Values. It’s all about values.
In an effort to be introspective instead of political ( I hope ! ) I raise the question about individual situations over the past eight years , remembering that each party had its time in power.
As a non-partisan, moderate, independent voter, I find this particular Presidential election to be filled with defenses….. and ” what ifs “…..and issues that have little or nothing to do with life in a small Southern town. I would like a little relevancy.
And , yes, I am cognizant of the impact of national decisions and the downhill effect of some of them. But I am not schooled in the ” whys and wherefores ” and , therefore, must depend on the powers-that-be. Hence, my reasoning about my one vote.
When discussing the state of our nation and the upcoming election, someone close to me very wisely said, ” I simply ignore what I cannot control. I have one vote and one vote only. I will not allow my life to be turned upside down by things that are far removed from me ” .
And so I say : ignore the advertisements ( there seems to be no truth there anymore ) , ignore the ” talking heads ” ( whose opinions are handed down as facts too often ) , ignore social media ( where reality gets confused with fiction ) . Take a break from things far removed —-and then—-take a deep breath and THINK !
Some things to consider :
…..do the talking points at the national level have a real effect on what I value ?
…..what are the measurable changes in my life when the party in power changes ?
…..does the candidate dictate my vote or does the agenda ?
…..what are my personal expectations for the next four years ?
…..why do I allow myself to be influenced by ideas/opinions that really have no bearing on my values ?
I am the first to know—-and believe—that it is not an easy choice. There are too many pieces, too many contradictions, too many issues. It can be overwhelming indeed.
But———–I will attempt to think for myself. I will seek the facts. I will dismiss issues that I have no control over. But at the forefront, and always, I hope, I will make my vote a vote of values.
AND I WILL VOTE !
And then the day after the election, regardless of the winner, my life will continue as usual : time with Byron, touching base with some family members, maybe a game of bridge, maybe a meeting at the church, maybe a hospital board gathering…….
Just making my point. Life goes on.
Life, indeed, goes on. And as you said, not much will change for our generation. It’s my kids and grandkids that I’m concerned about. But, so too, was my Daddy when we were still dependent on him. And we made it just fine.
Yes, we did ! Life goes on one administration after another. Like my loved one’s statement, I can’t spend much time on partisan politics.
I will vote and I know how I will vote which I have known for a long time. I agree with everything you said about to ignore except I only look at the past records to make my decision and by doing that I think it’s fairly obvious where my vote should go.
Sounds like a plan ! Your reference to your own history says that you are comfortable with your values and plan to support those at the poll. My point………….
During my lifetime,I have never been overly concerned about national politics, because the major political parties in our country have always been able to muddle through their differences and arrive at a somewhat viable compromise. That process has managed to carry our society forward with prosperity and a high degree of personal safety and freedom up to the present era. What I am now seeing are dysfunctional political parties that have been hijacked by the radical and extremest elements of our society and have unwittingly permitted the selection of candidates who are so unqualified for leadership, that it is deplorable, and probably dangerous for our security. I would tell you how I really feel about this situation in more colorful language, but that would not help. As coach Dowis used to say, when the going get’s tough,”Suck It Up” and “get on with the Job”. Life, does indeed, move on and time is fleeting!
We do wonder where the statesmen are ! Remembering Kennedy, Reagan, Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and others makes me wonder how we got where we are. There was certainly partisan disagreement but there also was class ! Thanks for your response, and I’m right there with you.
David, your analysis is dead on. In other words what you’re really saying is we got to make a choice of the less inferior.
Haha I probably best not comment. I’d have to go on and on. I’m a real political junkie and fact check and research and know my vote, which I’m dropping off today, is right for me. Appreciate your comments, Diane.
Love this ! You go, Girl ………….