historic day

Every four years, I get a little uneasy. Our family (extended) has this nice, comfortable give and take normally. Oh, there are the occasional spats, but nothing too damaging. But last election people got so heated and sensitive about others' ideological stances that we've banned political talk. I get really offended when blue OR red staters imply that the other side is just deluded. We all want our country to thrive. We might have differing ideas about how that can be accomplished. But the bottom line is that we DON'T have access to all the information necessary to make a definitive decision about what the "right" way is, if one even exists. We get all puffed up with righteous anger at what? At the state of things as WE see it, or as we've been led to see it?  We're all just making the best decisions we can.

All this political polarity is not just our imagination. It's been carefully crafted. Jerrymandering was the start, as convoluted voting districts were created so that voters were grouped by ethnicity and party affiliation. The district could then be a more solid bloc that one party or another could "count on." Now even entire states are defined as shoe-ins for one candidate or another. There are people who don't even vote if their district or state is dominated by the opposing party and thus "already decided" before they enter the polling place.

I've also discovered that one's political affiliation is very much a product of environment. Where you live, who you hang with, etc. Often a political "choice" comes as an "anti-choice": This group supports this, and most of them are (insert political party here), so if I'm not one of them, I'll choose to be a (opposing political party). I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've learned, in living in various places, that it's all a matter of degrees. A Republican here is not necessarily a Republican there. Religion does not predetermine political preference. Democrats come from all walks of life.

The keys to participating in the democratic process as I see it are the following:

• Research. Don't let TV ads or infomercials or Saturday Night Live be your only influences. Make it a point, even if it takes some effort, to inform yourself about the positions and issues each candidate represents. Don't accept generalities.
• Vote. Even if you don't think it makes a difference. Have your say. Many people before us didn't get the opportunity.
• Accept the outcome with dignity. Call me naive, but I don't think that people run for office, especially high office, without a real desire to make a positive impact on America. So even if your favorite candidate doesn't win, we still live in the greatest country in the world.

No matter who wins the presidency today, I'll be happy. It's a historic day, and I get to be a part of the process.

Beth

Comments

[Paul Opel]

Well stated, Beth. I've performed my civic duty this morning and was thrilled to be able to do so. It's a great feeling to know we have the freedom to decide our own destiny.

Woo-hoo!

[Aunt Sylva]

Very astute comments. You've got my vote! AS

[Carla Tarrou]

Very well put!

[Wendy z.]

Awesome post! Couldn't have said it better!.

[Joni]

Indiana is an interesting state. In 2000 we went for a Republican president and a Democrat governor. This time around it looks like we'll do the exact opposite. May not mean much to the bean-counters but I think it shows that we are an independent state.

You will notice I am reading your blog instead of following the up-to-the-minute polls. It's way more entertaining!

[Shaun Paddock]

Beth, thank you for your post. I am sitting outside extremely disappointed in the outcome of the election. I have ONE issue that determines my vote and that is which candidate is Pro-Life. Did you hear John McCain's concession speech tonight? It was truly amazing. So, you have made me feel better and I will continue to pray that our new president will lead our nation in the right direction.
Have a groovy day!
Shaun

[gabriella]

This is a very historical moment--I made Emma go with Mike to vote today b/c I wanted her to be able to say that she had "voted" for Barack Obama. :)

[barb]

I couldn't have agree more. I've seen families and friendships torn apart, probably forever, by the partisanship of this election. I think there is a huge percentage of people out there who have no desire for unity and cooperation whatsoever. It's sad, really.