Tonight I called my father for the first time since the election. I listened patiently during his tales of woe re: recovering from two hurricanes in a six week period. Then, I broached the reason for my call -- namely the fact that my husband's job ends on March 31st, 2005 and we are desparately seeking a relocation with the same company. I started by saying, "Pop, the reason I called was to let you know that we are going thru a difficult transition..." At which point, he said, "Ah, the election! YOU LOST! Your guy lost! Bwahahahahaha!" I immediately shouted over his laughter, "How vulgar! How completely disgusting! Have you no shame! I'm trying to tell you that my husband is LOSING his job and you're gloating like a school yard bully about your IGNORANT vote!" I had to yell, my husband is losing his job a couple of times before I got thru the gales of laughter...
He sobered instantly and we discussed my current situation and prospects, discussed impact on family memebers, etc.
At the end of the call, I said, "Pop, do you remember the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire?"
"Yes, Gibbon," he replied, "I recommended you read it back when you were a teenager."
"Do you recall the theory, the historical timeline given for democratic experiments? The 250 year cycle from representative government to dictatorship?"
"Vaguely," he repled.
"So," I said, "That's how I feel about this election. We're right on schedule for a theocratic dictatorship because the 'people' will demand it. Hail Ceasar and all that. That's my feeling about the election and your gloating about it."
"Oh my god," he said, "I'd forgotten that. You may be right. (Long pause) But, I won't live to see it, you know."
"Thank you, Pop, for delivering this hell to MY CHILDREN! So laugh about THAT old man! Laugh about how you got yours and screwed your ancestors! The dollar is falling, interest rates will rise, inflation will rise, the RED CHINESE own half of the US debt. Do you feel safe from that?! And, when you're living in a cardboard box down in Florida, there isn't gonna be a damn thing I'm going to be able to do to help you. Got that?!"