We have an election in a few days. “We,” as in the United States for anyone reading this in another country. No one really knows what the outcome will be. The media says it’s neck and neck at the finish line.
This is based on polling. But who answers phone calls and text message surveys nowadays? I tend to believe the younger vote is being severely underestimated in this election cycle. By younger, anyone 35 and under.
I’m in my 40s and there’s zero chance I’d fill out a poll survey online and I’m sure as hell not doing it by phone or text. There’s a feature on my iPhone which silences all unknown callers. I use it. It’s wonderful. I also filter my text messages by ‘KNOWN’ and ‘UNKNOWN’ sender. Good luck getting through if I don’t know you personally.
There’s chatter from both sides saying the other side is going to steal the election. That this is the most important election of our lifetime. That we’re headed for civil war if this side wins or that side loses. Can we not say things like that? I have young kids. That s—t isn’t cool. Tone down the rhetoric.
This is the state of American politics right now.
It’s exhausting.
My favorite political bumper sticker reads:
GIANT METEOR 2024
Just get it over already
Pretty much.
I’m leery of any adult who plays Follow the Leader. Don’t follow the leader. That’s a better game. Be skeptical. Question authority.
Recognize hyperbole.
Even when the election is over, it won’t be over. Social media is to blame to a degree. Traditional media with their desire to capitalize on clickbait and ad revenue.
The Internet. People misuse it. As a species, we weren’t ready for the Internet. Instead of it being a force for good, for coming together, for connecting, it’s often used by enough people to do the exact opposite.
If you ever see someone using the Internet for good, support what they are doing if you are able.
Ignore the loudmouths. The angry voices. The most opinionated of the lot.
Hit the mute button. Unfollow. Don’t give them the clicks they seek. Don’t buy whatever it is they are selling. The words. Products. Ad space.
They don’t represent the vast majority of Americans.
It’s hard to hear the calm voices amidst all the shouting.
Seek out the calm.
Take something like this.
What you’re reading.
It won’t gain traction anywhere because I’m not being overly opinionated. Not taking a hard stance.
But actually I am.
That’s what the fringes of both sides miss about something like this.
People like myself represent sanity.
Reason.
Logic.
Politically, I may believe something different than my neighbor.
But I still believe in the “United” part in the United States of America.
That it’s not about one side vs the other.
A battle between good and evil.
He-Man vs. Skeletor.
It’s not this.
It’s none of this.
One side doesn’t win and one side doesn’t lose.
We all lose if we don’t all win.
But we’d win a little bit more if we made concessions. If we held our representatives responsible when they act divisive.
As a family, we started watching a TV show the other day. During the commercial break a political ad ran for a congressional race. Nasty. Absolute vitriol. Then the candidate being lambasted on the previous ad followed up with his own ad.
My daughter asked, “Why are they so mean to each other?”
Good question.
Power.
Good, old power.
But how can you lead when anger and divisiveness sits at your core?
When that’s your foundation?
You can’t.
Which is why no one should play follow the leader off the edge of the cliff.
Stop being enamored by people in positions of power or who desire power.
Cast your vote then hold your elected representative accountable, no matter if “your guy” won or lost. Democracy isn’t one day of the year.
And remember:
To be kind and not a jerk.
That our opinions are opinions and not fact.
That fighting fire with fire (remember that saying?) only creates a larger fire.
Grab a pail of water. Turn on your ice maker.
And no, I don’t have my head in the sand. I’m not oblivious to the ways of the world.
I’m just tired.
So very tired of watching this ridiculous game of Follow the Leader.
Of grown adults behaving far worse than any child would ever act in public.
We can do so much better.
Be so much better.
But until then:
GIANT METEOR 2024
Just get it over already
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