I Hate Politics!
I have an embarrassing confession to make: I didn't vote in a public election until I was thirty years old. Perhaps it was the lack of political talk in my household growing up. Perhaps it was because I never really felt like I fit into any particular party. Or perhaps I simply did not care.
Whatever the reason, things changed as I got older.
I finished school, got married, bought a home, had children, and experienced a life changing event we know as 9/11.
Things suddenly mattered! What kind of world will my kids grow up in? Will I have Social Security when I retire? You're going to take how much of my paycheck? And what kind of energy will be used in twenty years so I can watch Rocky 16 – Balboa picks a Fight at the Retirement Home?
So I got involved. I read political columns, watched Sunday morning talk shows, and even DVR’d debates so that I could become more informed about pulling that lever.
Well, it didn’t take long for me to learn a very important lesson. It’s all CRAP! Every stinking bit of it. It’s like swimming around in a cesspool of information trying to pick out the one turd that doesn’t stink. (Sorry – had to be said.)
I’m thirty-eight now, and I’m ready to get out, but I won’t because I understand the importance now.
Still, why is there no peaceful dialog? Why are people incapable of seeing past their party’s point of view, even for a moment? I’ve stopped talking politics with everyone all together because they simply aren’t open to opposing views, making it a pointless conversation. And that's with friends and family!
Respect and integrity are foreign concepts in the political arena nowadays, as evidenced by an out-of-control politician ranting during a presidential address and this governor allegedly selling a Senate seat for personal gain.
Here’s an idea. Don’t limit yourself to a party. Be an individual. Unique. Actually listen to both sides of a debate and determine for yourself what makes the most sense instead of following the rest of the herd blindly. And be understanding enough to allow others to do the same.
First, understand why you are voting for a candidate instead of why you are not voting for the other candidate. You might just surprise yourself.
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