They finally called it and Schmerkley won.  And, yes, I wrote Gordon Smith and asked to him to run for Governor in 2010.  I also read the comments on CNN’s article and it just reinforced what I suspected–Gordon Smith did not lose this election because of anything he did or didn’t do.  He lost it because he was a Republican.

I am reminded of a man I used to work with, one I shall call The Monster (trust me, he deserves this title and I am not the only one who calls him this!).  Those of you who know me personally know who I am talking about.  For those of you who don’t, I can’t really think of anyone quite like him–possibly Karl Rove, but on the other end of the political spectrum and with neither Rove’s intelligence or charisma (no, I’m not saying Rove is charismatic, but the Monster is completely lacking).

Anyway, I one time had the pleasure of driving with him to an off-site meeting.  The Monster felt that this was the perfect time to quiz me on my political standings.  When I told him that I was an independent (soon to be a Non-Affiliated Voter, as soon as I remember to re-register!) and that I do not take party affiliation into consideration when voting for a candidate, The Monster informed me that I really shouldn’t be voting if I couldn’t do it in an intelligent manner–no intelligent person would ever vote for a Republican.

I’m not coming down on Democrats here–I know plenty of Republicans who would say that no intelligent person would ever vote for a Democrat.  What I’m saying is that we have become blinded by party politics and we’ve developed an us versus them culture.  As long as we stay in this state, we will do no more than tread water.

One thing I try very hard not to be is judgemental–I can’t say that I’m always perfect, but I try my very best.  And, when I realize after the fact that I have judged someone unfairly, no one feels worse about it than I do.  However, it has become acceptable in our culture to judge people based only on their political affiliation (or their religion, if they are Christians.  It’s very un-pc to judge people who are not Christians, but Christians have become fair game.)

Here’s the thing.  Republicans are not wrong and Democrats are not wrong.  It is possible to have differing viewpoints and not have anyone be “wrong.”  Life is a kaliedoscope–and kaliedoscopes aren’t very interesting when they are only one color.  The beauty comes from the different parts all mixed up–shining their own individual colors, but being part of a greater view.  (Wow, that was deep….even for me!)

And, on the topic of being judgemental, I was judgemental today, but I don’t think it was unfair.  I judged Kath and Kim unworthy of DVR space.  As much as I like Molly Shannon, that show was like nails on a chalkboard!

UPDATE: An argument can be made that I am judging Schmerkley, er um, Jeff Merkley here.  I will say that I found his campaign to be one of the dirtiest I had seen, but who knows?  He may end up being a decent Senator!