| The gay community in the US is reflecting on what another four years of George W. Bush's right-wing government will mean. Anti-Gay marriage propaganda was a big issue used to motivate conservative supporters, but it's nevertheless estimated that 1 in 4 gay and lesbian voters supported Republican candidates. As the reality sinks in, two writers give us their views. |
FIGHT OR FLIGHT by Josh Aterovis |
|
Tuesday night, after an extremely tense day and an even more anxious evening of
watching neck-and-neck election results, I went to bed still not knowing who the
next President would be, but fearing the worst. It was looking like a replay of
the 2000 election. All night long, I tossed and turned, having nightmares about
headlines declaring Bush the winner.
I awoke Wednesday morning to the disheartening news that my nightmares were in fact reality. Not only did Kerry concede defeat to Bush, but the Republicans had gained a larger majority in Congress. As if that wasn't enough, I also learned that all eleven states with anti-gay marriage amendments on the ballot passed the measures, with only Oregon even being a close race. I've had a dull ache in my head ever since. |
 Josh Aterovis, a twenty-something artist-author, was born and bred on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and lives there with his husband, Jon. |
|
My biggest hope is now that he has achieved his goal of re-election, Bush will back
off on pandering to his far-right extremist base, but based on the last four years
that is a slim hope at best. No, I'm afraid the next four years will not be kind to
the LGBT community--or, for that matter, anyone who does not adhere to his strict
brand of conservative religiosity.
THE DEFEAT by Michael Hinzman |
|
While the dust settles, a certain emotion becomes present within our community. An
emotional fear of what the next four years holds for us with Bush remaining at the reigns.
The taste of defeat felt by all that dreamed of the manner in which Kerry might have
brought our community some much sought after joy, and acknowledgement. However, do
not throw in the towel yet. It is as they say-Life. We must carry on, and not allow
this set back to deter our spirits. We shall rise, even if we have to do it with a
conservative religious leader such as Bush.
It is mind boggling that they think their Mr. Bush shall lead them anywhere but nowhere. What have the last four years showed us? Wars fuelled by egos, and fought by the innocent. The next four years are going to be tough there is no doubt about that. Maybe we can hope for a miracle among days filled with misdirected Faith. |
Michael Hinzman lives in New England. His first novel is in the editing process with a publishing house now and is expected to be in print early 2005. |
| More |