And Then There Was One...

So the election is over and my friends and I (all members of this blog) have hashed out all of the questions and comments remaining.

A black man is going to be President of the United States. I am happy about that. I like to think it means this country has turned a corner. Unfortunately, I think the real story is that a polka-dotted polar bear could have won that election as long as he wasn't a Republican. Yes, I fear the only corner turned was the one turned while running as fast as possible from Bush43. Nevertheless, it has happened, I am happy and I hope and think the next four years will do more to turn that proverbial than the last two. Let's hope so, because failure will put us back 60 years socially, nevermind the devastating consequence on the economy, foreign policy and so on.

Slightly more disturbing is the fact that gay marriage bans passed in many states including our home the Sunshine State. Discrimination is discrimination, no matter the guise and against whom. I was digsuted at the ban on homosexuals while I served on active duty (it was also preposterous, since we all knew who was anyway). Listen, if you are a right wing, ultra conservative evangelical, live your life. Sit around and think WWJD as much as you like. But if you think that Adam and Steve somehow lessens the sanctity of your marriage, your marriage sucks. That's on you, not Ellen or Rosie or Elton or that Star Trek guy. Besides, why should only heterosexual people have to suffer through the drudgery of marriage. Seriously, while we are spreading the wealth, let's spread the pain!

Last, I had a neat thought on my way to the polls Tuesday. It's somewhat romantic in nature when it comes to how you view this country. My polling place is 3 blocks away so I walked. I then stood in line for 40 minutes to elect the leader of our country and still in some regards the most powerful world leader. In that line I heard some of the most absurd comments from some people I was scared were allowed to vote. I also saw a little bit of every social circle. Minorities, rich, poor, young and old. I thought to myself: I just walked here and had the right to participate in my country's process. All of these people have the same right. I wondered what it must be like in country's where they would give anything to be able to vote, no matter how hard it was to get there. And to be able to have an opinion or a thought, even if it's scary.

Hey, we aren't in great shape right now. America has taken a fast ball to the stomach lately and took a knee. We'll walk it off though. This country is great...