The Colorado State Open Thread is a continuing story that tells the story of the Centennial State from many different vantage points — political, yes, but sociological, biologically, environmentally, botanically and many other ways. If there are any that are left out, it’s up to our readers to fill in gaps through comments and guest columns. Hint, hint.
The diary that prompted my most reflection from this past week has been lost through a reboot of the computer, but whoever the author was, they were asking people to take a minute or two to reflect on how they feel about themselves, about America and about the world at this particular point in history. Tomorrow’s election will be momentous, no matter who controls the various houses of Congress in Washington, who controls the various elected offices here in Colorado and then the various county and local offices closer to you. If the Republicans win, especially in a red wave, much will likely change and we’ll likely be set up for a return of Trumpism to the Presidency, whether it’s actually through TOAFG (The Once And Future Guy) or one of his acolytes like DeathSantis or CancunCruz. If the Democrats win (praise FSM, Ramen), there will imo be actual violence contesting the results of elections in multiple states and I fear for our future, though not as much as if the Republicans win. If, as is likely, there’s a mixed result, I still expect Republicans to contest every race they lose and for political divides to deepen. I can’t see Republicans deciding they need to change their philosophy. I can only see them doubling down on the racism, division and hate, because this is, to them, a matter of survival and not just intellectual differences. While you’re doing whatever you’re doing this evening and tomorrow, be it election-related or if you’re just taking cover till you can see the results tomorrow or Wednesday, please do take a few minutes to reflect upon the special nature of our blue state and the fact it’s one of the most beautiful in the Union.
I’m writing this while sitting at my desk petting my dogs and cat while looking out the window at the beautiful late Fall view while the sun is sinking in the west, there’s a dusting of snow on Rocky Mountain National Park, the temperature is in the lower 50’s and my birdfeeders are getting a steady series of visits from Mountain and Black-capped chickadees, Stellars jays, Hairy woodpeckers, White breasted nuthatches and Mockingbirds. There are occasional others as well.
I realize I’m fortunate in many ways and I hope my readers also are feeling fortunate as you think about what is going well in your lives. I also hope the election goes the way we hope tomorrow, but if not, we’ll know what we need to do for 2024.
I could go on with the latest election news — but I haven’t heard anything truly earth-shattering going on here in Colorado. At least nothing that’s verifiable and/or likely to change the course of the election. Having an all-mail election (or at least, being able to use drop-boxes and then get emails saying my vote has been registered) means our election stretches out for a long time. There isn’t the last minute rush, the long lines, the eligibility challenges or the armed ballot box watchers the way they have in other states. Colorado, as with many things, has got elections right. Minimal drama, except where Republicans refuse to accept results or break the law.
May good luck be with you and your candidates tomorrow, whether they’re here in Colorado or in another state. I look forward to reading any comments about who in particular you’re following both within Colorado and elsewhere. On my particular list, I’ll be looking at elections in Georgia and Arizona, the various Senate elections around the country, Beto O’Rourke in TX, Governor Whitmer in Michigan, the Alaska race for US House (Go Petola!) and of course, most of the races in Colorado.
I’ll propose a meeting place like a restaurant or even a person’s house if I can come up with a location for a meetup of Kossacks after the election. I’m going to be rather busy after Thanksgiving up until Christmas, but if I don’t have to do too much organizing, I’d love to meet you and chat about what’s going on in person. Up until then, the floor is yours.