what the heck is going on?

i just arrived home from the airport after two exhausting days in new york. i found myself absolutely "tearin' ass" up route 1 to get home as quick as possible. i felt a panic that i haven't in a long time. i was shocked when i realized that the reason i was racing toward my t.v. was to watch as much of tonight's election coverage as possible. for those of you who know me, yes i said it.

i happen to think that this night will be one of the more exciting nights we've experienced in years. so, i am trying to wrap my head around how this self-proclaimed "uninformed, apathetic, apolitical, registered independent" can possibly be excited to watch even another minute of the political train wreck that is the u.s. government.

here's what i know:
- i don't like george w. bush
- i don't like john kerry
- i am tired of the partisan crap (ie. we're right, they're wrong and america knows it)
- i would rather tear my own arm off and beat myself to death with it than have a political discussion.

however, i can't help but be excited about watching the results pour in in the next few hours. it's just like when i watch a great championship game between two teams that i have no allegiance to. an exciting game is an exciting game. welcome to america's newest spectator sport.

i remember watching the early stages of the debacle that was the 2000 election at a sports bar where we gathered every tuesday to watch whatever game was on just as an excuse to consume as many buffalo wings as possible. no game that night, just an election. but the energy was exactly the same. so, now i know exactly why i am giddy. it is the sheer thrill of watching a closely contested battle with no certain outcome.

i guess i'm fortunate to not have a personal investment in either candidate. there will be no dissappointment for me tonight. no crushing defeat. life will go on. the world will continue when the sun rises tomorrow. this nation, which has never been so divided, needs to support the winner, because whoever wins will have a job ahead of him that i wouldn't wish on anyone.

basically it comes down to this, if bush wins...pray for america. if kerry wins...pray for america. if a night manager at denny's in kentucky somehow wins...pray for america. we may not be a God-fearing nation anymore, but we certainly could use some guidance.