McCain Will Win, Unless Â
Do McCain/Palin scare you as much as they scare me? Are you freaking out as November inches closer? Are you watching the polls with your stomach in knots? Do you read the papers and cringe at what's happening again to our nation? If so, then GOOD! We all need to pull it together, and fast.
We progressives thought we had the ‘08 election in the bag. We thought eight horrendous years of George Bush had finally run their course. We believed the politics of fear had finally fizzled. We were all ready to rebuild our nation under the wise leadership of Barack Obama, who would no doubt win in a landslide. Ah, but America is not quite ready to wake up. In the supposed twilight of the neoconservative theocrats, enter Sarah Palin onto the stage of the Republican National Convention – and the nightmare chant returns: “USA! USA! USA!” And now there is a new one, too: “DRILL! BABY, DRILL!” The drunken frat boys have gathered for their fantasy gang rape of the planet. Underneath the extreme nationalism and extreme devotion to team and flag, there is an ugly, violent spirit that still has its fascistic grip on our nation. And it has no plans of releasing us soon.
Are Americans as a whole, truly a fearful, war-mongering xenophobic irrational people? I'd like to believe otherwise, but it appears that over half our nation is gearing up to vote for yet another neoconservative, anti-science, anti-gay, anti-choice, pro-war presidency. Are we really going to trade eight years of an adolescent cowboy for a geriatric maverick? The latest polls say yes. And forget reality: The GOP spin-makers are skillfully adept at distorting reality for emotion. And that's how they'll win. It won't matter that Palin is incompetent or that McCain lies. They have skillfully crafted the illusion that they are “just like us.” They are everyday Americans, while we, the amoral “liberal elite,” despise all that is wholesome and good. It's a strategy designed by none other than Karl Rove. Strengths become weaknesses, weaknesses become strengths, and reality becomes irrelevant.
Here is the hard lesson that we all had better figure out fast: This election is NOT in the bag. The inevitability of President Obama is not a sure thing. The far-right Christians are poised and energized for a massive comeback. And Americans are falling for it. Again. For example, the Log Cabin Republicans have endorsed McCain. What a surprise. Attention all queer Republicans: You were cute in the 80’s when gay self-loathing was in, but in 2008 you're just part of the problem. Get therapy, stop hating yourself and start supporting candidates that support you.
Ultimately, we must all remember that real change never comes from the top down. Should Barack Obama win (and I hope he does), he won't be the savior we are looking for. No man or woman is. True change has to come from the bottom up. So as important as the presidency is, we must never loose track of the true work. If we want political change to happen it needs to be right here, in Salt Lake City, along the Wasatch Front, and throughout Utah.
No matter who takes the reigns of power in January, we all need to take an active involvement in our home. Don't let the dominant culture intimidate you. Progressives can and do make a powerful difference here, and you personally can make an impact.
Take your fear and frustration and focus it into grassroots work. Are you passionate about queer rights? Volunteer for Equality Utah. Stressed out about our civil liberties being stolen? Give money and time to the ACLU of Utah. Are you worried about threats to our eco systems and environment? Join HEAL Utah, Save our Canyons, Tree Utah, or the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance. Are you worried that McCain appointees to the Supreme Court may threaten reproductive freedom in America? Get involved with the Planned Parenthood Action Council. Tired of the Utah Legislature? Get involved in local campaigns with candidates you care about. Run for office yourself! Take time off work and go lobby at the capital. And most importantly, be informed on the issues. Don't let your conservative brother-in-law stump you with the half-assed “facts” he got from Rush Limbaugh. Educate yourself. Read a variety of news sources. Listen to progressive talk radio and pod casts! Know the issues backward and forward.
And a word for all of you gay people who are still hiding in the closet: GET OUT! Let your families know who you are. The most powerful thing queer people can do is to be open, honest and public. Raise your voice. Write op-eds and letters to the editor. Talk to your friends, co-workers and elected leaders. Let them know who you are and what you believe.
As children we were all taught the pledge of allegiance with its closing phrase, “Liberty and justice for all.” We don't have that in this country. Not yet. Nevertheless, it is our national birthright. And we must take a stand and demand that all people have access to the American promise. We need to do everything in our power to create a more just, more peaceful and more sustainable civilization. Nothing less than the very survival of our species depends on our active involvement.