Curtis, in disputing my analysis of the Republicans usual approach to countering the Democrats, hit upon an interesting observation: He noticed I had lost my “old joie de vive of [my] old self”.
I’d argue with him about that but for one thing:
He’s right.
I went and looked at my archives. I’ve posted 1340 posts and about 400 or so are totally about politics. Examining them I would say I’ve been pretty consistent in my political view-I’ve never liked Bush, have no use for the war in Iraq, and just don’t buy into the argument that unbridled avarice is somehow good for America.
Nonetheless, I have to admit, I have definitely not written about some of the fun things I saw and experienced in Asia, as well as a lot of the silliness around and involved with it. That’s my own fault-I had meant to stay more in touch with the region I so dearly miss.
Also too, I don’t get to have the fun I used to. For a man who once bestrode the streets of Central, Orchard, and Shinjuku with a proud sense of wonder and increasing intoxication, to be reduced to the mundane presence of mere existence here in Shopping Mall has left me underwhelmed to say the least.
How many ways can you say “mistake” in English?
I’ve no doubt it reflects in my writing. It also does not take a rocket scientist to discern that below the surface lies a good deal of anger just hoping to broach itself above the surface. The particulars of this election season have made that impossible to mask.
I would make note however, that contrary to the assertions of one Ms. Malkin-having a opposing viewpoint to what one holds dearly, does not necessarily make the author of that opinion “deranged”. It just means that I cannot, in all good conscience, accept the notion that its McCain’s way or the highway. Or the idea that if I don’t, I deserve to be consigned to the outer walls of Gehnna. There was once a time that one could disagree with the speaker’s opinion, while still having respect for the speaker. Those days are long behind us I fear.
This election is vitally important to me. I feel strongly about that point. I feel just as strongly that in choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate-John McCain abandoned the one really good argument he had going for him, his experience, in favor of catering to a part of the Republican party that deserves no such consideration. In my humble opinion.
Others may believe the opposite is just as important. And for that reason find it imperative to get John McCain in the White House. God bless ’em. I think its a tight election and a lot tighter than the polls suggest. Of course emotions are going to run high.
Curtis is right though-its hard to find joy of late. Because to tell you the truth, I don’t feel very joyous of late. Nothing a week in Hong Kong could not cure-or even a long layover in Bangkok.
None of which is happening any time soon. My weekends get to consist of the usual discussion, ” Lowes or Costco?”. Golf? Tell that to the S.O. who whines about disorder in the house.
And a round of hitting the bars? Going out on a Friday night living the dream? Gone with the wind.
So yea, I would say that a certain amount of my fervor for joy has escaped and gone missing. I’m not sure how endorsing a political candidate who happens to agree with my view point on several current issue that I am in agreement with him on is a part of that-but then again, maybe it is.
As is my discontent. People do change over time. I know I have.
But I accept your observation on its face value, Curtis. I need to get back to what’s fun-for me.
Politics though will be a part of that- and McCain picking Palin, and then veering into the front pew of her political church-was just a deal breaker. Maybe a trip up the escalator at Orchard Towers-might put some perspective in my view. Want to travel there with me?
Till then, I’ll have to keep a lid on my funk.
God bless you and yours.