Kerry won... GROSSE POINTE?

Sometimes, we have to look at the silver lining in things.

I was raised is a very Republican household in Grosse Pointe, Michigan (caveat: I now live, with my wife and daughter, in downtown Detroit, where I'm much more comfortable with the demographics, politics, etc.) For those of you unfamiliar with GP,  it's where the Automotive barons had their summer mansions on the lake.

FYI, there are 5 Grosse Pointes: Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Shores, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Park - going north to south. There isn't enough time to describe the politics of each, but for info seekers, it works like this: The Woods is 'nouveaux riche' (if that -- I grew up in a very very modest home); The Shores is MUCH more 'nouveaux riche'; The Farms is lots of Old Money; The City is OLDER Money; and then there's the Park.

Grosse Pointe Park nestles up to Detroit uncomfortably; there was always a very distinct line between the two cities -- the proverbial railroad tracks. Driving down Jefferson Avenue to Detroit, you knew EXACTLY where GPP ended and Detroit began. This always bothered me to no end, especially because it was celebrated by the GP side and loathed by Detroiters. It was a graphic illustration of a racist America (whereas 80% of Detroit is African-American, and the Grosse Pointes are 90%+ caucasian).

Funny thing happened on the way to the polls on Tuesday...

Grosse Pointe Park voted for Kerry.

This may not send shockwaves through your body, but it did mine. Now, it's not a big surprise that we won in Michigan; quite the contrary. But for KE04 to win any of the Grosse Pointes is a bellweather.

It could probably be explained away by changing demographics. I might be able to buy into that argument if phrased correctly. If there was one GP that would vote democratic, it would have been the Park. But to me, this is as large a shift as, say, the Bronx going for Bush. It signals that the message IS GETTING THROUGH.

There is a progression of younger, upper middle class voters that are finally more concerned with others than they are of themselves, and as we look ahead four, eight, twelve years down the road, I see many good things. I see parents, unwilling to buy into their own parent's old diatribes about Republican values, yada yada yada. I see parents teaching their children about worldliness, cooperation, race appreciation, cultural & fiscal responsibility. It's happening. I do believe we will win this 'culture war' when I see any of the Grosse Pointes reject fear, and embrace love. Man, my eyes watered when I saw the news.

Have you seen neighborhoods near you that voted one way or another, much to your joy or dismay?