Political Recap

 

The election is over.  We can all safely answer our telephones and view social media again. 

Although we are very close watchers of the race over here and although Skip enjoys political discussion, I tend to keep my cards close to my chest.  I believe in the sanctity of the secret ballot, and I believe that both parties do some things right and have plenty of room for improvement.  Opportunity aplenty for growth, whether red or blue. I am what you might call an equal opportunity critic. 

That said, here's my recap (and this is completely tongue-in-cheek and lighthearted):

1)  Simplify:  What if we just hold the presidential election in Ohio now?  Since they so perfectly represent the country as a whole, let's just send them to the polls.  (Credit for this quip goes to one of Skip's friends, whose anonymity is being protected.)

2)  Disqualifying Gaffes:  Let's agree that no politician -- particularly males -- should ever use the word "rape" again.  Those men, whose aspirations have been rightfully quashed, need to spend some time volunteering in women's shelters. 

Updated:  The tweet from Alec Baldwin puts this as succinctly as I have seen. 

"You know your party's in trouble when you read this.  A. The rape guy lost.  B.  Which one?"

3)  Advice for President Obama:  Since this was Obama's last campaign, this is actually directed to all future democratic nominees.  Prepare for the debate, even if you think it is a "drag". 

Also, don't botch the immigration and equal pay questions (second debate).  Those are lay-ups for your party.

4)  Advice for Governor Romney:  Since the party will likely ostracize Romney for not getting the job done, this is for future nominees.  Don't get caught on video writing off 47% of the population who have received governmental assistance.  That assistance is wide-ranging, and many people have or will accept governmental dollars at some point.  (Raise your hand if you were reminded of some of the more obscure forms of aid.) 

Also, don't try scare tactics with the auto union.  They don't scare easy.

Oh, I kid. 

Really, I do. 

No matter who got your vote, we should all be celebrating the enduring democracy that we still enjoy.  No matter how distasteful you found your candidate's opposition, the fact that we can have open discussion, debate and even arguments about our nation and its presidential candidates is one of the biggest blessings we receive from God.  Those are hard-won freedoms, and the price of preserving that freedom is great.  My Facebook feed alone has evidenced the extent of free speech we still enjoy.  I know of no one in my wider circle of family, friends and acquaintances who faced danger or intimidation while casting his/her ballot.  There is no one I know who is fearful of retaliation about some of the criticisms they may have voiced.  Those statements would not be true for much of the world's population.  Let's remember how sacred our freedoms are. 

This week restores our belief that we are a nation with deep love of country.  The enthusiasm surrounding both campaigns and the process itself demonstrates our allegiance to our nation.  Moving forward, let's let love of country define (more so than hatred of "opposing" parties) our opinions and call to action.  This is especially important to remember when thinking of congress (and I am absolutely referring to both sides of the aisle here).  There are important, critical tasks at hand, and we need everyone working together for a balanced solution.  (Obama, Boehner, get it done.) Instead of thinking about 2016, let's get some things accomplished over the next four years and beyond -- regardless of who is in the oval office at that time. 

Lauren and Gracie voted in a mock election at school. When I picked them up Tuesday, we talked about the election, and I made them promise me they would vote in every election, starting in 2024 (the first election cycle in which they will be eligible to vote).  We went to the polls as a family.  In their small eyes, casting a vote was the greatest thing ever. 

And it really is.