October 27, 2004
What's next?
Well, the Red Sox won last night. Isn't that nice? It has lifted many a spirit in our fair city. Those of you who care savor the moment a bit longer will have to go elsewhere, since that is the full extent of my commentary on the subject.
That taken care of, the election is foremost on everyone's mind. Like childbirth , the event captures such an enormous amount of attention, that it clouds our ability to consider the enormity of what happens next.
On Sunday, The New York Times did a little speculation about the alternative outcomes. If Kerry wins, the Gruesomes, Wolfowitz, Rove, Rumsfeld etc. will be out of power, neutralized, castrated (though they didn't use those exact words). Doctor Senator Frist will become the most important Republican. If Bush wins, the Democrats will have to reconsider their position, and agree never to to nominate a smart person again. Stuff like that.
Should John Kerry win, exactly what makes us think that The Group That Runs George W. are going to be a good sports about losing--that they will simply step down in an orderly manner, conceding their defeat. Four years ago a little lie circulated that Clinton's staff trashed all the computers in the White House upon departure. This wasn't true, but guess who created and spread the rumor?
These folks are not known for their fair play, their honesty, their scruples or their willingness to stop. The stakes are huge. They are four years away from entirely eradicating democracy and wielding absolute power. They aren't going to be gentlemen about a loss. A loss will put a big chink in The Master Plan . Oh, and many of them will face criminal charges when records are declassified. George W. will have to be certain to do blanket pardons (can a president pardon himself?) before he departs.
And is Unpresident George W. going to find happiness as an inspirational speaker ? Will working for his dad at the Carlyle Group be satisfying enough after being President of the World? I hardly think so. If Kerry wins, do not expect this man to leave his throne without some major nastiness.
At least a military coup isn't possible, since our military is otherwise occupied.
And if Bush wins? Reality cannot be staved off forever. It's getting harder and harder for Bush to hold up his underwear with a clothespin . Oil prices are at an all time high. It was just revealed in a British court martial that secret plans about the invasion of Iraq were given to the British military a full five months before the invasion happened. Tons of explosives have disappeared
from a military complex in Iraq ostensibly under our watch, and the Pentagon is evading responsibility. I heard that Bush called Kerry's criticism of this colossal error a slap in the face to our troops overseas. More funding is needed for the war. The flu vaccine is in short supply because of the administration's failures. I am told that there was a small uprising at the famous Lahey Clinic yesterday in the line for a flu shot. Little old ladies are standing in other lines for hours to vote early in Florida. Voting machines are malfunctioning, and voters are being intimidated . This actually may be our last election.
Maybe some of the girls will wake up when Roe vs. Wade is overturned. Then again, maybe we'll all just watch Fox News and read the paper holed up in our gated communities until the raging masses storm our barricades, and we can no longer breathe the air or drink the water, waiting for nuclear winter to set in. On the bright side, at least some of our children won't have had to pay those exorbitant inheritance taxes, and our Humvees will come in handy.
Photo note: Wasn't this a perfect hit. The flag, the sox and the pumpkins.