Damn Douglas County

Well, today should have been a great day. Indeed, today WAS a great day. As my Granny always says, "It's better than the alternative!" Boy, ain't that the truth. Anyhoo. . . I went to bed last night in a state best described as near-euphoria over Barack's triumph over the Evil Empire that is today's Republican party. And I woke up to hear the results of our local issues in the same state of excitement. Boy, did my bubble burst quickly. Almost every ballot issue went the opposite way of how I voted. I hate living in this damned county. What is it with the tight-fisted Republicans around here? How can they vote FOR increased gaming limits (with all the proceeds going strictly into a huge vat of money exclusively for community colleges), but AGAINST their local schools? How is that okay? How can they defeat a measure for new libraries in our county that would cost less money than the purchase of ONE hardback book per year?!? How can they agree that it's okay for oil and gas companies in our fair state to continue to receive tax subsidies to the tune of $320 million a year? Did they not hear about Exxon's record-breaking profits this year? Are they really stupid enough to fall for the vague threat of "pass through"? And THAT money would have gone to a lot of wonderful causes throughout our entire state--ALL of higher education, to name one. I'm just so disappointed in the notion that hope could prevail on the national stage, and right here in this historically red state, and yet every single local measure that would have enhanced our community failed. Where's the hope in that? I feel completely defeated, even as the Obama Biden sign still sways in the breeze in my front yard.

And what's up with Republicans anyway? What makes one choose to affiliate oneself with that party? Aside from religion, which defies all explanation, what other reasons are there? Extraordinary wealth? Yes, I concede, those of that ilk would stand to gain much by affiliating with the Republican party. I don't know very many people who earn more than $250,000 a year. In fact, most folks I know get by just fine on less than $100,000 a year. And many of those people are Republicans. With children. I just cannot wrap my brain around the economics of a blue-collar Republican. That's such an oxymoron. Or maybe just a moron. . .

I am wondering who Granny voted for this year, but I'm too chicken to call her up and ask. My gut knows the answer, but the confirmation might be more disappointment than I can bear.