The Coming Storm

For the record.

Having observed the chatter from the media (radio opinions, tv, newspaper headlines, blogs, etc.), and from personal conversation with other, I'm afraid we are facing an election unlike any recent one.

Certainly, there was much rage and passion surrounding the 2004 election. However, I feel like my experiences from then indicated to me that most of those most upset about George Bush's presidency were near convinced that he would lose. In a way, this made them less agitated about it. A certain confidence mitigated their rage somewhat.

Now, I fear there will be no such outlet for the raw emotion of the politically fanatic. I feel like this election will see irrational exuberance and contempt. People will hear arguments against their candidate and take it as a personal offense. They will latch on the rhetorical talking points of their respective opinion leaders and make a mantra of it. Sides will be picked, lines drawn, and no crossover tolerated.

Can I give an example? Sarah Palin as a radical Alaskan separatist. Have you heard that story? Well, it's pretty baseless. What about a dna test for Sarah Palin's baby to determine the parents? People are actually calling for that? Yes. You see, what is this? Barack Obama a terrorist, muslim, and communist? Why?

You see, there are two people: the reasonable, and the political living dead. Brain function suspended, anger only. So, if you have a mind to yourself still, and take part in the ranks of the reasonable, pay attention to your associates. Do some of them exhibit a level of emotional investment in this election that goes beyond what you have observed in the past? You decide.

I have a feeling that they will, so forget Gustav. The coming weeks will be much dramatic. Barack Obama will probably be the most civil through it all, but I think his supporters may end up being the least. Let's see what happens, or in other words, developing...