6th November 2000
This Tuesday, November 7, I will be in Nashville, Tennessee with the Gore campaign. If Al Gore wins this election, I will be standing among many people who will use this election cycle experience as a springboard for a new affirmative progressive effort. If Al Gore loses this election, I will be standing with others at the starting line for the next phase of the marathon struggle against increased woman-hatred in the United States.
I join with thousands of voices on the Internet that are currently being raised to encourage everyone to vote this Tuesday in the American presidential election. I have sent the following note out to all the people who have requested that I keep them posted as to my “activities.”
4 November 2000
My friend–
I was standing quietly in an elevator in San Francisco yesterday, waiting for the doors to open. The only other occupant in the elevator glanced at my jacket with its GORE button. “I hope he wins,” he said, “but I’m worried.” “So am I,” I said. We stood for a few seconds in silence. “It’s going to be bad for a lot of people if he loses,” he said. “Yes, I’m afraid you’re right,” I said.
We all make choices about how involved we’re going to be in things outside our personal lives–outside our work. Wearing a button that says GORE invites positive as well as negative attention these days. Just having a conversation about voting can be awkward if you find yourself in a circle with people who are intending to vote for Bush…or Nader. What to say? Finding a simple way to express my deep concern about this presidential election is a challenge. I want to go on and on about the differences between George W. Bush’s “I’ve got mine, what’s your problem?” and Gore’s “Everyone deserves a seat at the table.”
The dangerous fallacy circulating among progressive people right now is that there is no difference between Bush and Gore. The fact is there are some serious differences in their positions on affirmative action, lesbian/gay rights and a woman’s right to control her own reproductive choices. One of these two men is going to get elected and the atmosphere in this country will be very different for women and girls depending on the outcome.
So finally, it comes to this: If you love women, vote for Al Gore November 7. With deep concern for America’s future –
Margie Adam
Here are some great replies I received from fans across the country.
I have forwarded on your message as it is so true and compelling! We live in a swing state–Florida–and we’re working hard to get out the Gore vote.
– Amy
There are many here in Ohio also worried about this election… It could be possible that the Green Party has positioned itself to be responsible for what is likely to be the most crippling environmental disaster that has ever happened in this country… the election of George W. Bush. We are visualizing Gore taking the oath of office on a cold January day… and we are voting!
– Karen
Thank you for sending your thoughts. Tuesday will be a critical vote & I’m afraid people just don’t realize it. I have sent your message along to women in other areas of the country who may not be on your mailing list. As always, thank you for all that you do for women & most of all for the music.
– Julie
Have been absolutely shocked to hear Nader’s supporters’ comments about there being no difference between the latter two — I get from them something like a sense of idealism gone crusty and sour. It is easier to have an exchange of ideas with (people who are voting for Bush) than with the couple of folks I’ve talked with about Nader. Amazing!
– Marcia
Thank you very much Margie, for more ammunition I can use when discussing the differences that are REAL between Al Gore & George Bush. God help not only we women, but those of minorities and gay/lesbian choice if Bush is elected. Makes me shudder. I’m going to send a copy of your e-mail to my sister-in-law in Duluth, MN who said she is going to vote for Nader.
– Cathy
Thanks in Seattle for the heads up for November 7th. And thank you for putting it so well. We’ve been pushing our preferable ‘Gore’ vote all over this community and trying to reach other communities in other counties……….We’re doing our part and thanks for passing on the word.
– Kristin & D. Ellen