No, you can't "have your country back" if that is code for "kick the black guy out of office and put the old, hawkish white men back in charge." Sorry, but America really is a melting pot, as I was taught in grade school (in Iowa, I might add. And, thank you, Iowa, for staying True Blue.) Our strength has always been our diversity. This is not Nazi Germany and we don't want genocide here (the deliberate and systematic destruction of certain ethnic, racial or religious groups.)
It's amazing to me that we applaud and actually help other countries get rid of their oppressive dictators and immoral leaders, yet apparently half of this country wants a regime that would impose the most unthinkable laws against women's rights. Worse than forcing us to wear a burka, Republicans (in Virginia) tried to pass a law requiring transvaginal probes. Not only no, but HELL NO! That abomination, combined with ridiculous characterizations of rape, "binders of women" and ongoing "femi-nazi" put-downs, was apparently enough to send women running to the polls and kept them and others standing in line for hours so we could continue to move FORWARD.
Yes, women are in solidarity with African Americans who still fight for equality, and Hispanics who must constantly prove they are "legal." With Asian Americans and other minorities, and those who are sick of being labeled and embarrassed over their right to chose a partner, or religion. Nearly 80% of Romney supporters were white, heterosexual Christians. That's fine, but where is the Christian compassion and love when it comes to helping your brothers and sisters? I didn't see much.
Being a Buddhist has shown me how cruel and intolerant Christians can be. Not all, but many would prefer to lump my philosophy with a cult, even though there is considerable evidence that Jesus learned his teachings of love and compassion from early Buddhists (think wise men from the east.) It wasn't the wrathful God of the Old Testament Jews he was preaching. I digress, but my point is about tolerance and we all need more, myself included.
Can we put an end to all the nonsense about socialism and "Redistribution of Wealth", please! What is wrong with sharing. When Jesus discussed tithing, I don't think it was to accumulate a big war chest to build cathedrals or militia.
It was to help the poor. How about a quote from a famous dead white guy, Francis Bacon, "Money is like muck, not good unless it is spread." So, those of you in the 1%, or even like me with some to spare, let's SHARE! And, finally, my hat is off to Nate Silver's Political Calculus. Wow, was he spot on with his electoral assessment!Oh, one more thing. I do feel your pain, repubs. I vividly recall the sadness and despair I felt in the 2000 election when "manifest destiny" was denied to our environmental savior and Millennial Man Al Gore. But, here's your chance to show Christian compassion. Reach out now, instead of trying to trip up the President. Let's truly work to create a United States of America with liberty and justice FOR ALL.
