I am trying to think positively about my neighbors

[question everything]

We live in a typical suburb with typical Republican voters - me, me and me. Where a "government" is the enemy - never mind that Bush increased the role and expanse of government and deficit beyond what has been done until now.

So it is still a pleasant surprise when I see many Kerry Edwards yard signs around. The "circle" next to us, four of the five houses have Kerry Edwards signs (nothing on the fifth - a widow and the only one that I have met).

But when two neighbors, one of whom is literally next door and with the other we have chatted amiably - have Bush signs on their yards - I have to wonder whether I will ever be able to chat amiably with them again. Certainly not if - horror - Bush wins again.

I think that support for a Republican would not have bothered me in the 70s, when the Republicans were just country club individuals who wanted a small government and hated FDR and "commies" with a passion. But since the "religious right" took over the party with the Reagan election, a process that reached its peak with Bush who is so certain that he has a mandate from god, a belief that is shared by most of his followers - I am taking such s vote very personally.

And I have no idea how "mixed marriages" work..

[Maat]

1. I have noticed that since I put Kerry-Edwards stickers on my..

car ... displayed as prominently as a yard sign ... my neighbors have kind of avoided me. Makes me wonder if I'm no longer considered to be 'in the group.'

[dorktv]

2. I just read the article that Suskin (I think that is his name)

wrote about Bush's faith and his followers...How can they call themselves Christians? I know why they might believe the conservative creed (I am reading Moral Politics and it explains their world view) but the savior was not like the current president. And yet none of Bush's followers see this. Why?

[nosmokes]

3. remember, a lot of those folks have scared into it.

look at all of the authority figures that are telling them they're gonna die if they vote for kerry. even preachers in the pulpit fcol. give 'em the benefit of the doubt, unless they've proven they don't deserve that. maybe try and engage in conversation? nothing, absolutely nothing is as effective in swinging a vote as one on one conversation with a neighbor or co-worker.

but i do know where you're coming from about practically taking each vote personally. i guess maybe because i just can't get my brain around the idea of voting for the guy. i can understand a conservative, a regular republican. small government, less taxes - those guys i at least understand. i don't agree with them, but they make sense. bushco and these fascists/neocons/theocrats whatever, i just can't understand people that wrap themselves in the flag and embrace that philosophy at the same time.