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And It's Over

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November 3, 2004

So here it is: my team lost. There were a lot of things that happened that I find un-American and despicable, both in terms of actual voting--defining marriage as being between a man and a woman--and in terms of tactics used to change voters' opinions--horrible, horrible people dressing up as ACT UP! members and parading in front of black church groups, announcing that "Kerry is in favor of gay adoption!" Regardless of its truth, it's a dirty, underhanded trick that was totally inappropriate. However, I believe that we ought to get past our partisan rancor and remember that we love this country or we wouldn't fight over it so much; we just don't like the current leaders. As they say over and over again, Mark Twain said it best: "Loyalty to the country always. Loyalty to the government when it deserves it." In the spirit of non-rancor, I want to try to focus on things we can do, not things that didn't get done. Thank you to everyone, but especially my friends B and D, who were active in both Ohio and Florida, making sure that those who could vote did. Thank you to MoveOn.org for continuing to fight on our behalf. And here's where I get a bit big for my britches: an open letter to John Edwards and John Kerry. Dear Sirs: Congratulations on a well-fought battle. You have reminded me that there are men of character in this government, and that men of character, though beset by many villains, still shine through as heroes, even when defeated. And you have done a good job of pointing out to many just what it is this country must focus on in the next four years, even if we were unable to dispatch you to do it yourselves. However, I must note that while I hope that time will heal partisan wounds, and that the rancor must undoubtedly subside, you must not disappear. This country needs you both more than ever, and though you may return to your jobs, you are still the figureheads, even nominal heads, of the Democratic Party. Do not let your defeat drag you out of the limelight. Instead, take this opportunity you've been given, and use it to create a national dialogue. Use it to frame all the mistakes Bush makes and even successes that George Bush enjoys and demonstrate what the Party would have or could have done in a similar place. That will heal the country. But it will also promote debate, and that's what was sorely lacking since 2000. I loved Al Gore, and I think he would have been a fine President, but I am disappointed that he--unfortunately, somewhat like Nader--vanished during the rest of Bush's tenure. Do not go gentle into that good night, or at least, refuse to be put out to pasture. Now that you have notoriety, use it to engage Americans at every turn, and keep the comparisons running through the next 4 years, rather than waiting for 2.5 years before dragging an entirely new crop of faces before the American people, from which they may make an unfortunate decision. When it comes right down to it, do not take this defeat as a personal offense; instead use it to fight for your causes just as you would have if you'd become the leaders of the new Administration. We're waiting for you. We'll follow you.

This was Politics , and it appeared on November 3, 2004 10:48 PM.

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