random acts of senseless beauty

Here in the USA election day has finally rolled around after what has seemed like the longest campaign in history.

There have been great, and respectful, discussions between friends, and hideous, hateful and libelous ‘discussions’ played out in public.

I find myself totally tense today in a way I didn’t expect.  I desperately want Obama to win.  I think he is the best man for the job, and that this country needs a great change in the way it’s run.  BUT  I genuinely fear that if/when Obama does win, that there will be a massive call to arms from the bizarrely huge number of seemingly-normal Americans who genuinely believe that he is the Anti-Christ.  That his term in office will mean that homosexuals will take over the planet and that no babies will be safe from democrats who LOVE abortion.

It seems to have changed so recently too.  Tennessee, where I live, is now a staunchly ‘red’ state, with opinion polls showing McCain with a 10.6% lead.  But this is also a state that voted for Bill Clinton with 12% majority in 1996, and a 5% majority in ‘92.  Who was it that started ’single issue’ politics?  That told Christians they could only be with God and vote one way?

It’s nuts.

My biggest fear though, is that the hateful lies that have been spouted over the past weeks by James Dobson and the like will lead to constant assassination attempts.  How did this nation come to this?

*****

On a much ligher note, there are companies like Ben & Jerry’s and Starbucks who are giving away free product if you show them that you voted.  Starbucks (who have recently started producing an FANTASTIC community new sheet on world issues every week that is both beautiful and fascinating) made this advert which gave me the chills with it’s simplicity and beauty.