I haven't left the house all day. I can't speak to anyone

[saracat]

I live in a repug area and I can't face the gloating. I want to leave the country immediately but I can't afford it. I am frightened to go out and I am conflicted about the Dems. We literally lost almost everything in my state. It was a bloodbath. Life doesn't seem worth anything. Fighting doesn't seem worth it. I refused to watch TV today I wouldn't watch Jon Stewart. I never want to watch him again .What is there to laugh about. ? I think I will just curl up and sleep. But how do I get the courage to leave the house?

[Syrinx]

1. I know how you feel

Everytime I've gone to the grocery store since May, I've worn my Kerry shirt. I got to be know as "the Kerry guy." I don't really want to go to that store anymore.

[Carla in Ca]

14. Listen to me, both of you

You must absorb this, staying the good person you are, before it absorbs you.
Each day spent like this cannot be lived again. It will be a short rest before we have new battles to fight. Here are a few things I'm doing. I've made a list of stores and shops I frequent. I will inquire discreetly for their political views and no longer give them my business if they are * supporters. I also ordered 2 T-shirts here:
<http://www.cafepress.com/selfx>
For bigger companies, the INTERNET provides all the information you need as to ownership.

Believe me, I know how you feel, I live in Orange County, Ca.!!!

Lastly, here is one of my favorite quotes. It is by Emerson:

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

[Syrinx]

20. you give good advice

Thanks.

:loveya:

[Carla in Ca]

25. You're welcome

I don't know how old you are but I survived the 60's. It was one of those 'best of times, worst of times' eras. You had now-classic music on the radio during the day and Vietnam War body bags on the TV every night. Very character forming.

Get your 'blue' shirt , put it on and get out there.

[Syrinx]

33. I'm 38, and I'm gonna get me a closet full of blue shirts

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't afraid of death, but I'm more afraid of the brown shirts. I'm going to be part of bringing them down, or die trying.

[Carla in Ca]

37. Ah, you have the spirit!

And don't forget, 55,557,583 people feel the same way!

[donheld]

23. Doesn't Cafepress play both sides

I thought they had freeper stuff too.

[Carla in Ca]

28. Here is the thread where the idea was developed.

I had never gone to that site until now. I can't wait to get my shirt and were it proudly.
<http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2588648>

[urbanasaurus]

41. Good advice, that.

"You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense."

I really needed that today!!!

[yardwork]

2. You are really hurting. I am sorry.

It sounds like you need some help right now. Do you have a therapist or counselor you can call? A supportive friend or relative?

If things seem very black, please call a support hotline. You can find them listed in the front of your phone book or through a google search in your area.

If it is any consolation, I haven't seen many Repugs gloating today. There are reports here of problems in schools, but not among many coworkers. I think that a lot of Repugs are actually a little concerned about what they just got themselves into with their hateful votes.

Please take care of yourself, saracat. You have many people who care about you here at DU.

[SammyWinstonJack]

12. If they aren't concerned now they soon will be!

They will come to regret their choice! Like the chimp said, "Mark my words, write it down."

[saracat]

18. All My friends are devastated. The phone has been silent all day.

My husband is torn up. He started to list our house for sale. He wanted to get out of the country. I made him wait even though I was always raving about leaving if Bush won. I just think we need time to think things out first. I still may leave. I am revolted by this country.
I feel a genuine horror at what has happened. This man could make Hitler look like a kitten. The Dem party here is shattered. They don't answer any phones. And seem to have diappeared. Sigh. I am watching the new Daily Show now but it is hard to laugh. Bittersweet I guess.

[Rhiannon12866]

40. If you are hoping to move to Canada, wait

I've heard that there's a waiting list, though I do know someone who is actually planning to move there, because of the Bush* economy, but she planned this far in advance of this election.:shrug:

I turned off "The Daily Show," which I seldom miss. I know that Jon Stewart voted for Kerry, so I can't understand how he could make fun of this devastating election. I just may miss Bill Maher, as well. He expected people to vote for Kerry, while he criticized his campaign. I'm sticking with Al Franken. He has put comedy aside, worked his ass off, and is as devastated as we are. I'm taking my cues from him.;(

[LibertyorDeath]

3. I understand it was a complete disaster

:grouphug:

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

4. Sara.

Do you have a therapist? Family member you can call and talk to? Friend? Failing that, crisis line or help line?

Choose one and call them.

Please, do it for yourself. Do it for me. Do it for your pet. Do it for the ideals we have fought for. The ones that affirm life and good things. But just do it. Now.

[PittLib]

5. That is my day in a nutshell.

Luckily I don't live in a repug area ... but I work in a place that attracts them like flies to honey. Tomorrow will be hard ... but hopefully my chin will be back up by then. Hang in there!

[Lorien]

6. I don't know, Saracat

I'm looking into leaving the country. This one is simply too hostile. I feel like you do; how do we fight when we have no power and will no longer have honest elections? How do we fight when it's so hard to motivate anyone on the left to act? Life hardly seems worthwhile, and yet we go on... :hug:

[SomthingsGotaGive]

7. please post this ....

I don't have enough posts to start a threat....


Greg Palast on Flashponts radio tonight ..

http://209.81.10.18/data/20041103-Wed1700.mp3

[mazzarro]

8. You need to calm down

You should realize that you have company in this predicament albeit on the internet. The fact is that within a short time the effects of what the American people voted for will descend on the country and we will start saying "we told you so". Just hold on and remember that "he who laughs last, laughs best".

[DELUSIONAL]

9. What state do you live in?

To get out of the house -- set a goal for yourself -- if you have a car go someplace you feel safe in and where you can be anonymous. Perhaps a quiet library -- and get a book that has photographs of interesting places -- sit in a quiet corner and look at the photos.

The ditto heads will be gloating -- obnoxious pricks.

So just don't go where stupids gather -- they'll give up and go about their business soon -- these idiots have a short attention span.

Remember WE won this election -- it was stolen again -- using black box voting. They are the evil ones -- you are better than they are.

Depression is part of the healing process -- now you need to get angry and use that emotion to get yourself motivated.

If there are no like minded people in your community -- we are here -- many of us live in rural areas filled with skin heads and KKK wannabes -- so DU and liberal mailing lists are life lines in this crazy world.

You aren't alone -- many people feel just like you do.

Pets or plants -- something living that needs you is also gives back because they will respond to your attention.

Above all-- take care of yourself.

Been there -- done that -- starting with Nixon -- who is almost a saint compared to bushie.

[UCLA Dem]

10. I understand completely

[American Tragedy]

11. Honey I know exactly how you feel

I don't know when I will ever be able to turn on the TV again, or even open a newspaper. Tomorrow, I have to go to my American Presidency class and face the Hitler youth. I am a prominent Kerry supporter and debater and have been covered in buttons every single day in that class. I don't know what I am going to say now.

It hurts so much. It feels like all hope in the future has been stolen.

[fernsibal]

15. me too

I feel completely empty inside. I teach English to a bunch of Moldovans, Armenians and Mexicans, none of whom can vote. I know the Mexicans understood my sense of devastation, because they've had to deal with corruption in Mexico.I told them how much I love my country, and how my heart is broken. I don't want to work so that my taxes go to *them*, I don't want to spend a cent here.

[saracat]

29. Exactly. I don't want Bush to have any

of the patheticly little money we have!

[gardenista]

13. Come to a blue state. We would love to have you in CA.

Although I'm devastated, I at least have the comfort of knowing that most of the other people I know are in the same boat. I can't imagine the difficulty of being in a red state, having to face gloating Bushies.

[cynatnite]

16. I left the house once today

Got fast food for me and the kids because I was too depressed to cook. My chest has been hurting all day from the stress of it all. I still have the bottle of tums sitting on my desk.

The only saving grace I have at this point is a trip we leave on tomorrow. We're going up north to visit a friend and see the sites. I've booked us at a hotel with a pool and I'm going to sort through a few books to relax me.

It's the getting away for a while I'm looking forward to and I think this healing time with my family will help. Call it escapism.

My suggestion would be to do the same. Whether it's a walk in the park, going to a movie, or even sitting in a library to read or something.

Take a little time, do something you like, preoccupy yourself with other activities and then I think you'll find that we can come back and get back in the trenches once again.

It's the one thing I'm finding hope in right now.

[BurtWorm]

17. My heart goes out to you, saracat!

:hi:

And to all you brave souls in red America.

[Droopy]

19. Be proud of who you are, Saracat

I feel like shit, too, but I'm going to keep my Kerry/Edwards bumper sticker on my car for as long as it will hang there or until next election whichever comes first. When Bush keeps fucking up I want people to know that I didn't vote for the sorry bastard.

[ibegurpard]

21. Truly, I can relate

I kid you not, I was seriously contemplating suicide last night. I thought "Why do I want to live in a world where evil, greedy, dully stupid people are working to make the world a worse place?" And why would I want to medicate myself with anti-depressants just to make the hell-on-earth more bearable?
I woke up this morning feeling MUCH better. Kind of makes me wonder about dreams...if sometimes you really DO somehow travel to some kind of alternate reality that recharges your spirit...not that I could remember any dreams I had last night. Anyway, it WILL get better and no matter how bad things get ALWAYS remember that you're not alone in your beliefs and that there are others who share you pain, your hopes and your joys.
:hug:

[yardwork]

24. Take care of yourself, ibegurpard

Suicidal thoughts are a medical emergency. I know what I'm talking about. If you get the thoughts again, please call a hotline or somebody for help or even 911.

I'm glad you you feel better today!

[ibegurpard]

31. Oh, I know...believe me.

But medication isn't going to change the world...it's just going to make me FEEL better about living in it. And no amount of medication is going to make me FEEL good about the state of our country right now. I honestly don't know what the hell I'm going to do but I seem to be coping much better today.

[saracat]

30. I'm not suicidal. I just don't care. I'm too hurt.And I have to go

funeral tommorrow! Ironic isn't it?

[donheld]

22. Saracat we are with you.

i could leave the house, but if a known freeper came around i could barely contain myself. I told one old hag who happened to say Democrats were "sore losers" To get the fuck away from me.

[Hatalles]

26. Take heart, Sara.

There are places like the Bay Area in California that have erupted with anger. I'm hearing the typical "I'm leaving the country" talk, but also words and phrases such as "secession" and "civil war." Never before have I heard these things openly discussed... there is passion and energy here... we're excited because we know the future belongs to US, not THEM.

[Sugarbleus]

27. I've been awake for nearly 36 hours...I'm hallucinating now..

I couldn't go to sleep, though my body is in dire exhaustion, so I kept getting back up and writing emails like a crazy person!

I wrote to C-span twice. My local Radio hosts three times. My two House representatives (Nancy Pelosi is one), and two media bobble heads.

My problem after the denial then anger then tears is back to ANGER. I'm not sitting still for this. We can't just take this in the shorts folks. Otherwise we are going to go down for all time.

Feel the angerrrrrrrrrrrr and righteous indignation that a bunch of bible thumping Fundies can TAKE OVER THE GOVERNMENT, then turn around and say "Weee want reeespe ect" "We want Mooral Valuuues". No disrespect to persons of faith...but you know those I mean..

I told my representatives that I hoped they would fight like wild cats to protect us, as I'm sure some sneaky shit is coming down the pike with bush's so-called "mandate".

Bernie ward has been on KGO talking about ways to come back strong by REMINDING the fundies that "Selective Morality" isn't exactly the whole picture (biblically speaking) FEED THE POOR, HEAL THE SICK, HOUSE THE HOMELESS, VISIT THE IMPRISONED, CARE FOR THE FATHERLESS...etc etc... Woot!

It's REJUVENATING...

[quaoar]

32. Don't despair Sara

I, too, live in a Republican neighborhood in a state that went 62-38 for Bush. Not only that, but my state -- Alabama -- voted to keep segregationist language in the state Constitution because some pukes at the Christian Coalition said removing it was a back-door attempt to raise taxes. WTF????

Anyway -- I, too, see my neighbors differently today than I did two days ago. They are still friendly but I can no longer tolerate their atitudes. They are accessories to the crimes that are about to be committed against this great nation.

But I am staying here. Nobody is running me off. This is my home as much as it is theirs. If they don't like it, they can kiss my ass.

Just remember this story (we Southerners like to tell stories LOL)
There once was an old woman who had been a member of her church for many, many years. The new minister at this church rubbed her and a lot of other members the wrong way. Many members started to leave the church. Someone asked the old woman whether she would also leave. "Hell no," she said. "I was here before he came and I'll be here after he's gone."

And then this thought:
The ultimate victory in life is to outlive your enemies and dance on their graves. You will endure, Sara, and live to foxtrot on the shattered illusions of your neighbors. Do not despair. We stand with you. You are not alone.

[canuckagainstBush]

34. I have a spare bedroom n/t ;)

[DrRock]

35. ^

Yeah, this sucks. Big time. But take that depression, and take that anger and do something positive with it. I went to a meetup tonight and we talked about strategies for 2006. We cannot waste a minute. If the Democrats in your state or district have let you down, then goddammit, get out there and find some that will do you right. Get involved. Democracy is about more than just the Presidential election. Get things done locally, and the people up the ladder will have to pay attention. ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE, ORGANIZE!!! The only way to defeat a bully is to stand up to him, look him in the eye and say, "Let's go!" Never stop fighting. NEVER STOP FIGHTING!!!

[saracat]

36. Really? I might visit you! Grin..

[Greylyn58]

38. I Feel As You Do

I've felt sick all day. I didn't have a job to go to as I lost mine October of last year. Thanks Bush. I've been studying for a career change and should have been going to school. Just couldn't focus enough to study. My stomach and head hurt so bad.

I didn't watch any news shows today. Just couldn't handle it. Did watch Kerry's concession speech and cried all the way through it. I did listen to Air America. Only thing I could stomach.

Although my state went for Bush - I live in NC - my county went for Kerry. Which I was kinda surprised by as it tends to be somewhat conservative. Still that made me very happy.

I guess my pain will fade, but it'll take some time.

:cry:

[Rhiannon12866]

39. saracat, I feel the same way that you do and am reacting the same way

I have really laid low, all of today. I don't want to speak to anybody, turn on the TV news or go out in public. I am just numb and keep hoping to wake up from this terrible nightmare. Most of the people that I know are aware of how I felt. I wore Kerry-Edwards campaign buttons and have stickers on my car. I am not afraid of my friends, since they feel the same way that I do, though I have only talked to one of them, today. But I have acquaintances from my local grocery store to my veterinarian to the liquor store next to the grocery store, where I met our Democratic candidate for state assembly, who also lost. I was so hopeful, so energetic. I would talk to anyone who wasn't running in the opposite direction, LOL! But I feel like I want to avoid the store clerks and the animal workers, because I am humiliated that my high hopes have come to nothing.:shrug:

But I was just speaking to my one friend, who is also devastated. I suggested that this may be a wake-up call for us, to do more, to become more politically active. We have to take back this country and defeat these bastards who side with the corporate polluters and want to take away our civil rights. We can't crawl into holes, and pull them in after us, which is how I'm feeling, right now, or they will truly have won. I don't know where you live, but I live in a red district in a blue state, New York. You have to figure out what you can do and channel your energy into this. But I am one to talk. I am going to bed soon and am hoping that I won't wake up in a country that would elect an angry warmonger monkey as president, rather than a visionary statesman.;(

[Soth]

42. CHIN UP! READ THIS:

Too few posts to make it a separate one, but I think this is the most inspiring thing I've read all day (warning: profanity):

From "Get Your War On"

[Chomskyite]

43. I'm physically sick myself

I've kept the lights off. I've slept a lot. I'd like to double my antidepressant dosage, but the price of it has doubled in the past four years . . .

I'm supposed to be finishing up a dissertation, but I don't give a damn about it. If I end up teaching down here in the South, 70 percent of my students will dismiss me as a godless liberal before I pass out the syllabus. And if I let slip one possibly ambiguous anti-Bush phrase, there's five of them in the dean's office.

I dont give a fuck what happens to me next. I really don't.

[saracat]

44. Dear Chomskyite, don't despair.

You are worth hundresds of those morons who are dismissive of your thinking. The world needs your work. Do not give up. Finish your dissertation and make sure you teach. If just one mind is opened you will have been sucessful. America has been dumbed down enough. That is why we are where we are. I am convinced this was deliberate in order to make our populace dumb enough to swallow this cool aid thinking. I believe the generation of the sixties and seventies was systematicaly attacked through Vietnam and the school system to thin the intellectual numbers. Remember there used to be a time when most people went to college and questioned the government. Could you imagine those students not protesting this? Yet the majority students of today grin and watch fake reality TV. It seems like only a few rag tag remmenants of the sixties and seventies, and those they have influenced are willing to protest. You must help us to empower these new students and teach them to not only question but protest. It is people like you that are the hope of America. Don't stay ia a southern state if that is too depressing. Channel your energy to gathering some funds to get to a blue state where you will feel appreciated.But wherever you are, remember your worth and don't give up. You are a hero. America needs your efforts! Don't give up.

[bigtree]

45. Total resistance

That's the key to our recovery. We may lose, and lose again, but at least we stand for something real and important. There will be battles in the Congress that we may yet lose, but we will find our redemption and healing in our continued activism.

Also, keep your ears and eyes open for any hint of scandal that we can hobble these usurpers with. It's just a matter of time before the press gets bored with defeated Dems and begins to tear at Bush's flimsy teflon. We will be right there to stick it to him when it happens. It will happen.