An Eight Year Itch

pictured attributed to break.com

I consider myself to be mildly lucky that I made it through the 2000 election without so much as a punch in the face.  I spouted off to most everyone who would listen (and even to some that wouldn't) over that election for a long time, it just felt wrong on so many levels.  It was also the first time I was able to cast my vote in a presidential election and I was a bit naive.

When 2004 came around, I followed the election closely.  I stayed up all night long determined to be awake to hear that John Kerry would be my next president.  It was a very long night and I'll never forget the feeling of disappointment when it was all over.  It was like nothing I had ever experienced before and it plain sucked.  

And here I sit, at my computer, on the eve of an inauguration so meaningful it's hard to comprehend.   My emotions are mixed but most of all I am relieved that tomorrow begins a new chapter in this great country's history.

The last eight years have felt like nothing more than a really bad itch to me and at times, it really festered out of control.  I'll be glad to see this itch go.  The reports of torture ("itch"), Katrina and the storm's aftermath ("itch"), a war started under false pretenses ("itch") and the list goes on.  We are all well aware of this administration's shortcomings so I'll leave well enough alone.

My largest "itch" of all is that this president and his administration failed to capitalize on the post-9/11 American spirit.  In the first few months that followed, we were a different country and had we risen to the occasion as a nation and carried that spirit forward, guided by our leader, I have no doubt we would find ourselves in a different place today.  

And so it is with much excitement and anticipation that I w"itch" you a fond farewell, George.  I will say it is because of you and the actions of your administration that I started paying close attention to politics and caring so much about the delicate balance of democracy.  For that, I am forever grateful.