Why this Progressive will miss George W. Bush

[Jaundice James]

Although it’s true that, NOW, I’m an inconsolable political junkie and irretrievably maddened news consumer who throws his shoe at TV political pundits with a regularity that almost kept Circuit City in business, the fact is that I haven’t been politically aware for very long. My passion for politics is a flame that’s been burning extra hot since it was first ignited sometime during the 2000 general election...

For all practical purposes, I was politically virginal. George Bush popped my cherry. I started paying attention to this guy and couldn’t believe what I was seeing...

...a new kind of horror descended upon me like none I’d ever felt before. “You mean this imbecile could actually become President?” A politico had been born. For me there would be no turning back. Ever.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1470-DC-Progressive-Examiner~y2009m1d17-Why-this-Progressive-will-miss-George-W-Bush

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[NRaleighLiberal]

1. I was also a political virgin until the 8 year tsunami that was the * reign.

Election night 2000 was the night I lost my political virginity, actually. I would not call the last 8 years anything resembling foreplay, however!

[my2sense]

2. I also starting paying

attention to politics in 2000. I couldn't get over Bush and his folks stealing the election the way they did. I've been a political junkie ever since.

[turntxblue]

3. As a Texan, I should have known better...

however; when then Gov. Bush decided to run for President, I was almost elated because I thought it would practically guarantee a victory for any Democrat, particularly one as intelligent and capable as VP Al Gore. I never thought Dubya had a chance, but I should have known better after he defeated our popular Governor Ann Richards. I was shocked when she lost to him, but I was so unaware, politically, that I mostly scratched my head and wondered how that many Texans could have made such a stupid error. Oh, the days of innocence when I'd never heard of Karl Rove!

After our nightmare began in 2000, I suspect that a great many people began to pay more attention. I suppose it was easier to ignore the problem if you voted for it, but it took quite a bit of sand to bury your head so deeply that you couldn't realize that something was terribly wrong. As Jan. 20 approaches, I feel like a fog of depression and apathy is starting to lift from our nation. Don't get me wrong, I don't think that Obama/Biden have any magic wands that they can wave around and undo all the damage that the Bush years have wrought. Truthfully, I don't see how it can get better before it gets worse. But, I do think that people will view Pres. Obama (loved typing that!) as an intelligent, deep-thinking, honorable leader...and I hope and pray that will give our nation the inspiration and heart to endure some extremely difficult times.

I've occasionally thought that someday my epitaph should read, "She made her share of mistakes, but at least, she never voted for Bush." Then, one day, I realized that I once had, technically, voted for him...it was an online poll for "Worst President Ever".

I've lurked here for several years, but I've not posted until now. The OP's thread really hit home.

[Maat]

4. Welcome!

I know a few Texans that felt the way you did; they also forgot about Rove.

[turntxblue]

5. Thanks!

Yes, contrary to popular belief, we're not all idiots. Several of our large cities seem to be getting much bluer, but I live in a very red, small, rural area. Still, we have some true liberals, even in my little town. It's just that there are so few of us that we can name everyone off!

[Maat]

8. I know of what you speak.

I'm unlucky enough to live in the Southern California "Bible Belt." We live in the Murrieta/Temecula area (one hour north of San Diego - inland).

[Jaundice James]

6. That's freakin' awesome...

I'm glad I inspired your first post! -JJ

[acmavm]

7. I've always been political but I have to admit that I still cannot, not in my

wildest dreams, ever figure out how this clown and his murderous criminal buddies ever took over our country. I knew that things were gonna be bad when I saw this picture, I wish I could remember where, of bush**, cheney, rumsfeld, and I think powell and KKKarl standing around in the Oval Office hatching the schemes before the Supreme Court ruling even came down.

That's when I knew it was fixed. And that's when I became really obsessed.

I skipped school in junior high to throw eggs at Barry Goldwater. Never got anywhere near the guy. Lost my investment in my eggs. Got caught skipping school. Thoroughly bad day all around.