I always worry about the aftermath of an election, there always seems to be violent tension, tempers rise and people become “possessed” by the “done in for” attitude.
My first experience of a true election was in 1994, our first legal election, legal as in fair, no discrimination, anyone who was anyone could vote. The period leading up to that day though will be forever branded in my head. The school bus used to pick us up and drop us off at a train station on the way to Cape Town.
On one particular Friday, as the bus drove in to the road where they normally dropped us off, something happened that changed me forever. All we could see was smoke, the flames were on the road itself and there was screaming. The shrieks and the cries, both in agony and in anger, chilled me to my bones.
I sat dead still in my seat as the bus driver tried to drive through the riot, navigate around fallen bodies, getting us to safety. I had never seen anything like it, the screams, the smoke, the blood, the anger and the sheer force of being in the middle of it threw me. As I stared out of the window I noticed this guy about 3 metres away from me, he was half standing, half falling, just next to my window.
All I remember is the ring of fire around his neck, the blood and the blood curdling scream bubbling from his neck. A tyre soaked in petrol had been thrown over his head and lit, he had been necklaced and he wasn’t the only one, there were many. The smell stays with me till this day.
Where were the police? They were at another riot worse than ours just down the road. I don’t remember the exact date, I don’t remember much other than what I saw, felt, smelt and tasted. I remember that the bus driver started swearing, everyone was stressing and we were told to stay away from the windows. I remember stepping off that bus a couple of blocks down the road and feeling my legs like jello, they shook like a leaf.
In 1995 I was in Kenya and just happened to end up being there during their elections. For four days we weren’t allowed to leave our home, we were holed up inside, sending our security to go get supplies for us. The screams from the road raged through the night, the loud bangs and the smell of things burning once more returned.
Violence, anger, rage
It solves everything doesn’t it?
The US elections are finally hear and I am grateful but I know that the mud slinging will never stop. No matter who wins there will be fights coming “Mine is still better than yours”, “This one and that one is a racist”, “This one bought so much clothes”… they happened before the election and they won’t stop when its done and dusted either.
People just don’t respect each other
I hope and I pray that both the American public and those in other countries do not react with disrespect once the final decision is made.
I hope there are no more attempts on Barracks life
I hope there are no more jibes about racism, who is and who isn’t
I hope that there is no more violence or hate crimes
I hope and I pray
You don’t have to like each other to show respect, just common decency with the understanding that each has their own thoughts, their own views and own beliefs.
Hope you all had a great election day and it went smoothly,
Viva la new presidento who ever that may be
ahrcanum
•15 years ago
Smooth her in the States so far. Hope you are safe wherever you are.
Joy
•15 years ago
This kind of thing really scares me too because it can get out of hand so quickly. I agree, we’ll take what we get and what the American people vote for and respect each other despite our differences.
mssc54
•15 years ago
Do you think this young lady will be disappointed in the election results?
bojinx
•15 years ago
Its absolutely incredible, how, we lived in the same country, and yet have experienced so many different things! It really amazes me, every time I hear stories like this – and I have been hearing a few of these lately… about memories from “way back”… big hugs hun!
Fitch
•15 years ago
This morning I am filled with eternal hope and optimism that Obama will unite our country more so than any other President before him. I believe he has the power … more importantly, I believe we the people have the power … if we will just open up our hearts and minds. If we will just embrace and respect our differences and come together for the common good! I think the fact that he was elected is a sure sign in the right direction and I believe the next 4 years will be extraordinary!
slightlyignorant
•15 years ago
The aftermaths of elections are indeed disturbing. I also wish that, as you said, there will be no talk about race issues about this election. Here, in Israel, all the damn newspapers have on their front pages is that a black guy became president.
The fact that Obama’s skin color is a darker shade isn’t the point here. It’s A point, sure, especially with the history of the US. But the main point here is what Obama stands for, and that the people voted for him because of those beliefs, not merely the color of his skin!!!
SanityFound
•15 years ago
Ahrcanum, thanks for the visit and the update, I can’t tell you how relieved I am to hear that!
Joy you are a woman after my own heart! I couldn’t agree more huns!
Mssc54 🙁 I can’t watch youtubes at the moment but will get back to you when I cans promise!
Bojinx it is indeed surreal in a sense, what I experienced was only the tip of the big iceburg as we know… odd how it all happens huh
Fitch I am partying right along side you and couldn’t agree more… think the next four years will be the telling ones for sure!
Slightlyignorant ooo the linky works! *smiles* Agreed, our papers are on about a “black” president to a point though mostly it is about the American public choosing the wiser option, the most intelligent option and ultimately just partay!
vanessaleighsblog
•15 years ago
“You don’t have to like each other to show respect, just common decency with the understanding that each has their own thoughts, their own views and own beliefs.”
This in a sentence, to me describes John McCain’s concession speech…..
We are ready for this change in our country, as long as we know that we are ready……
ilegirl
•15 years ago
Life is good so far the day after we elected a new president. We have been blessed by a tradition of peaceful transfer of power, and I hope this one is no different.