[enjolras]

First, since when does feeling "family values" are important make you a religious zealot? I feel that the erosion of the family unit is the one most important factor to be considered when trying to discuss what's wrong with our society today. True, almost all religious people believe in "family values" but not all "family values" types are religious. I know this because I am one of the latter. Saying religion is becoming intertwined with politics because America voted for higher family values is a little narrow-minded, imo. Although I agree that religion and politics are a bad mix, One reason I voted for Bush because of his "family values" even though his religiousness bothers me.

This is what bothers me the most about this election. When we focus on these issues we are saying that there is a moral mandate for how Americans should live.. there is one correct view of morality, and it is the role of government to force that particular moral view on those who don't hold it.

I've argued a lot today about gay marraige. With the overwhelming support the bans enjoyed those who didn't want to discuss it before feel like they have mandate it against it.. it's true, the majority of Americans hold a viewpoint that gay marraige is wrong. I'm fine with that... but that doesn't mean that the viewpoint is compatible with American ideals.

With so many people ignoring the true impactful issues (war in Iraq, economy, etc.. which I'm not saying you did btw) and instead focusing on these moral ones it creates an oppressive society. Isn't true American morality not about forcing your version of morality (even if it is a popular version) on other Americans? Particularly when it has no real impact on your life? My moral view happens to be very different than yours.. I beleive in self-ownership. I beleive in the right of Americans to as much liberty as possible. I just can't understand this 'family values' mindset. It's foreign to me in almost every way..

Second, the division of America in my view has more to do with the almost fanatical behavior of Democrats since '00. Edwards' "two Americas" deal was indicative of this to me. I understand that Dems felt slighted in '00, I voted for Gore, but it seems to me that Dems decided to try to pin Bush to a wall every chance they got. Yes, I know this always happens, but to back Bush going into Iraq then to persecute him after it got ugly really struck a chord with me. We must remain unified through thick and thin in a time of war. I think that bulldogged determination is the only way to get through this threat. Kerry did not seem to possess this conviction. Yes, there have been screw-ups in Iraq, but I think the logic is sound, we just gotta keep plugging away.

It's interesting.. as someone outside of the two parties (libertarian) it seems like both sides like to project certain attributes on each other. The fact is the divisiveness comes not from 2000, but from a LARGE cultural clash between the two sides. Americans are living in very different worlds, and hold very different values. Looking at the rural vs. urban vote drives that home. Both sides feel like the other should have to live their way...or else. Unity has to come through cultural compromise. Bush IS in large part to blame. His 'it's right or wrong, black or white, with me or against me' approach to issues leaves no room for dissent. You either rally behind him or your on the other side.. If he is to be a uniter he needs to lead America to understanding that we really are a diverse people. Trying to force one set of values on everyone else doesn't unite.. again we must learn to accomdate each others differences.

3. A party of strong Family values, Strong National Security, Foreign policy based on making allegiances with those who are our allies, and cutting taxes across the board seems to resonate with voters.

The exits would suggest otherwise.. the whole thing was so much more complex than that. The Kerry exits seemed to show a more balanced view.. where the Bush exits where about extremes. If you thought terrorism (above all else) was really important you voted Bush. If you thought family values where important (above all else) you voted Bush.. Voters by and large thought the economy was in poor shape and disagreed with Bush's economic policies, but they felt so strongly about those other issues that they voted for him anyways. That's the real interesting lesson about this election.. as I said before voting is not about issues right now, it's about culture. Those who cared about a broad range of issues tended to vote Kerry... but for the most party the the truly polarizing issues (gay marraige in particular) seemed to carry the day.