Fly In The Ointment...

Something I found for my fellow WoWheads (click to embiggen)...

It has been asked why I've been quiet as a mouse this election cycle. Many have grown accustomed to my die hard Independent views on many of life's issues, so why is it that I've steered a wide path away from discussion on this election since the primaries?

I really didn't feel like sharing. I got so tired of defending myself against those around me who could not understand why I wasn't pumped up and excited for either candidate. One colleague said to me after the last Obama/McCain debate: "Surely, you have to know by NOW who you want. You've not been paying attention otherwise."

It got a little quiet around work whenever people would gather and discuss politics and I just happened to pass by. No one really knew where I stood and that made things awkward. I don't give into "Groupthink" very often, especially in political matters, so I suppose I could understand.

It was a very interesting cycle, one that really didn't give me a ton of fervor beyond "anyone, dear lords of Kobol, except Hillary." Now that the election has come and gone, I feel in a better place to discuss my feelings.

First off, I really don't have much to say against Obama.

I respect how far he has come in such a short time and I recognize the positive historical significance of his victory, hopefully leading to better cooperation and understanding between ourselves and with the world around us. He ran a campaign based on hope, encouragement and promoting a "we're in this together, let's get to work" attitude. In times like these, a little Pollyanna "we can do this because WE CAN" attitude is exactly what we need to get things back on track.

In many ways, he has reignited a sense of optimism and good feeling about this country. Much like Reagan, Obama has unique charisma that can really ignite a crowd.

I feel more comfortable with Obama in charge than I ever did with Bill Clinton. Obama is more of an idealist, who hopes to accomplish as much as possible to benefit this country. Clinton was a charismatic idiot who hoped to accomplish as much as possible to benefit himself. Big difference.

The downside of Obama's Pollyanna optimism is the reality that he's been charging up a high bill of promises that will be difficult as hell to cash in. Right now, this country is in a state of euphoria. The people have spoken and history has been made, so let the celebration commence.

Let's see what happens in a few months once the transition is complete. Obama will come into office with a Congress that has added more Blue seats in this election. Indeed, the Senate is only a few seats shy of having a filibuster-proof majority. You would think that this would mean that Obama will have an easier time passing his agenda, right?

Time will indeed tell. My hope is that we can get through the next two years without major political corruption, wasteful spending and tax increases rising again to epic proportions. There is a reason why you do not want one party in overwhelming control of both houses of Congress as well as the Presidency. Too much temptation to fuck off at the expense of the taxpayer with little reprisal.

I'm hoping for the best, I really am. I've never been keen on either political party and have always felt that the blind faith that several of my colleagues have placed in the party of their choice is disturbing at best, but it is their choice and I should respect them for that.

As for myself in this election, I wasn't actually all that impressed with either candidate. To be perfectly honest, I struggled for over ten months to make up my mind, even up to the point where I closed the curtain behind me and started voting. Who I did end up voting for will remain a mystery here because I honestly am so tired of political chat I could scream.

I'm not one to give blind faith and devotion to anyone. You hope you made the right choices and the system runs on automatic. It is up to you to make sure they stay on task. I wish the Dems luck and hope that they use good sense and try not to take advantage of their good fortunes.

Oh, and don't raise my taxes either. I can't afford another bump, thank you very much.