I just can't help myself. I have to talk politics and express my opinion. Eddie, don't read this!

After more than a day of listening to the pundits and analyzers of election day results, I'm of the opinion that they've missed the boat--the BIG boat.

All they seem to focus on is "demographics" and why the Republicans lost (or Democrats won). First of all, the results certainly didn't indicate a so-called mandate. I mean, overall, it was close, presidentially speaking.

The plight of America, right now, is we're involved in a second "civil war". The majority of both sides hate each other. It's really not that civil. The Rush Limbaughs and Chris Mathews of the airwaves fuel the fire, incite the passion as they "tell it as it is". It's my turn now.

I ask myself why Indiana is a member of the red state coalition. (Romney garnered 54% of the vote, 66% in my rural county.) We have large cities, including the Gary "region". We have large student populations (IU, Purdue, Notre Dame, Ball State). We have a significant black and Latino population. Along with women, these are the areas credited with an Obama victory, nationwide. The same minority groups are found in all the southern red states. Obama lost them all ('cepting Florida). Reason(s)??

Here's why, and why it isn't reported as such. In a word, RACISM. White male America is racist and scared. I hear and see it right here in my rural America. My neighbors fear black or Hispanic takeover. And, of course, they don't like gays, women's rights or anything they're not. Let's call a spade a spade.

Ask them (Republicans) what the "issues" are, and they'll say economics or big government or something inane. Never mind they all have jobs or are retired with great pensions and social security. Never mind they own their own homes, their stock portfolios have mushroomed in 4 years, have no major problems. Life is good for them. But, for some reason, they feel threatened. They're afraid the status quo is not so "status". To them, it's like the south fighting for slavery. They're scared of change, right or wrong.

It's not just the rich that vote Republican. Romney garnered nearly two-thirds of white male votes. In all the surrounding counties where I live, Republicans swept every office--EVERY single one! Our economy is booming, joblessness very low. Democrats should be asking why they keep losing. Repeat: white males are racists and scared.

Over and over again, it's the same mantra: family values (whatever that is), old time religion, independent values, government (stay out of my business). The association of these items with Republicanism is deep and powerful. Liberal thinking Democrats need not apply. When Obama once used the "clinging to guns and religion" tag on poor white folks, he just wasn't whistlin' Dixie.

So to keep this white male populace in the fold, Republicans resort to all sorts of manipulations. When they talk about "change", it's really to revert back to the "good ol' days." (I honestly think they would prefer slavery, no women voting, etc.) Republican leaders pray upon the fears and insecurities of their followers. Remember, despite all the good things that has happened over the past 4 years, we were bombarded with "doom and gloom" ads and speeches: "Obamacare", joblessness, abortions, illegal aliens, etc. Scare tactics and lies abound.

With a nearly 50% vote tally (and greater in local races) for president, it's not so much what the Republicans did wrong, but what they did--period (not right). They use key phrases, like leadership, patriotism, family values, less government. However, in doing so, they are deceitful, dishonest, hypocritical, sneaky. They tried to buy the election, spending billions. They tried to subvert voter registrations (and ability to vote). They are obstructionists in every way possible.

No, Republicans don't need to "reach out" to minorities, women and young people. Their base is set in stone. They just need to convince more white males and the elderly that change is bad and that soon, they'll be in the minority.
The sky is falling, the sky is falling!!

For now, I'm might proud of my party and all those that voted Democratic. And I'm especially happy that Joe Donnely beat Richard Mourdock for Indiana's U.S. Senator!! There may be hope after all.