one night stand

First of all, I readily admit that I don’t know everything about politics. I only wish I was as well-versed and could explain my thoughts with as much eloquent fortitute as my brilliant friends Nathan Alan and Shawn Romano. However, despite my obvious inadequacies I would still like to offer up my opinion on the state of our country, be it ever so humble. Please disagree if you like.

During elections I tend to get very involved, battling out my voting decision as if my very life and soul depended on it. Perhaps it is because I am one of the naïve people who cling to the belief that my vote actually can make a difference. Or perhaps it's just because I love to argue. I spent hours analyzing the pros and cons; weighing each topic based on its relevance and moral importance. I watched every presidential and vice presidential debate. I read articles, I argued with anyone that would listen, I researched, I debated on facebook notes (which got me in trouble). In the end I voted for Bob Barr. No, I don’t consider my vote a cop-out or a waste. I simply could not bring myself to vote for McCain (or the frightening possibility of Palin) and there was something about Barack Obama that I just did not trust, although I couldn't quite put my finger on it. I still can't. So because I generally feel like Republican and Democratic parties are just two versions of the same clumsy government establishment, I decided to use my vote as a meager protest against a faulty bi-partisan system by going Third Party, hoping that others would follow suit. Perhaps future elections will take notice.

I did consider voting for Obama though. Most of my friends did, some whom I respect greatly. I kicked the idea around my head for a couple of weeks, despite a multitude of threats from my father should I choose to vote Democrat. Obama oozes charm and charisma from every pore on his body. His voice is steady and controlled, strong and reassuring. He makes me want to believe his words, to hope for this undefinable 'change.' The eloquence and uplift of his speeches, combined with his personal grace and dignity still gives me goosebumps. I bought into the hype. But my cynical nature kept me from jumping into his camp. He seemed too good to be true; he is only human, but his words conveyed otherwise. I think my cynical side was correct. Thus far his saccharine promises have left me feeling empty and a bit scared. The novelty has worn off and there is so much work to be done. I know that miracles do not happen overnight and Obama has only been in office for two months. But everything that I have seen thus far has left nothing but a sick, hollow feeling in my stomach.

I’m starting to feel like I’ve been taken advantage of. Like President Obama bought us all strong drinks at the bar, whispered sweet nothings into our ear, and finally took the American people back to his place. But now the sun is up, the alcohol has worn off, and I am left only with bitter disillusionment and a hangover.

So Mr. President, you smooth-talked and dazzled the American people into your bed... now what do you plan to do?