It's Over.

Not the election. Although I am very happy that juggernaut news orgy has finally been put down. No, I mean something else.

I started writing this about a month ago. When the numbers were very much in Obama's favor, my first instinct was to wonder what happened to all the NASCAR dads and hockey moms and frightened geezers out there that got Bush elected. Then a theory started to percolate. Their ranks have shrunken. There aren't as many. Fundamental, simplistic, overtly religious do-nothings are slowly watching their country leave them.

Can you feel it?

The following is a series of ideas I tried to tie together. But since the actual historians have been typing away en masse, I thought I'd freely speculate. Plus, what the hell do I care? I'm not getting paid.

…Maybe I'm jumping the cultural gun, but it feels like the dawn is breaking. Sometimes that first shiny spot of sunshine catches your eye in a way that changes you. It could be for a full minute or for the rest of your lifetime, but something is different inside your head.

Those ideas that millions have clung to for a full generation of two are crumbling like ash in their hands. I'm wondering how they will react. History says people respond violently when ancient traditions are threatened. I think Middle America is too tired for that. Maybe there is no Middle America anymore. I think they might be just weather worn from so many promises made on their behalf but not delivered. I think they have been duped so many times, like a violent stepfather who begs for forgiveness over and over. I think the red states might just want to lock the door and not let him anymore…

…Your policies do not work. We can prove that Reaganomics does not work. The model is broken, flawed, awful… It is not good for the country. Democrats are constantly cleaning up your messes. Your governing ideas are divisive; they are costly and they are just incorrect…

…There are some facts you will have to face. The first is, the word "fact". A fact is something that is proven through repetition or the scientific method. It is a matter of math or sworn testimony. It… is. Nowhere in there did I mention the word "believe". You have been bellyaching and screaming about your beliefs and values for far too long now. Your beliefs are your own business. I have no interest in changing them. But when it comes to the laws and polices of our country, belief is never as important as fact.

Another thing, smart people should be in charge. Not your buddies. Your buddies don't have their shit together and they are probably dumb. You have an irrational fear of smart people. It is unfounded. Smart people have all the same flaws the rest of us have. They are just human. But when it comes to making decisions, they rarely shoot from the hip. They weigh options and strategize. They understand that thinking like a cowboy is for movies and kids' games. You want smart scientists and doctors and teachers and leaders. That is what they have to offer our culture. Let them do their thing.

You must also begin the arduous task of reconciling faith and science. It has to happen or we will never advance this country into the future we all want. Most industrialized nations have had to do this. Japan is an example. Ancient traditions and religions exist side by side with technology and progressive thinking. That's right, progressive. Liberal. Maybe you don’t know, because it certainly is not popular to talk about, but it is fact. America is a liberal nation. We have a constitutional democratic republic that has no monarchal rule. It is designed to be updated and changed to suit the needs of its citizens. We had human slaves. We had a war and set them free. Women could not vote. Now they can. Laws came to protect the land, the water, the air, the workforce. Although you guys tried to get rid of them, we'll get them back. It's the right thing to do. You know that…

…You can have your personal beliefs and America has no interest in taking them away. You have wanted to change the way some of us live, again and again. But you always lose. Its time to let go. Yes, your culture has changed but it has been that way for quite awhile. Pay attention.

The small town values you speak of are quite wholesome and idyllic. However, living in a small town also means you are outside of the action. You are on the sidelines of American growth. Most Americans live in cities now, and more people are moving there every year. You have been trying to change the rules of the land for people you never come into contact with. They never return the favor. They ask to be left alone to run their own lives; just as you want to in your little town. It must be wonderful to be left alone…

…Stop running candidates on platforms of undefined values. Run the guy who actually does something for you. The next time someone asks for your vote, don't grab for the flag and start waving until you investigate…

…'Real America' is an awful sentiment. It's divisive. Bush and Company knew that would get you pissed off. They used you like Reagan did. What did that get you, exactly? How's that pension? Mortgage?...

…No one wants to be rid of you. You are necessary. A conservative force is needed to slow down the speed of technology and progress. (It has a habit of getting out of control.) You are the cinderblock tied to the racehorse of liberalism…

…Finally, let's stop looking at the big picture for awhile. I need to write more pieces about cartoons, holidays and those goofy teardrop-shaped bike helmets people are wearing these days…