Election day dawned early for me. I started the new work schedule and got to the office at 5:30 AM. It makes for a long day, but I was able to leave sooner than usual. Left work and participated in the General Election for the first time in my life. I was glad to vote with knowledge on every race that pertained to me. Attended a Wycliffe Associates banquet for the evening meal. Raced home and spent the rest of the evening glued to the election returns.
A few of my thoughts...
The Good:
A new president
A new direction for the country, and the enthusiastic celebration on display
Democratic gains in House and Senate Seats
Sen. McCain's gracious concession speech
A President Elect who is ready to step forward to meet the challenges that wait
Several initiatives easing marijuana restrictions passed
The Bad:
In at least 4 states, homophobic ballot initiatives appear to have passed
Democrats fall just short of a filibuster proof margin in the Senate.
The Ugly:
Nastiness from crowd during McCain's concession speech
Ted Stevens coming close to retaining his senate seat
I'm happy the nasty part of the campaign is over. I'm impressed with Mr. Obama's enthusiasm and leadership potential. I'm glad that many people seem to grasp the hope and endless possibilities that lie just around the corner. This election seems like just that - turning a corner. The future is bright, and the next government should easily be an improvement on the last 8 years.
Showing posts with label Election. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Election. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Election Fatigue
The election is mere days away. Both candidates are dashing through swing states, repeating their stump speeches and talking points ad nauseum as the election cycle winds down. While the debate may rage as to who ran the "dirtier" campaign, there has been a palpable undercurrent of nasty smears running throughout the political interchange this fall.
I love politics. The pageantry, the posturing, the idealistic speeches that over-commit, all for the sake of specific voting blocs. But I don't like this aspect of American politics. It seems that neither the candidates, nor their spokespeople, nor even our friends and neighbors can interact with this dialogue and maintain their civility to each other.
It is ok for people to hold differing views. So often, those opposing views are held by people who have thought long and hard about them. People have weighed where they stand and developed a view of the world and a view of issues that works for them. This is not wrong. These are not ignorant simpletons who must be chastised and brought to task because their opinions don't match our own. These are our friends, and often our family. They happen to see things differently than we do, but that's ok.
So what I'm trying to say is that I don't think there is empirical evidence that the Democrats are better people, or the Republicans are God's party, or the Independents and people boycotting the election are the only ones who really get it. It is better to walk arm in arm with our fellow travelers than it is to spend our time beating each other down. Recognizing companionship doesn't mean we have to share the same opinions or politics, but it seems to me that a certain amount of respect and acceptance of our differences is in order.
I'm ready for this election to be over. But I wish we would learn how to better love each other despite our differences.
I love politics. The pageantry, the posturing, the idealistic speeches that over-commit, all for the sake of specific voting blocs. But I don't like this aspect of American politics. It seems that neither the candidates, nor their spokespeople, nor even our friends and neighbors can interact with this dialogue and maintain their civility to each other.
It is ok for people to hold differing views. So often, those opposing views are held by people who have thought long and hard about them. People have weighed where they stand and developed a view of the world and a view of issues that works for them. This is not wrong. These are not ignorant simpletons who must be chastised and brought to task because their opinions don't match our own. These are our friends, and often our family. They happen to see things differently than we do, but that's ok.
So what I'm trying to say is that I don't think there is empirical evidence that the Democrats are better people, or the Republicans are God's party, or the Independents and people boycotting the election are the only ones who really get it. It is better to walk arm in arm with our fellow travelers than it is to spend our time beating each other down. Recognizing companionship doesn't mean we have to share the same opinions or politics, but it seems to me that a certain amount of respect and acceptance of our differences is in order.
I'm ready for this election to be over. But I wish we would learn how to better love each other despite our differences.
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