Press Release November 3, 2004
The Sad State of America:
After yet another very traumatic election, it is obvious that the country hugely divided. The leaning unfortunately seems to be toward religious conservatives. This is very unfortunate because it seems that America is now mirroring the Middle East in some very unflattering ways. We see basically a religious war between America and the Middle East, and the popular vote supporting Bush indicates that this is OK.
I don't think that this is OK, and I am very unhappy with the state of America. This is no longer the America that I knew and loved. This is a radical right-wing conservative America that quite frankly stands for everything that I hate.
I happen to live in Illinois which is one of the few solid hold-outs for liberalism and moderation. Despite this, I don't know if I can stand to watch another four years of pre-emptive war, trampling of civil liberties, fiscal irresponsibility, environmental abandonment, religious extremism, and governmental prevarication.
The fact is the electorate on both sides don't know the issues, where the candidates stand on the issues, how government works nor do they seem inclined to take an interest in this. Therefore the electorate votes on irresponsible points such as visceral safety feelings and affability, which are really just illusions created by the media spin-doctors.
Our electoral system is abhorrent. In 2000 Bush was elected by a court decision, he didn't win the popular vote, and I feel that was illegitimate. This time Kerry could win the electoral vote but lose the popular vote and that would be just as illegitimate. No matter who is declared winner or who concedes as I see it we have not had a president since January of 2001, and we won't have one until at least January of 2009.
I don't trust the media, which despite claims from the right is largely populated by conservatives, and far more right-wing extremists than left. I don't trust this administration that has lied to us more times than can be counted. I don't trust the populace, much of it is ignorant or purposefully throws logic out the window in favor of religious or political propaganda.
What is left to believe in? Who do I trust? There are a few politicians such as Barack Obama that I still have faith in. There are a few voices of reason in the media. There is a decent sized group of the populace that still has a grasp on reality and are well informed about the issues, but it is a disturbingly small group when compared to the electorate.
The world now looks on America with contempt, we are hated, and it is only getting worse. The country is going head first into an unimaginable new era of problems and forging a new and despised image in the world. Most of the populace is too arrogant to recognize it or they just don't care.
Where is the compassion? Where is the love? Do most Americans really have apathy for the rest of the world? Are we not global citizens?
I am faced with a horrible realization. America is no longer something I hold dear. I am seriously considering moving to Canada or Europe to wait and hope that during the next 4 years the potential that America still holds is not completely decimated by irresponsible, arrogant, disrespectful politicians with a penchant for making enemies around the world. Maybe America's reputation and light can survive the next four years, but if things continue at the pace they have in the last four then I seriously doubt it.
When Bush was inaugurated in 2001 I gave him a chance, and my expectations were exceeded in all the wrong ways. Now with both houses of congress solidly in republican hands and a likely-hood that Bush will be "elected" if only on technicalities, there are more dark times ahead for America. I refuse to consider Bush the president, and I refuse to consider myself an American in this "New America."
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