Thinking the Unthinkable

Seattle Weekly's Knute Berger poses the big question I've been thinking a lot about lately:

If you oppose the Bush regime, what will you do if (when?) Bush is re-elected, reappointed, or remains otherwise snugly ensconced in the Oval Office?

It is a grim possibility all anti-Bush folks have to consider, even if the election is reasonably fair and open. Even with the renewed vigor of the ticket of the two Johns, there is a distinct possibility— perhaps even likelihood—that Bush will prevail, one way or another.

Will you be a good sport and accept the outcome? If the election is fair, you must. That’s what democracy’s about. But certainly the “chatter” among many liberals I talk to reminds me of the kind of conversations that occurred during the Vietnam War as young men considered their options if drafted: Sweden or Canada? How many people do you know who have said they’re moving to another country if Bush wins? Canada won’t give you political asylum, but there are many places you can play ex-pat, many with better health care, transportation, media, and democracy than here. Bush’s policies, cheap airfares, and global communications have already created a kind of brain drain. Some English-speaking havens look mighty appealing. Middle-earth—I mean, New Zealand—anyone?

There are problems with cutting and running, however. One is that the grass rarely is greener. The other is that it will only make the retaking of America more difficult for those left behind.

For those who choose to stay, what are the options? Political involvement, yes, but what kind? More activism? Liberal militias? Open resistance to Bush policies? Is it legitimate to consider a kind of quasi-secessionism? Can Blue states protect themselves with political walls of some kind? Can those of us in Ecotopia find ways to fend off the Bush influence here and protect our interests, despite the leadership in Washington?

Comments

[Jo]

I'm going to mail him my dirty socks. All of them. Every day.

[Roxanne]

Thanks, Jo. That gave me a hearty chuckle.

[Jessica]

I decided that I probably won't jump ship if he wins, BUT if another Bush is ever put into office again (like, say, good ol' Jeb) then I'm out of here!

[Trish Wilson]

I'm already eyeing up Hawaii or the French Alps. I'm just looking for an excuse to move. ;)

[Sheelzebub]

I couldn't leave. I would feel obligated to stay and try to change things. This my country too.

[Sheelzebub]

I couldn't leave. I would feel obligated to stay and try to change things. This my country too.

(Though admittedly, teaching English in Japan again sounds like a good options sometimes. . .)

[73opo7db7oom]

I would (will...) probably buy some property in Arizona or Nevada; seeing as Bush will never sign the Kyoto, and his minions happily ignore climate science, and toss environmental issues to corporate wolves, when the sea's rise due to some icecap melt, Ill have some prime territory.