Election Day

So today was Election Day.  I had every intention of going and voting, but you know what happened?  I went shopping instead.  Well, I meant to go by after that quick trip to Target, but that took a little longer than expected, plus I had Emma with me and I didn't want to wait around with her on my heels, etc, etc, excuses, excuses.  Tonight I turned on the tv and all over the news was how VA is the "swing state" and there was red, red, red everywhere.
My stomach dropped.  Holy hell, what have I done?  My one vote could have turned the whole state blue.
No, my one vote wouldn't have changed a thing.  But I hate myself for not voting because I know when I want to complain about "The Government" (I love how people refer to "The Government" like it's one single person), I won't have a leg to stand on b/c I didn't bother to cast my vote.  Like that trip to Target was more important?
Let's be honest here, I didn't care.  I care about my country, I care about supporting the troops, I care about giving to those in need, but what I don't care about is politics.  To me it's the biggest crock of bull malarkey.  Let's find some MAN (notice I say man), who atleast looks clean cut and honest and plaster his picture everywhere and string him along like a little puppet.  That's a politician for you.  Meanwhile, behind closed doors, he's having sex-capades with the intern, and his posy (i.e. the big money that plucked his pretty face out of obscurity in order to do their bidding) is the ones actually out getting the work done.
Ok, back to being positive.  I get the idea our founding fathers had.  You must have the back and forth banter from both sides when you're making decisions that effect everyone.  We need to examine both sides of the issue.  That's why we need Dem/Rep/Whatev parties, I get that.  But what I can't stand is how people aren't thinking for themselves anymore.  Why are you a Dem/Rep/Whatev?  Is it because your daddy was, and your daddy before him was too?  Because if it is, then you're dumb.  You've got a brain, think for yourself you idiot.
Yes, as you've probably guessed, I am a Democrat.  But that doesn't mean I automatically disagree with all Republicans (except for Sarah Palin, the thought of her in the White House simply scares the crap out of me).  That also doesn't mean that I agree 100%, beyond a shadow of a doubt, with the Democratic Party.  I'm not even going to divulge my opinions on the "issues", because that's not what this is about.
It's about being brave enough to stand up for what you believe in.  And there's not a politician out there who seems to be doing that.  All those damn commercials drove me insane.  Not a one said, "Hi, I'm So-&-So and here's what I believe we should be doing."  All of them were about let's point a finger at the other guy and scare you into thinking he's horrible.  Folks, we're better than that.  Let's be grown-ups here and let's talk about real issues, real people.  And, don't bull shit a bull shitter.  Stop blowing smoke up my hiney to get my vote and be real with me.  And stop blindly following your party.  You show me someone who is passionate about their country, compassionate for their neighbor, opened to listening to their opponent, honesty, integrity, morality, all of those courageous qualities, and I'll take the time to skip my precious Target trip and give you my vote.  I don't care your party, your race, your gender, or your religion.  What I care about is your character.  And none of them showed me that.  Ok, maybe I didn't look hard enough, but after all the nasty campaigning, I didn't care to look, I'd already made up my mind.  None of them deserved my vote.


Boy, I've got alot of opinions for a jackass who didn't vote don't I?