We have a way of shutting that whole thing down

First off, I know that between family and friends, we may have voted for different presidents, but can we at least agree that it's a good thing that the candidates that adopted the weird pro-rape/anti-choice platforms did NOT get elected last night?  My faith in humanity has been restored since Todd Akin ("If it’s a legitimate rape, the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down"), Richard Mourdock ("I came to realize life is that gift from God that I think even if life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen"), Roger Rivard (who quoted his dad's belief that "some girls rape easy") were not elected to office.

I'm also happy to see that Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, and Washington are on board with not trying to deny gay citizens the right to marry.  On a side note, when is Emmett C. Burns, Jr. back up for re-election?  If you didn't hear, Burns, a Maryland Democratic delegate tried to silence Baltimore Ravens' Brendon Ayanbadejo's support of legalizing same-sex marriage in that state.  Against free speech and civil rights?  OUT of here, please.  At least it drew a response from Minnesota Vikings' Chris Kluwe which was definitely entertaining and on point.

There were a number of women elected to the Senate last night as well which is kind of big deal, considering that about 20 years ago there were only 2 and now there are 20.  Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, is not only their first female senator but she will be the first openly gay senator of the US.  Groundbreaking times 2!  Actually, isn't it kind of sad that being elected a senator as a female is still considered groundbreaking? Or being openly gay is?

Last night, we went to vote in our district, and waited and waited to use one of the 3 voting machines.

We were told by the folks running the polls that we were pretty smart to bring our folding chairs for the waiting:

Finally, two and a half hours later, we emerged as voters!

Until next year--