to fight or quit, so here I am trying to fight for my country, and my family, and for all people who feel frightened and oppressed by the current climate in this country.