I remember sitting at home, election evening 2000, watching the news. I remember seeing Bush’s picture plastered on the screen with the title “President” under it. I remember the several weeks of aftermath as the debacle settled out. And I remember being angry about the outcome: Who was this man who would blatantly ignore the…albeit vague…will of the people and force his way into an unearned office? What sort of man could live with the knowledge that he aquired his position on the flimsiest of technicalities, trying to pass it off as Democracy? Then I braced for a bad 4 years.
But, christ, my nightmare never approximated the reality. Bush has clearly demonstrated the sort of man he is, time and time again–I just hope the effects are not irreparable. And I feel the passion rising within, a great Rebel Yell searching for an outlet. I yearn to rise up, to say “NO!” to this transparent usurper of the American way. I feel as if I have taken a breath, put my life on hold waiting to exhale. I long for the day when I can once again be proud to be American.