Are you wondering what this day will bring?

[geiger]

As our hearts fill with joy, hope and exuberance, also be reflective.

There are people in this world who hate for reasons we will never understand.

I want to share my experience because maybe by doing so, if you come face to face with hate or racism, you will perhaps be "inoculated" and able to respond with compassion.

My very own brother last night "disowned" me, not even because I ever had to tell him I was voting for Obama, it was because I wouldn't accept his interpretation of an Old Testament Deuteronomy admonishment not to let "others" have dominion over you. I am the oldest of eight children, and he thinks I have a special responsibility to vote for the white man.

He doesn't vote, I haven't seen him for over a year, and he called out of the blue last week to start this conversation, and last night was on some sort of psychotic mission (mental illness runs in this family, so it also scared me).

Be happy, but BE CAREFUL today.

HAPPY ELECTION DAY. And, thank you, to so many of you who have worked so hard (more than I have been able to do this time). We will change history, one day at a time.

[elaineb]

1. Hang in there, poli speak

I've meant to say hello to you for awhile now and tell you how much I appreciate your messages of hope and encouragement on DU. Hope to meet you someday! (I used to live in Wooster and am now living about 10 miles SW).

I think all of us have family members who we don't understand and who don't understand us. I guess it's at least good that this wasn't a brother that you were in constant contact with. I think his "psychotic mission" unfortunately, is shared by quite a few on the far right. One would like to be able to reason with them, but I think it's next to impossible. I think it's something they are going to either come to on their own or...not.

I like your idea of being "inoculated" when confronting hate or racism, because it is sometimes hard to respond with compassion or reason, and, really, responding in kind is ultimately self-defeating.

Not sure if you're religious, but I hope you don't mind me saying "bless you" for being such a strong voice on DU.

Thanks for your work and your passion. Today is our day!!!

[geiger]

2. Today is our day, indeed.

I was at a loss with my brother last night. I think he thinks because I have college degrees that I look down on him somehow. From the moment I answered the phone, however, his tone and silences were strange and eerie. He already had his mind up. My husband says to just agree with him, but for me, it is much more complicated than that. And, as it turns out, that wouldn't have satisfied him either. Sadly, I don't even feel a loss. I just feel sad.

[elaineb]

3. I'm sorry that this had to happen at what should be a joyful time for you

Unless you've alread suspected that your brother could act this way, then perhaps it's based on the irrational fear and suspicion that the right-wing media and the McCain-Palin campaign itself are trying to instigate. For what it's worth, I think some on the right, that perhaps are a little bit more clear-thinking in normal times, will realize after a few months under an Obama presidency that the ridiculous rumors and fear-mongering that they have allowed themselves to give in to were something that they can finally let go of.

Some on the right, that is. Many others are always going to need to feel afraid of something and will manufacture new fears, but those are the ones who probably can never be reasoned with. Hopefully, your brother isn't one of them and will eventually come around. In any case, I hope you will not feel sad today!

[geiger]

4. thanks, that's what I'm hoping, too.

Thank you very much for your words of support.

[Kukesa]

5. You're a very special person here on DU; nice post. n/t

[geiger]

6. Thanks for your kind words. There was one thing I held back from telling my brother,

but I read it in Thomas Friedman's NYT op ed piece this morning:

"Warren Buffett’s view that if you are rich and successful today, it is first and foremost because you were lucky enough to be born in America at this time — and never forget that."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/05/opinion/05friedman.html?em

[Kukesa]

7. Nice article from Friedman; I printed it so I can read it again and again. nt