What was the deciding factor for most Americans who got up off they asses and/or sent in their absentee ballots on time and voted? Nope, not the economy. Not terrorism, either. Not even Iraq. It was religion.

Abortion, gay marriage and stem cell research stand on higher ground with this electorate than any other issue, and Bush’s campaign made the most of it. Or perhaps they made the issue an issue—either way, a lot of the credit for Kerry’s defeat goes to a grassroots Republican door-to-door effort to scare the population into believing that America would go to hell in a flaming handbasket if George W. was not returned to office as had been ordained in the Bible. Or something like that.

Anyway, forget everything you learned in civics class and forget about the trivial issues like employment, the environment, world peace, intelligence and thoughtfulness. It’s all about the Jesus.

—Lance Arthur

So, that’s that. Kerry just conceded. Congratulations, America—you’ve voted for four more years of invasions and war, economic decline, deficit, poor education, fucking the environment, shitty healthcare, running Social Security into the ground and more. Good for you. Oh, and let’s not forget that Bush might have the opportunity to nominate three justices to the Supreme Court. See you later, Roe v. Wade. Oh, and I hope none of you people with cancer or Parkinson’s expect to see a cure any time soon. At least not in this country.

The saddest thing about this whole election is that America is changing for the worse. We’re becoming more and more conservative. What happened to the progressive America? What the fuck is wrong with you people? Is this all that you want in life? Is this the American dream? You think Bush is a fiscally responsible president? All you bastards who lost your jobs over the past 4 years still voted for him. What’s wrong with you?

I’m especially outraged by the exit poll statistics on how many people voted for Bush because of his “morals.” This is the closest election we’ve had in a long time and for all intents and purposes, it was decided by religion. I’m sickened. Canada looks really good to me right now. I’m sure I’ll write something a little more eloquent at some point but for right now I can’t even get it all out. This is a sad, sad day for this country. I’m ashamed.

—Garrett Murray

It’s 0133, November 3rd, 2004. I’m sitting on the floor of my living room, with a towel around my waist, a blanket across my shoulders, and a whole heap of fury in my heart. I simply cannot believe that this country has re-elected George Bush. I just cannot believe it.

I want to write something angry, something abusive. I want to yell at the 51% of America that couldn’t see past their own self-centered, jingoistic, downright ignorant selfs, and realise the enormous potential for harm that they’ve just rubber-stamped with their vote for Bush.

I want to scream at the 51% of America that decided they’d rather be represented in the World by a psychopathic, right-wing, religious zealot, than by a man like John Kerry, who by all accounts has enormous intelligence, enormous empathy, and a genuine wish to make the World a better and more sensible place.

—Dunstan Orchard

Since I’m in the mood to just quote other people, I bring you the words of Emily J (I’m not sure she wants her full name showing up in google), a woman I have a deep respect for.

I’m thinking about becoming a repulbican. . . .

Think how easy it would be. I would always be able to vote for winners. I could just care about myself. I wouldn’t have to care that in a few years, two men who love each other will be prohibited from marrying each other. I wouldn’t have to listen to rational discussion, I could just keep saying, “They hate us because of our freedom.” I wouldn’t have to think that maybe we did something awful and suppressed them and terorrism is their only way of fighting back.

Think about it. I could marry rich, have 2.5 children, live in the suburbs, and live a totally sheltered life. I could believe that America is good and Muslims are bad and everything in between is just immoral.

Ignorance is bliss, I guess.

Four more years!

—Emily J

I voted this morning, cast my ballot at about 7:30 AM or so. I was number 51 to vote in my precinct, which is respectable.

The line was about 20 minutes long or so, which was shorter than I was expecting. I had no hassles in getting my ballot (I registered earlier by mail), and several people I know were able to same day register without any problems.

If you are interested, you can find a bunch more I Voted stickers on Flickr.

I support Kerry | I oppose Bush