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"Maine
is not Vermont"--unfortunately
For
the most part, when we attempt to make moral and intellectual extrapolations
from voting results we stand on the shoddiest of rhetorical platforms.
The 48 percent of Americans who voted for Bush,
for example, are not necessarily evil or stupid. Yet, there are
those rare occasions when the November results do encourage us to
draw some rather clear evaluations of the moral and intellectual
portraits of the people behind the votes.
50.8 percent of Maine voters, 314,144 individuals,
voted against referendum Question 6, which would have ensured equal
rights for all Maine citizens, regardless of sexual orientation.
For the second time in recent years Mainers had the opportunity
to conclusively affirm a belief in basic human rights.
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the Article
Idealistic
Nader voters naive, selfish
While
Ralph Nader basks in the glow of media attention for his spoiler
role in this year's presidential election, the apocalypse looms
near. Bush has been briefly declared president-elect once, and it
seems likely--popular vote be damned--that he is soon to bring his
impish demeanor and arrogant jackal smile to Pennsylvania Avenue.
The enthusiasm Nader has been able to generate
among younger voters, and the liberal discourse which he has helped
to foster, is certainly not unfortunate. When a Democratic ticket
opposes homosexual marriages, approves of the death penalty, and
takes other very conservative stances, the party does alienate some
of its faithful. Nader appealed to the disenchanted left of the
Democratic party, offering them an impassioned voice, resonant with
their own.
Read
the Article
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November
10, 2000
