Lez Keep It Real

This time next year, the 2008 election will be in full swing and we’ll all be weighing the final pros and cons of the candidates in order to make our selection for the next President of the United States.

Considering the past eight years, you’d think I’d be excited about the prospect of change. You’d think I’d feel encouraged and optimistic about the next administration to take control of the White House and guide us out of the mess our country has become. You’d think I’d be happy to have anyone but Bush addressing the country via satellite, knowing embarrassing verbal blunders will be a thing of the past.

You’d think … but I’m not. I’m not at all encouraged. I’m not at all optimistic. And I’m not at all reassured. What I am is apathetic. And here’s why.

As I’ve gotten older, I’ve made it a point to become more educated and aware of what occurs on the political landscape. And it’s not because I find politics even remotely interesting. It’s simply because I am a homosexual. Many of the issues that are being discussed on Capitol Hill directly affect me. They affect my life, my family and my future. I have a vested interest in the laws and decisions being made. And I want to be sure that those decisions are being made in my best interest. Since I am not a political figure and do not have a voice in Washington, the next best thing is to vote for someone who can speak for me. Someone who can talk about the rights that I deserve. Someone who can back me and the many other homosexuals living in this country unprotected under certain laws.

The problem is that I have yet to find “someone.”

None of the candidates (democratic or republican) are appealing to me. The only one who seems somewhat evolved is Senator Kucinich. And right now he’s off chasing UFO’s.

Back when the democratic candidates debated GLBT issue’s on Logo, I was somewhat enthusiastic. There were a few positive statements to build on, some encouraging responses to questions that centered on GLBT rights. Unfortunately, that encouragement fizzled as the talk among candidates now has less to do with changing the landscape of our country than it does with taking verbal shots at one another.

As it is right now, you could compare the 2008 Presidential debates to schoolyard name-calling incidents during recess. It’s not only sad, it’s downright pathetic.

Clinton is running on the “egotistical” platform. Edwards is struggling to crawl his way back up to the top by taking pot shots at everyone else. And Obama, who I thought was my front runner, invited an ex-gay gospel singer to entertain on his campaign trail.

At this point in time, I’m almost ready to vote for Colbert.

Luckily, (though some would disagree seeing as how we have one full-year left under W.) we don’t have to cast our vote for another year. This means that all of the candidates have about 365 days to get up off their hides and stand for something that matters. All I hear is the same old political rhetoric being tossed around. I know that I am ready for a change. And I know most of the country is too - gay or straight doesn’t matter. We want something other than “business as usual.” We don’t want to replace one useless administration with another.

Please excuse the cliche, but I’m hanging by a thread here. I’m holding onto to one last optimistic fiber that come election day, I’ll not only know who I am going to vote for, I’ll also feel good about my choice. Because right now I don’t feel food about any of the candidates. Right now, I might as well run for office.

At least I’d know I’d be getting someone who truly cared about me and my future.

clinton, 2008 election, obama, kucinich, edwards, glbt issues