I grew up in Northeast Ohio (as well as Florida several months of each year) until I was 19 - the state where 18 Electoral Votes is VIP in Presidential Elections. What non-Ohioans don't know is how politically divided Ohio is based on territory. Northern Ohio is where more Progressives reside than Southern Ohio. The state may as well be sliced into two states with the incredible difference in beliefs, influences, industry. The scenery may be the same as Northern Ohio with its lush environments; gorgeous farm lands; rolling green pastures and thick, healthy woods, but the mindset is seriously Two Different Worlds. Naturally, I'm saying that Southern Ohio is Conservative far more than the North. And that is why my hair is standing on end to realize that Obama is not a favourite in half of the state, thus making "Liberals" like me a tad jumpy to know how much this election more than ever will be focusing on how Ohio votes.
Keenly aware of how deeply racist and narrow-minded many of the people are and can be "down there" in the Southern Pastures, I am not confident that Obama will win the Popular Vote, as well as pull-in the Electoral Numbers necessary for success. It's a fickle crowd. So, my point of this post is to scream at my "roots" and hang my head in shame that Ohio is THAT important to the outcome. Particularly when the Republican Gubner has tried everything he could possibly do to play the game of Disenfranchising Democratic Voters. Not only that, but the temptation for Dirty Tricks by GOPer's to play a cheap game with the numbers is strong because the stakes there are so high. Regardless of the fact that from what we've been hearing - early voters are going in Obama's direction - doesn't calm the dread many of us feel who know how that state operates. If people think Chicago is corrupt, believe me when I say Ohio is JUST AS MUCH - albeit in a less overt manner.
Therefore, LOOK OUT AMERICA! Ohio could be jerking votes around as easily as Chicago did for JFK in the 60's. Romney appeals to the insensibility's of the unconsciousness there. People take their Conservative Politics VERY seriously. When I finally decided to play the Facebook game and promoted this blog from time-to-time whenever I had what I believed to be an important political post, several former classmates who have moved to the Southern Areas immediately De-Friended Me after many months of pleasant exchanges on other topics. Talk about a lack of tolerance! They couldn't handle my intense disdain for a political party I firmly believe is more corrupt than it ever has been. Fine that they left, as who needs people - virtually or in reality - who can't handle differences? Nevertheless, that kind of Instant Booing and refusal to communicate with someone like me is why I feel the chills whenever The Pundits chatter on about how whoever wins Ohio will probably win the presidency.
And so I appeal to any Ohio readers who have not yet voted or may be apathetic, yet lean toward Obama, to VOTE! It's important, people. Don't allow bad weather or misinformation of the location of voting venues keep you away from taking a few minutes out of your lives to stand up for Progress in exchange for a handsome guy who doesn't give a sheet about you if you don't own a nice car, live in several homes, and, most of all, will return the country to the Way It Was in the 1950's, because, believe me, that is at the core of this election. The GOP doesn't care about creating jobs or fixing the economy or helping Vets return to society with Federal Support. All they care about is overturning Roe v. Wade, and almost all of the most important social programs this country has been able to utilize in times of need. Social, not economic, focus. Now that IS NOT "leadership" in a time of fiscal crisis.
So, get out there and do your duty lest you find yourself losing your job to more out-sourcing...along with having your business/company shut down if it isn't making the kind of money Mr. Romney And Friends desire and/or deem worth keeping. When, not IF, such scenarios play out, more people will need Food Stamps...and with how Romney-Ryan loathe all of you in the 47%, expect to see that safety net blown to pieces. It will be YOUR fault that you don't have a job or enough money to buy food, either. I never, ever, want to live in a country that treats it's vets and struggling populace the way in which Romney has shown his utter disdain for anyone who doesn't have a ton of money socked-away in Switzerland or the local bank - another potential victim to the still-hidden cuts Romney has said he will make to bring the economy back from disaster.
Bottom line? Someone HAS been working very hard to create jobs with no support at all from the GOP. The economy is getting better despite the sabotaging efforts. It takes time. Don't allow your impatience with Obama and other Democrats running for re-election to blur your vision on who will be your advocate.
Politics is a Dirty Business. Most of us are sick of politicians more than ever. But, and there is always a "but," at the moment that's how this country rolls.
Image via: http://geology.com
Hope it was helpful, Anon.
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