I'm #300!!! WOOHOO!!!!!

Get Murder out of the back alleys and onto the front porches in 2008!

Catchy!

Let's see:

I poop lots of places, not sure I'll try the front porch on that one.

Breastfeeding on the front porch. BTDT

Murder someone in my womb on the front porch. Don't think I'll go there.

(Sorry, couldn't pass it up.)

I really do like your slogan. I'm not kidding.

It has been hard reading Dooce and DJ Blurb for the past month only because my political views are so different. Someone mentioned the need for the election results to sink in before conservatives jump in with their joy. I agree. I was alot younger when Clinton clobbered Dole and I remember making lots of dramatic comments about moving and being ashamed of my country. It is maddening when something you passionately care about results in a scenario you're not sure if you can stomach. Since the Clinton years have passed away, I've been able to see the vast ways he was a great president. I still vehemenently disagree with certain things but I admire the man; I'd shake his hand today. All that being said, I don't want to offer any apologies to those of you (the vast majority on this site) who voted Kerry. That would suggest pity. But I do want to say that I'm very aware that there appears to be two different USAs. This concerns me more than anything. I don't like reading the sorrowful warnings from those of you who are citizens of other countries. No offense, but we don't need your pity. We could use some folks in other countries who like us, who aren't polarizing the issues but like the big issues that we stand for: democracy, freedom, people who are willing to risk their lives for foreigners. I don't like the war, I don't like moral issues being decided by government. I do love God but that should compel me to do a bang-up job of loving you, too. I dunno. How can Republicans or conservatives or whatever you want to call us help listen to you and make sure that you don't feel like a stranger in a foreign land for the next four years? I'd like to know. I really hope I don't sound condescending. It's hard to explain here on a post...

DAMN, nevermind

I never did get the hubbub and hatred toward France - and the general ignorance (and lack of accurate press coverage) in the US of the background behind the situation over France not supporting us in Iraq.

France, Germany and Russia all had pre-negotiated oil contracts with Iraq that would have provided them with fossil fuel supply well into the next century. The contracts were to take effect in 2003.

When we invaded Iraq, the US govt nullified all oil contracts and took over the oil supply.

Why would France want to help us out - we were telling them they could only have a fraction of the oil contract they had already negotiated!

US: C'mon, help us out - OK, OK, we'll give you back a little of that oil that we took from you!

France: Yeah *right*, Asshole!

Amanda B.

You posted that you "totally agree" with Nick. And this is what Nick said:

"you have no idea what it’s like to be hated for no particular reason when you are in college and treking through europe. you have no idea what it’s like when canadians wear their flags on their backpacks so no one will confuse them with americans. (horror!) or what it’s like to, everyday, hear how everything you stand for sucks but yet there are still reruns of “dallas” in possibly every country. how we are vile, ruthless war mongers, yet the first to help a country in need. how we are a bunch of obnoxious pigs yet people still would give their life to live here."

You "totally agree" with that statement, as you said? You "totally agree" that people from other countries have no idea what it's like to be hated for no particular reason? That, then, to me is an assumption that you think our persecution is somehow more important than others'.

I didn't put melodramatic words in your mouth or attack you. You "totally agree"d with a point. I disagreed. Stand by your words... I will stand by mine.

mmmm... metanarrative.

Chris- you interpreted the statements as you saw fit. That's cool. If you want to make a villan out of me rock on. Your interpretation in no way reflects my beliefs.

Wow,
Thanks -
But George W Bush thinks that abortion should not be legal in any situation and said so in two of the debates.

He has the potential (depending on circumstances) to recommend replacements for up to 3 of the Supreme Court justices.

I'm sorry Bush won. Not just sorry for you US citizens. I'm sorry for what it means for the world. You can sit there and say it isn't my business all you want but you know what it DOES effect the world. Like it or hate it US is a major power in the world and its economy and its WARS effect the rest of the world.

Quit telling me I have no business being sorry that Bush won. Or wishing that I had a say. Remember that the rest of the world (appears) to lean toward Kerry and also remember that we get more 'unbiased' news. We get less 'polished by the US government' news. Remember that your government often supresses things it doesn't want the people there to know.

I can only hope that Bush being re-elected won't be as bad as people think. I can only cross my fingers and hope that the things he does doesn't negatively effect MY country. Now tell me I have no right to judge the outcome of your election.

Can't we all just get along?

okay...just a comment on all the Roe V Wade "stuff"...prior to Roe V Wade being made law...abortion was legal in cases of rape, incest, and harm to the mother. What wasn't legal was abortion as birth control.

All I was trying to say is that people are always going to have abortions. Whether you think it's right or wrong I think it's better that they happen with DOCTORS. Abstinence is a pipe dream.

Hey just because people are "always going to have abortions" FAR from makes it right. People are ALWAYS going to steal, people are ALWAYS going to murder, that stuff is wrong too.

I'm just saying.

Right or wrong I don't think they deserve to go to some scary ass guy under horrible conditions. Abortion is a horrible thing, but it's going to happen.

Canada's looking pretty good, but I think I'll stay here and fight.

"But I’ll still be living in the US and will still have my right to vote when that day comes. At least we can speak our minds here and I say to that, GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Another propaganda-induced american assumption: America is the only place where you can vote and express freely. You'd be actually surprised to know that there ARE countries where not only those things exists, but they are taken much more seriously and to (much) greater extent. I don't think it's needed to add that America has for years supressed those in many parts of the world (Bush just made it worst).
While living in Europe last year just before Iraq, I heard an american girl complain that people there found most of americans idiotic just because some senseless president. Now that most of americans have re-elected the same president, it's hard to think otherwise. I live in South America now, and the common perception is the same as in Europe. What's wrong with the american people? Are they not getting the same information we are? In case of doing so, don't they care?

Ok- then no harm no foul, eh? High five! :)

Chris and Amanda - rock on. i like reading you.

Danika - why do you think your news is more objective than ours? that's a little naive. all i'm saying (and i'm NOT diminishing the suffering of others. are you kidding? we've got it made here.) is that people who aren't american don't know how certain things are here. that's all. judge all you want, danika. i'm used to it.

eddo- i think you must have the biggest pair of kahunas ever.

So, Eddo, this is off-topic, but you can maybe give a plausible argument against evolution, for instance. One that doesn't involve "we came to be because God wanted it that way". That sounds just as errand and arbitrary to me.And yes, I for one think that there is no God and specially no moral absolute, but I do believe in people and their right to live their lives as they want as long as they don't interfere with other's lives.
Tolerance is a tricky word, Tolerance means to tolerate something that you think is wrong. That's wrong. If you think something's wrong, fight it (peacefully). The point is understanding there's nothing wrong with gay marriage, for instance, but everything's wrong about invading other countries and killing thousends for no good reason. That's wrong and the world should not "tolerate" it.

Amen, popsicle!!

(I think that'll be my new mantra.)

Amen, popsicle.

As a Canadian, watching these election results has been like watching a friend in a desctructive relationship who is still in denial.

they are mesing with GH

HRT et al - the reason you should care about the rights and equality of everyone is because it is in your own best interest to do so. Equality ensures that some extremist majority is not going to come along and rob you of YOUR rights and freedoms some day. Rights to practice your religion, to vote for your Republican representative, or whatever you evidently hold dear.

Word from Canada to blue USA - terribly sorry, and we're thinking of you.

...as Kerry said as I wept (really, what is up with me?!): the best part is that we all woke up in America, as Americans.

That is beautiful, (as I listen to the 3rd Reich on NPR screaming: "4 more years!")that is beautiful. In four more years, we get to do this all agian, hope can't die and we can't all defect. Who is going to change things if we all leave?
What if women just left and went back to the kitchen, what if black people rolled over and said "um, thanks for emancipation, um er, 200 years, um wait.. whay can't I put my kids in school?"

We have to stay and talk to each other and make changes at home and convince people who don't like abortion to raise their children so they won't get one but to vote for a president who will keep us safe from issues beyond the scope of our kitchen table. We have to introduce our kids to lots of different people and invite the right-o's to our gay loving pervo barbeques so they can't dismiss us as the "liberals",we are their neighbors and damn good people.

Please don't leave, please stay and help make this a place where people be themselves and proud and tolerant and we can implement change to make the world beautiful and healthy.

If you are in Utah, please stay and help wrench control from the red barons. We have too much beautiful backdrop and too many great people to be represented solely by religuous, right wingers alone who do not value the open space we have in our back yard...
We need everybody here, for the people by the people, please stay and help us.

Thanks everybody, thanks Dooce for letting us have our little community here on your site. I woke up inspired yesterday and I hope to stay that way for sometime. Everyone, thank you for sharing your stories of triumph and struggle (Dooce shout out represent) I truly feel like I know a lot of you from my daily dose of Dooce, I am honored.

Now, I just want to let everybody know that you will always be my Boo.
xo

I think the myriad debates and discussions going on here are fantastic. Keep them up, not just here but in your homes, your communities, your country…I think you get what I’m saying. Chances are that in the next few weeks a great deal will be said about these issues…but we shouldn’t save our opinions and beliefs for election time. We need to remain vocal and visible, so that the people chosen to represent us can make our priorities their priorities.

And for those of you willing to give up your freedom as an American citizen because you didn’t get your way…I have a hunch most of you are bluffing…but remember that you do have the choice to leave whenever you so choose. See! You have another choice...that is all yours to make. Good for you. And good for me, too.

Can we now get back to the poopy, smooshieness that is Dooce?

*Angie M………I like cheese, too.

So,we make the elections into a reality TV show called "Who wants to be the next American President" debuting the summer prior to the 2008 elections, and rerun it in the fall. We pick six candidates and make them live together for four months, throw in a little alcohol, a hot tub, and find out who reverts to their drug and alcohol addicted frat boy antics. (my guess is that Nader would actually come out on top). At the end of it, we call in our votes (one per household please) and then have the winner announced on an awards style show during prime time. Talk about ending problems with voter turnout. I'll bet more people voted for the next American Idol.
If my reality show doesn't fly, we ban the words "values and morals" from the next election. Obviously, just being able to say them out loud can get you elected.
In all seriousness, what we really MUST do now is find ways to live out our beliefs in our daily lives, because we have obviously reached a point where our government is not going to represent our interests. I am going to hug my baby girl and whisper a promise to recycle all of the cardboard we have been tossing away at my store. It's all I can really do.

Eddo,

Here's my argument. My best friend and his wife were expecting a baby. She began experiencing heavy bleeding. She became seriously anemic. The bleeding just wouldn't stop. They had genetic testing done. The baby was so chromosomally malformed that it hadn't a chance in heck of surviving outside the womb for more than a few hours of intense, ungodly pain. If the mother attempted to carry the child to full term, she had a better than 80 percent chance of dying herself, leaving her husband without a wife and her 2 year old son without a mother.

And yet they had less than 24 hours to make that decision, because one more day of gestation would have made that choice illegal in our state, despite the fact that carrying it would have killed her.

*That's* why abortion should remain legal. Because what right do you have to tell her that she should die because she accidentally became pregnant with a baby that was going to kill her?

No, YOU'RE not old enough to vote, FISH!

I'm so sorry. I couldn't resist.
*Snicker*

Dear people who begin comments with the word "Ummm" and three dots: could ya sound any snottier?

i am not prepared for another four years of a leader whom the world does not respect; a man whom i do not respect. i am not prepared to have my homosexual friends, who are more in love and who believe in the sanctity of marriage moreso than 50% of our nation's heterosexual couples, denied the right to both marriage and civil unions. i am not prepared to let someone else dictate to me how i can or cannot make personal decisions: i believe in a woman's right to choice, especially under the conditions of rape. i not prepared to have med-mal cases capped, because let me tell you: you cannot understand until it happens to you. say you want caps now; but when your mother/father/brother/sister/daughter/son/best friend is killed by a surgeon or other doctor, and your life is changed forever, then YOU remember what administration you've supported. i am not prepared to have our country unilaterally controlled: think about it - the presidency, the senate, the house, and soon the supreme court. whatever happened to the balance of power
are you prepared?

i am sick to my stomach, and i have never felt so afraid for the future of our country. if i was not a student, i would apply to move out of the country immediately. the united states is in for a long four years, and i can only hope that our president will learn how to compromise and attempt to unify the nation... because currently, we are more polarized than ever.

You all at least have the advantage of being far, far from the carnage.

My office is in the Reagan Building in downtown D.C. and I had to go through two security screens just to get lunch in the food court because President Fraternity Boy was on his way over to gloat.

I was sickened by all the 20-something bushies (male and female) strutting around with their special access badges.

Anyone want to help me teach English in tuscany for four years? Lousy pay, great food and wine.

HRT:
No, I'm not satisfied now. For one thing, that is the passive aggressive tactic of someone too chickenshit to have their ideas and opinions subjected to close scrutiny.

So, God decided homosexuality was bad? Please tell me chapter and verse so I can look it up. Would it be the passage wherein the godly man sends his own wife out to be raped to death rather than relinquish the visiting "angels" to the mob? Or the one where he offers his daughters instead? Because those are more about host duties than homosexuality--if the angels had been women, same thing would've happened. And Sodom? What verse exactly says "I am destroying this city because there are gay men here"?

Oh and as a Canadian, I can safely say to your statement " when the terrorists bomb you, can we be free not to defend you?" Absofuckinloutely. We do not want to be tainted with your brush in any shape or form. If your government hadn't been making threats to our security should we not fall in line with your defense priorities, it wouldn't even been an issue.

It's people like you who make it all too easy to utter the phrase, "I hate Americans" in moments of frustration like this.

PS: To all the sane, rational members of the Blurbodoocery, I do *not* hate *you* (Although I'm deeply frightened by your Republican cohort).

christy-

umm...there is some seriousness to some peep comment's about leaving, so my comment was to those people where it is more than just a passing fancy to even consider an exodus...SCRAM!

nick, i like the amen popsicle. as a matter of fact, how bout a bizness venture? AMEN!POPSICLE! and just have the most delicious, scrumptous, delectable popsicles on earth. some that even have sugar, not the fake stuff..

Isma and others that responded to me, I respect your comments and more than that I appreciate the mature responses that I receieved.

It saddens me Isma to think that you don't believe that there is a God. Perhaps I am a weaker person, but when I look into the eyes of the people that I love, when I feel scraped out and hollow inside because I have lost someone that I love, when I look at the beautiful eyes of a new born baby, when I see a sunset, I can't help but know in my heart that something out there greater than me, greater than this world created the universe. I can't sit back and think that just by chance that we have so much variety and diversity on this Earth. I can't look at the sun and just be amazed that somehow it is just far enough away from the Earth that we aren't all cooked alive.

Why is it that we all have unique DNA? Why do we have different fingerprints? Why do we have unique voice tones? The list goes on and on, I believe it is because God made us special and unique. Psalm 139:13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be.

............................

To JustMe- Your argument is a good one, and in that case I believe that you should do what you feel is best. I don't stand here and think that I have all the answers, I don't. But I hate to see that we kill unborn children because it is an inconvenience to our perfect lives.

Much Love.

I Do seem to have a stutter.

Eddo - unfortunately, once you begin to erode the rights for some, you erode them for all. If you make it illegal unless someone's life is in danger, then you have to deal with who has the right to decide how endangered you are. Women who choose natural birth already are faced with hospitals attempting to get court orders to force caesarians. Is it not my choice whether to undergo life-threatening major abdominal surgery? It may be commonplace now, but there is always a risk of complications like reaction to anesthesia, bleeding to death, sepsis in the wounds... Should I not be able to judge the risk to my own health and safety? If my unborn child had more rights than I do, then I choose never to be in that situation. And there are those trying to take that decision away from me, too - under the current atmosphere, some pharmacists are nowing deciding it's against their morals to fill birth control prescriptions, and in one specific case, even refused to transfer the prescription to another pharmacy. So it's stacking up that 1) access to birth control is being limited, 2) access to abortion is being limited, and 3) women can be forced to be gutted against their will in favor of the unborn.

This scares the living hell out of me.

I'd say the silver lining is that Leta will be able to wear her "Mommy Wants a New President" t-shirt for a couple more years (or as long as it fits!)

we kill unborn children because it is an inconvenience to our perfect lives. <--- this is pro-life rhetoric bullshit. Do you really think that? "...an inconvenience to our perfect lives"

everyone that has a perfect life please raise your hand...

yea, that's EXACTLY the thought every woman has when she walks through the door of the abortion clinic, "..gosh, this is just so darn inconvenient in my perfect life"

her body is her business, cuz, get this...YOUR body is YOUR business. Amazing how that works.

Popsicle,
It's valid and understandable to anyone with a bit of empathy for a position other than your own that people are experiencing feelings of disappointment, anger, alienation, etc. caused by what is widely perceived by a good many Americans (and others around the world) as mass approval of an incompetent, uncompassionate, and criminal president.

For many like myself, this election was a litmus test to see how ignorant, hateful, spiteful, misguided, and plain dumb Americans can be. To want to disassociate ourselves with these people is understandable. However, I agree. We should stay. The rest of the idiots need to go somewhere facism is universally fashionable.

Unfortunately, we're all stuck here together. We're a deeply divided country. We aren't all going to hold hands and heal. We're going to figure out a way to regroup and eventually take back this country for decency, humanity, and intelligence. We're underdogs right now, but the ones with justice on our side usually are.

No matter. We're patient.

So I'm going to complain, whine and bitch my two cents for a moment. I'm not as mad as I am frightened that this has happened.

When I woke up this morning and saw all the red, I was blown away. He got the popular vote?! Does no one care that we have so much unemployment? Does no one see the terror that he puts into everyone? Stem cell? Anyone? Anyone?
I am freaked out. I'm not a vomiter, I'm more of a pooper. I heard on the radio...NPR that he is more relatable. He's for the blue collar...blah…blah…blah..

I work in the public, let me tell you I have heard everything from ... “If you vote for Kerry- you better get your guns" to "I'm voting for Bush because he is Christian" to my coworker actually dancing around all 19 years of her exclaiming that she voted for Bush, "like because... um... like.. he's like against abortion and Kerry is like for it... and like.... he's not for Gays getting married and like... neither am I... cuz like... I'm super religious."

Pass the Maker's Mark, please. I need some!

If you are bummed because Bush won, try living in Utah and being bummed that Bush won. It's like living in a sea of red (70% for Bush) and not knowing why the hell you stick around if no one likes your kind here anyway.

And the whole Amendment 3 thing--the most monstrous single piece of legislation I have ever voted against--is now going to be a part of our state constitution. I am having a hard time seeing what is worth sticking around and fighting for.

But, maybe that's because I live in Utah.

Here's how my glass is half-full:

John Kerry is still my senator! :)
Obama! (Not Osama!)
New Hampshire turned blue!

I'd be lying if I wasn't shitting myself about the supreme court appointees over the next four years...but I'm not ready to come to Canada.

But in case there is a draft, I do know the Canadian national anthem and some French. There are some countries that allow freedom of speech that don't force you to kill people (in Iraq) that have done nothing to you (9/11).

When our Prime Minister Bonsai (Little Bush) was re-elected, I thought of moving country. Canada perhaps. Or New Zealand. But now your fellow is back in on on the other side of the pond, I'm thinking of moving planet.

Anyone wanna join me?

They all passed, but I have to believe this is the backlash before the end. And that, in 10 to 20 years, the majority of voters in this country will support same-sex marriage. Most people in their 20s seem to. As do kids. Kids are our future. Let's please hope they don't change.

Kellie - it was a joke. Lighten up!

One of the things that is striking in this country is the difference between the urban areas and the suburban and rural areas. You could pull up nearly any state electoral map on CNN.com and locate the large cities---they were nearly all blue. The rest is red.

I grew up in a small town but always felt like a fish out of water. Once I got a chance to experience city living and diversity, I felt more at home.

Happy to live in a very blue part of a blue state...

I am Canadian, and I watched this election closer than I watch ours. I am so, so disappointed. Everyone I know wanted anyone but Bush and his "terror" speeches and propaganda for another 4 years. And gay people SHOULD fully be allowed to get married. Close-minded people disgust me.

Mike M,
(I posted this last night but thought it was an appropriate response to your post about rural vs. urban).

One thing about the Electoral College that I think hasn’t been mentioned here is that individuals in the states with lower populations have more voting power. In some states it takes 9 votes to win one electoral college vote, in others it takes 900,000 votes to equal one electoral college vote.

The system tries to make sure representation is not skewed in favor of what the city populations want, but ends up skewing toward what the rural populations want.

I just have to say as a Canadian (who's also gay) I've never understood the state of things in America. It's a beautiful country with some very ugly people. I'm not talking in a physical sense either! Many GOP supporters are "Born-Again" Christians... why then do they not practice the teachings of the book they so ademantly force on the 60% of Americans who DON'T profess to be "Saved"? And why don't more "unsaved" Americans stand up and be counted? I work for a Christian radio station (not a great idea when you're GAY! :-D ) and most of the shows we play are from the USA. They ALL perceive that the Liberals run EVERYTHING... HOW THE HELL (sorry for the pun) DID BUSH GET BACK IN OFFICE IF EVERYTHING HAS BEEN "HI-JACKED" BY LIBERALS? Maybe it SHOULD be. I profess to Christianity (God doesn't hate gays but his PEOPLE seem to!) however, I do NOT force it on people who don't want it!

I understand why something like Prop 3 could pass in a State like Utah. However, it should never pass in more DEM-strong states like California provided the people speak-up. I know what it's like to be told you're going to hell for standing up for what you believe in but AMERICA IS YOUR COUNTRY TOO! All I can do as a resident of your Northern neighbour is invite you to come live here. Maybe if there were more people here in Canada it wouldn't be as cold!

God help America, she needs it right now! :-(
J in TO

"Why is it that we all have unique DNA? Why do we have different fingerprints? Why do we have unique voice tones? The list goes on and on, I believe it is because God made us special and unique"

Pathetic. Trees also have unique DNA. Do we love each and every one of them or do we kill them without a thought? What makes people different from trees? God? Nope. God would have equal reverence for the trees. Gonna have to come up with a better argument than that before I support anti-abortion laws.

Sheryl,

That is a good point. There is a mistake in your figures: the smallest state by population is Wyoming, where Bush got 167,000 votes to Kerry's 70,000. So it works out that it takes about 40,000 votes per electoral vote (40,000 times 3 = 120,000 out of 237,000 votes cast, enough to win the state).

Compare that to California, where it takes about 90,000 votes per electoral vote.

There were just under 10 million votes cast for President in California, which had an estimated population of 33.8 million in the 2000 census.

Drinking all the time is good. Gay marriage is fine. Whining works.

I love this site. It's cool.

How do you get a nation of people who can afford no better than Walmart to empathize and even fight to the death for the concerns of the rich? Enquiring minds wanna know -- if people here are so television-rapt and non-critical, than I am next to try rule their little worlds bwa hahahahahha

Funny thing about all these gay marriage amendments:

In 1992, Colorado was the first state to pass such an amendment to a state constitution, with a 54% majority (as I recall). The backlash on the state was immense, with people across the country encouraging a boycott of the state. We were even referred to as the "hate state."

In fairly short order, the amendment was determined unconstitutional - thankfully. And we've seen nothing like it since.

After the backlash that we saw, it's amazing to me that 11 states had similar amendments on the ballot this year. Eleven?! And where are the people who 12 years ago thought this was evil and terrible and hate-filled? Where's the call to boycott these 11 states?

Has this nation really gone as far to the religious right in these 12 years? Because I haven't been privy to that. I've thought we were better educated, more tolerant. But it looks like I've been living behind a screen. Because otherwise, how could this have happened?

You know the irony? 12 years ago, Utah was probably licking their chops at Colorado's boycott and "hate state"edness- because they got much of our skier visits and, hence, tourism dollars. Yeah, can we have those back now?

The fact that the main "concern" of voters in this election was MORAL VALUES is pretty damn scary to me. This re-elected adminsitration is going to enjoy having the opportunity to impose thir "MORAL VALUES" on the country for another 4 years...but this time with a scarier Republican congress.

Right on, Denise - I think they meant "Conservative Traditions" and not moral values. I don't consider the belief in a Christian God to be a moral value. I do consider honesty and treating others with the respect a moral value. But maybe I am just a bleeding effing liberal anarchist. I expect people to be humane to one another.

Regarding "moral values". What is of high moral value about challenging a person's right to vote in a state where you are afraid your party is going to lose? I would like an accounting of the people who were challenged coming to the polls in Ohio. Looking up their registration status and turning them away on any technicality. If your driver's license is expired, even if all of the information is correct, you could be stopped from voting. If you have moved since you registered, and don't update your driver's license or your registration, you could be turned away. Were the people who were stopped white, of color, middle class, working class, working poor? Challenging others' right to vote based on feeling threatened that you might lose, challenging others' rights to vote and saying you are doing it to "prevent voter fraud" is not a moral or Democratic thing to do, it is a demagogic thing to do.

I was so angry about this, I thought it would have been interesting to challenge the wealthy and the white as they came to the polls. Did they all *remember to change their voting registration address to match the address of the new house they bought*?

My best friend's husband is a stay-at-home Dad. He received five calls during the past 10 days from (we assume) Republicans. One person impersonating the Chief of Police for their town, saying that if he had any arrest warrants that he would be arrested at the polling booth, prior to voting. (He has never been arrested.) One person saying (a recording) that the polls were so crowded they were asking Republicans to vote on Nov 2 and Democrats to wait until Nov 3 (!)

I thought respecting freedom and the right of others' to exercise their vote would be a moral value. But I guess not.

This defeated attitude surprises me. A lot.

Today, I am at peace. I choose to be at peace.

The truth is that neither presidential candidate fit the bill, to a tee, for me. But you know, I voted. I GOT TO VOTE. They let me, the little housewife. I don't own property, I don't volunteer or work for any cause. I sit at home and do work that someone else could do. Laundry and Vacuuming never changed the world, but I still got to vote. And I recognize that not too long ago, there were women like me who spoke out and stood up, and those women changed my future. And I am lucky to live in this country, where people fought so that I wouldn't have to fight. And so that I can fight for my own cause, when I find it.

The peace that I feel can't be taken away or even chaged based on politics. Because I am so much more than that. I am bigger and mightier. I'm a "Mommy", a "Sweetie" and a "Sissy." And I have two kitties who sit by my feet when I write in my livejournal. I have cool friends, I laugh daily, I'm creative. George Bush, John Kerry, Santa Claus, whoever. No one can change Me.

Favorable outcome of the election, unfavorable . . . whatever. I'm not complacent. I'm honest, I'm faithful and I'm not scared. I can't be and there is no reason to be. Fear itself will destroy me far sooner than that which I am afraid of.

(from my LJ)

Heather, the 9-month newsletter has just proved to me that despite our country is being run by George W Bush, a man many of us hate, that there is still love in the world.

I hope I can be as good a mother as you when the time comes.

"...despite our country is being run by George W Bush, a man many of us hate,..."

I thought hate was not a 'family value' apparently hypocracy is.

HRT,

I agree that Margaret Sanger had her head up her ass, but that doesn't mean that the organization she founded somehow encourages racism. In fact, they provide vital, necessary, and otherwise expensive health services to people who are not able to afford them--many of them are people of color. The logic of abhoring PP for its founder's beliefs makes about as much sense as abstaining from democracy because its founders were racist (which they were).

We have a profound problem--the world just isn't going to be big enough for all of us. A planned parenthood--including the right to choose an abortion--is ironically vital to our survival as a species.

Andy,

I respectfully disagree. I know that our natural resources our being outstripped by the increasing numbers of humans on the planet. But human nature would suggest that today it's the unborn, the infirmed and the criminals. Tomorrow it's lefthanders, the toothless and the mentally challenged.

In response to this childish b.s. about john kerry "not knowing where he stands." look, anyone who is a major candidate for office is obviously a politician. politicans, practically by definition and essence, waver on issues. politicans mislead people. they obsess over polls and take money from special interests. duh.

any president will have ADVISORS. it is practically, nearly irrevelant what kerry thought about the war last year because his advisors would have advised him on what to do in the future.

what's this naive bs about "he changed his mind." oh no! that is what politicians DO.

more than that, changing your mind is like saying "i may have been wrong." is that so terrible?
is reflecting on thought, action, and position so offensive?

it's like you Bush voters want your president to be a consistent ass and mumbling moron before a thinker and a reflecter.

Ok you guys, let's suck it up and band together to get through these trying times. After all, we have LETA and what more does a person need? Her divine cuteness and yummy chubby cheeks are more than enough to cancel out the inherent evil of Dubya.

By the way, can anyone tell me... do they drive on the same side of the road in Canada? Are your electrical outlets the same or are they all funky like in the UK? Just trying to plan ahead. Viva la Canada!

Can we seriously start talking about the Leta-ness of Leta now? She is really adorable and a much, much better thought than politics.

I enjoy reading Heather's posts about her daughter because I am with child currently. I am so excited about being a mother and having a little baby around. I am glad that Heather finally got to the point where Leta started being cuter than ever.

Children are such a wonderful joy, and I am glad that I am having a child when I am. Even though this nation is divided, my husband and I can still teach him about love, virtues, and beliefs. I want my child to understand and choose for himself, just as Heather wants for Leta.

I know that many of you think that Americans are stupid, but please look past all of that crap. Many people believe many different things, and just because one group believes something different than the other does not mean that one group is stupid.

I do realize that there are other countries than America that are "free", but I do not live in those countries, I live in America, and so that is what I care about. I am proud to be what I am, and I hope that the rest of us can be proud as well.

Anyway, Heather, your daughter is absolute gorgeous and reading about her makes me smile. You make me very anxious to have my own, even though you have been through quite a lot.

I can't wait to dress my little guy in a halloween costume and have him look at me like, "what the heck are you doing to me, woman? I'm not a bumble bee, I am a little baby boy. You see this face? This is the face of 'I am going to make sure my poopy is extra messy for you tonight.'"

I am glad that you share those extra special moments with us, Heather, because they are so true.

Love in Christ,
Amber <><

the ten commandments google ads on the front page are a little.. creepy?

hooray for leta. because i really needed smiling cuteness today. :)

Hillary in '08???

I live in Manhattan and today was a bit like the wednesday after 9/11. There was a sort of mourning and a weird hush all over the city. It certainly seemed a bit more quiet than usual. The fear in the air, the uncertainty of what the future holds for us as a country. I agree with some of the other bloggers. We have to mobilize now for 2008. I have a feeling Jeb will be the republican nomination for the next race. Cheney won't have a chance if he decides to run, which he more than likely won't anyway. If Ma & Pa Bush do get their 2nd son ready however (he was supposed to be in his brothers seat at the moment) the zombies in the majority of middle america and the south will lap it up with glee and unfettering devotion. Do we really want to live under the Bush dynasty for decades? They (the Bushies) seem to think so. I will not have empathy for "the Sea of Red" when their children are taken from them and forced to fight a war that is not theirs and have them more than likely come backed maimed physically & psychologically or even in a body bag. I will however feel great sorrow for those poor kids. I will have no sorrow for them when they have to join the ranks of the already millions of people that have to stand in line in the unemployment office because their job was downsized or even sent overseas so their CEO can make an extra million or so that year. The CEO that is protected & adorned by the MONKEY they see fit to run the country. I won't know how to feel when their daughters end up in emergency rooms because they tried to perform their own abortion (for fear of what the poor girls parents will think of her being an unwed mother. or for that matter GASP! what the president will think)or even worse some quack that doesn't know how but is willing to do it illegally and thus completely destroying the lower half of her torso. Lastly I won't think twice on how at one point in their life they'll realize how sad it has been because they have never known the joy of what free thinking really is. Never know the joy of deductive reasoning. Never known the joy in being free in life. Never knowing how to stand up for yourself and to assert your concerns and REAL beliefs. I myself have thought of moving to Canada, but I'm willing to give this country one more chance. Yes, I was born here and have lived all my life here. The next 4 years are going to be hell on earth, make no mistake about it. They should be a catalyst for us REAL Americans to fight for our country, our liberties & our rights. Start thinking about 2008 now people. I know I will be. Every day until then.

P.S. I am a gay man and I now am re-affirmed as to why I moved from MI 5 years ago. I can't even get into that whole thing. It scares the hell out of me more than anything else and I would be ranting forever.

P.S.S. This is my first time blogging anything ever so please excuse the non-use of paragraphs. I was on a roll.

I cried reading todays monthly newsletter. Its probably the most beautiful thing I have ever read. If my mother wrote monthly newsletters, yearly newsletters, or even A letter for me, I'd be such a grateful person right now.

Yes, I have used Planned Parenthood for the last oh... 12 years or so. I have never once been pregnant. Unlike a friend of mine who "can't be bothered" with P.P. and had FOUR abortions in a matter of three years or so. I am against abortion. Here's why;

I have an adopted 6 yr old sister who is phenominally beautiful and adorable, but who was born to a 43 woman with Cerebral Palsey, epilepsy & fits of rage & has the mentality of an 8 yr old. ALL the doctors insisted my sister would be born badly handicapped & mentally retarded due to the mom's age, condition, and massive prescription drug use. They insisted on an abortionas THE only wise option. The family said no, and my parents adopted this precious little girl at 3 lbs & 4 weeks old. While she's about 6 months - a year behind kids her age in size & mentality- (with every chance to catch up) she's all the proof I need that abortion is NOT to be taken lightly. I would never get one myself, but THANKS to the kind people at PP, there's never been a need to ever consider it. I'm an artist & I've never had insurance and could never have afforded the care on my own. While I believe a woman's right to choose should FIRST be to choose sexual protection, I would not shut down a clinic that also HELPS women avoid pregnancy, even though they also terminate as well. Nothing is so black & white.

ALL that said, Emily #417- great comments. LOVED them.

http://www.buzzmachine.com/archives/2004_11_01.html#008331

Mama Dooce,
It sounds like you truly enjoy your daughter and are enriched by her presence in your life. I know you wondered if you'd ever feel that way--depression feels like a dark pit out of which you'll never find your way. She is a bright reflection of you, girlfriend. You're obviously a freakin' awesome mom--even when you don't feel like you are.

Heather,

I loved your monthly newsletter as always. Leta is absolutely adorable. I really hope everyone on here can put their emotions aside and get on with their lives. Let's start talking about poop and boobs and Chuck again. I think we could all use a break from the politics.

From Kerry:
Earlier today I spoke to President Bush, and offered him and Laura our congratulations on their victory. We had a good conversation, and we talked about the danger of division in our country and the need, the desperate need, for unity for finding the common ground, coming together. Today, I hope that we can begin the healing.

So here -- with a grateful heart, I leave this campaign with a prayer that has even greater meaning to me now that I've come to know our vast country so much better and that prayer is very simple: God bless America.

From Bush:
America has spoken. And I am humbled by the trust and confidence of my fellow citizens. With that trust comes a duty: I will serve all Americans, so help me God. I am proud to lead such an amazing country -- and I am proud to lead it forward.

Reaching our goals will require the broad support of Americans. A new term is a new opportunity to reach out to the whole nation. We have one country, one Constitution, and one future that binds us all. And when we come together and work together, there is no limit to the greatness of America.

A campaign has ended, and our cause is renewed. The United States of America goes forward with confidence and faith. I can see a new day coming, and I am eager for the work ahead. God bless you all, and God bless America.

From Me:
God bless us one and all.

Another Canadian just posting to say that I'm about as depressed as 99% of the Americans I've spoken to today are. I keep looking at the calendar like, is it 1770 all of a sudden?

What I don't understand about the gay marriage/abortion debates, or really any other debate pertaining to civil rights, is this: Does it not occur to people that regardless of their own personal opinions, by banning whatever you're looking to ban, they're taking away the civil rights of their fellow citizens about as effectively as Osama bin Laden and his fear tactics could ever hope to?

Okay, so, you think the 'sanctity of marriage' (*cough*) is at stake. Fine. Don't marry someone who's the same gender as you. But how is eating into OTHER people's rights a good thing to do? What happened to that 'do unto others' shit that the Bible expouses?

All I've figured out is the following: damn if I'm not going to vote when it's my turn (I'm 18), damn if I'm not going to drive the point home when it's my turn, and damn if I'm going to sit here and let the same kind of bullshit happen in my own country.

I admit it: for the first time ever, I was brought to tears by a monthly newsletter.

Being the 453 comment for this post I doubt you will get to reading it but that's ok. I have something much more important to say than anything about politics. LETA IS SO DAMN CUTE! She is ALMOST as cute as CHUCK. I love your monthly letters to her and I am sure she will cherish them forever when she is older. In case no one has told you lately...you are a great mom!

Our condolences from Canada. We hope that the Draft is not on his agenda and if it is Canada's a great place to raise a family in peace.

I don't have the energy to read all these comments. Heather, I just wanted to let you know that when I read the section of the nine month newsletter when you talked about the election and how you want to raise Leta, I cried. It gives me hope that people like you and Jon have children to raise in this manner. THERE IS STILL HOPE.
Bless you, bless you, bless you.

dear heather, this is totally unrelated to today's picture. I work at florist, and today we sent flowers to a HEATHER ARMSTRONG here in town. I did a double-take, hoping that it would be you. but nay. END ANECDOTE.

I LOVE what you say about raising Leta to understand and consider all religions.

Dooce, Seriously....I think it is so great what you do when you write monthly newsletters to Leta. She will soooo appreciate it when she gets older.

Shoot, I appreciate it now, as a mom myself. Good stuff. :-)

Your cute letter to Leta was so sweet and pure it brought a tear to my eye. That doesn't usually happen!!! ***Don't want baby- put thoughts back deep inside brain!!!***

Nope, Meggan ... Measure 36 went through. Marriage is now officially between one man and one woman. Of course, in Utah it might be between one man and three women. It didn't pass anywhere.

You know, I'm from Ohio. Born and raised there. Wish I could convert my Oregon vote to Ohio.

:o(

Sad dad indeed.

"I want you to know that your father and I want to teach you love and compassion. We want to teach you that there are always several sides to every story. We want to teach you about all religions and let you choose for yourself what you want to believe. We want to teach you that there is power in knowledge, but that there is even more power in reaching out and loving other people, that life is about relationships and friends and giving everything you’ve got."

Beautiful. I think we can all learn to live like this. Can't we?

K...i'll take that as a no then.

My Canadian door welcomes you all!

Especially Leta! My almost 10 month old Ben coos and giggles at her pictures, I think he has his first crush. Come Leta! We have lots of toys and tickles and thumb-sucking is soooooo allowed here!

you have no idea what it’s like to be hated for no particular reason when you are in college and treking through europe. you have no idea what it’s like when canadians wear their flags on their backpacks so no one will confuse them with americans.

i’m amazed that you’re amazed we voted for him. we were attacked. he stood up to the terrorists. we like him. and we think we’re pretty good, too."

First of all, it sounds like your visit to Europe was a rough one. Hopefully it was better than it sounds. :)

But I think you'll find that being hated for no particular reason is a fallacy. 1) Because every group is hated for some pretty crappy reasons (ie. the french hate the english, the irish hate the english,, bunchs of people are paranoid about people of middle eastern decent these days)
2) While there are some pretty good reasons that people hate american foreign policy, overall though I've found (and my boyfriend works at the UN so I can hopefully say this) don't hate americans. It's generally that 5% of the population of the world, although when you have a couple of billion people, 5% seems like alot. And that 5% screws up the world generally so I wouldn't sweat them.

Also many other countries have been attacked by terrorists. We were actually pretty late in the "game". I'm not saying that your assertion about motivations aren't justified, I'm just saying that plenty of other nations have been battling terrorism for much longer than we have-so they may have some insight that we should listen to. But I'm glad that you are proud to be who you are (really really :D)

However, what I think we can all agree on is that leta is the CUTEST THING EVER. My ovaries are kicking my tummy going "see! see! the cuteness that we could create if you would only get married and get off birth control!" :)

Finally! Now Osama can come out from hiding on the ranch and finish what he started.

If God has chosen Bush to do this mission then heaven help all of us who have eyes to witness this doing. The nation is divided and no matter what people may think, we won't get over it in a few months. It isn't cramps. Or the flu. Or a broken toe. This in case you haven't noticed, is our lives. Anyone who watched the debates and therein cast a vote in the direction of Bush is an idiot and has doomed every one who resides on this planet. He isn't wanted by half of the unUnited States and he needs to acclimate to that idea because hell will freeze over before he wins us all.

Everything's fine. You can go back to shopping.

what i didnt add was..unless you are half as cute as Leta or half as 'all-knowing' as me, don't even comment...
-go cheeseburger's at Butter!
-go AMEN!POPSICLES!
-go black eyed peas! latin girls!

Tracye,

If Bush wasn't wanted by half of the U.S., then why were more than half of the votes cast in favor of Bush?

Do we seriously have to resort to name calling? :(

I honestly think that everything will be fine. I really do.

Amber~Bush was unwanted by half of these unUnited States. That is why, Amber, they are saying the country is divided. Bush did not sweep the country, it was a close fight. Secondly, I wasn't name calling anyone. It's a fact not an exaggerations (Bush word) that he is not a great speaker and cannot form sentences properly. He does not bode well in debates as well in other areas. So if you took this as a personal offense, don't.

I'm glad you think everyone is going to be fine. Really. But when you take your head out of the ostrich hole it's stuck in you will find yourself living in a very different America. One that is, divided.

And we are not going to get over it and why should we? Freedom of speech is still up for grabs or has Bush moved to eradicate that amendment also?

We are not going to be alright. We are at war.

That is because the Senate that "we" elected started the war. These people didn't find guns and terrorist for dummy books in their desert backyard. They came from somewhere. Of course, as usual, it's always someone else's fault, it can't be our fault that would be unamerican. The truth can never be told in this country. Everything has to be hidden and covered over and just put a smile on your face and get over it. That's the American attitude, that is until it hits home. And before anyone brings up 9.11, I knew 60 people that perished in the World Trade Towers. I also know that people do not attack you for no reason. But we're never at fault are we? America? God bless America and no one else. Isn't that our motto?

And if you are so tired of reading so called whining and bitching exercise your rights, while you still can.

If you even get to reading this... Someone should get Bush to say something under oath so we can impeach him. Sue him over something, have him subpoenaed and call him as a witness. Hey, it could happen, you know he talks out of his ass. Just make sure to put the mic in the right place.

Whatever happened to, separation of church and state?

And peace,liberty, and justice, for all?

All words. With no meaning. This was the biggest voter turnout in years, tens of years so they say. People registering to vote who've never voted before.

In God we trust...

One Nation under God...

Sometimes it's important to remember that, freedom isn't free.

Tracye,

My head is not in an ostrich hole. Please do not tell me to not take offense if you directly insult me like so. I have not insulted you.

And the name calling comment, wasn't directed at you. I apologize if you misunderstood that. There are quite a few people that are name calling, however.

Do you think Osama cares whether Bush is president or not? If he is going to attack us, he is going to attack us regardless who is president.

I know that America is divided, but there are quite a few Americans that disagree that are still willing to just live together happily and not let politics get in the way.

I think we will be alright because most Americans realize that hating each other over politics is, well, stupid. Most are going to push their politics aside in order to live in peace.

If one lets his or her hatred for another person get in the way of making peace with another, then this war within the country is partially that one person's fault. (because this is collective) If we spout that we should tolerate others, then we must tolerate others; for their beliefs, actions, race, origin, sex, etc. Tolerance brings peace.

I believe we are fine because I have faith in people to be nice and tolerate the people around them.

christylee-
dang girl...go get lay'd. i mean that in a positive way. go to NYC, Manhattan, leave everything behind for one (1) night, and go hear danny tenaglia...he'll free the space.

-Amen!Popsicle!

Good night, or good morning, or go bush, go usa, go free people, go concerts, go live music, go love, go magic, go sex, go orgasms, go books, go poetry, go whiskey, go sports.....just go. NO MORE WHINING..go kiss your baby, whoever that may be...no more whinING - ali !!

Heather,
From now on I'll know better than to read your monthly newletters at work. It's not cool to be teary eyed while construction workers pass by your desk first thing in the morning. I showed it to them, but they still don't get it. Now I'm sure I'll be tortured for the rest of the day about it. It was beautiful. I maintained until the last sentence, then everything went to hell.

Beautiful post today Dooce. I hope when Leta is old enough she starts her own journal to respond to these beautiful monthly letters. :o)