the stupid never ends

Waiting in line for the fresh frito chili pie that had just arrived from the diner down the road, I chatted with another antiques dealer at the new year's day sale at my favorite auction. Verbatim:

Other Guy: How was yer year? Mine was great til that danged election. Oh lordy, lordy, lordy. (shaking head)
Me: 2008 sucked in every way. Don't know what 2009 will bring, but at least we'll reach the long awaited 1.20.09.
OG: Whut's that?
Me: Inauguration day, saying goodbye to Mr. Bush. Worst president ever.
OG: (agitated)Well . . . (runs off) . . . (comes back) Well you know, if that Al Gore had won the lection, heeda been off huggin some tree and they'da jus attacked us here.

The signed, framed print of George Bush's face superimposed over the burning towers, with tiny fire and police angels floating up from the ground, was a bargain at $5. The dealer next to me confided that she plans to add it to the extensive collection of 9/11-Bush memorabilia decorating her home. She hopes that it will one day be worth a tidy sum, but meanwhile, "he kept us safe."