Coming Out of the Closet, Election-Year Style

I came out of the closet last night to a friend. She was shocked and not quite sure how to react. She asked me though, and I answered honestly. I thought I should take the occasion to also come clean with you.

So here it is.....I am so disgusted by the destructive policies of Bush/Cheney/Rumsfeld; so shocked by Bush hypocrisies, outright lies and bully tactics in so many areas; so deeply afraid of his ultra-extreme fiscal irresponsibility; so repelled by his total lack of heart for any but the wealthiest; and especially saddened by his successful use of Christianity to foster fearmongering, that I, a lifelong moderate Republican, who has always voted Republican for President, re-registered as a Democrat in 2004.

I will write in detail of my, and others, metamorphosis at my other blog, Heart Soul & Humor. It's fascinating, though, how many Republicans have switched party allegiances, albeit in stealth. In today's New York Times, there is a full-page ad featuring 9 citizens who voted Republican in 2000, but who won't vote for Bush in 2004.... a grade school teacher, an attorney, 2 Marine Corp Iraq War veterans, a former Ambassador to Israel under George Bush, a stay-at-home mother of 8, a business man, a retired USMC colonel from Vietnam.I am one of them.

The surprising part of coming out is the reactions. (This was not my first political coming out.) Disbelief. (Are you really???) Shock. Disillusionment, like I've lost my mind and can no longer be trusted. Sadness, like I've dropped out of the local exclusive country club and won't be in the all-white clubhouse anymore.

I have to confess....this is the most fun, most creatively energizing, thing I've done in a while.

Seeing the world from a new perspective. Thinking new thoughts. Feeling passion again for our great country. Rereading Jefferson, Madison, Paine and Lincoln, and understanding their ideas anew. Appreciating the freedoms and liberties of democracy. (Our forefathers were geniuses, guided by God.)

And possibly reopening the eyes and hearts of good people....at least by example and written word.