Monday, May 9, 2016

Societal stress.............from Politics

I can tell you that I have always been a person that hates conflict but then again when I feel strongly about something my voice is heard.  I once wanted to speak to Al Franken at a hearing about Nutrition and exercise but wasn't aloud to speak.  When he left I walked out of the in progress hearing and followed him to the rest room and waited until he came out to "give him my thoughts."   Slightly embarrassing but I got my point across.

This year we have the most interesting, the most unlikely, and my least favorite candidates EVER running for office.  I find that my family of aunts and uncles have often forgotten the rule, do not discuss politics or religion and the supper table. There have been very strong discussions witnessed during my youth, that may have scarred me for life.  But still, I care.

For me, it is not just about politics of a party, I want to look at everything on the table.  When I look at Trump I see a mouth trying to be an entertainer, that really is not interested in qualifications for running a country.  When I look at Clinton I see I lady that has support of the "machine" that got her husband in office with some pretty dirty politics.  Some say that the dirt about the Clinton's was partly manufactured by Republican pun-dents but, I think, some of it is real.  Even though they say she is living in the shade of her husband she really did stand beside him and support him.

They say a good democracy only lasts 200 years and we have gone well beyond that time frame.  I hope that we can see the reflection of our politics as people and we can make some political and national changes through our voting voice.  If we really look in the mirror our reflections are just not that great.  We need to stop disliking and judging each other for believing something different than us.  We need to stop saying that my candidate is bad but not a bad as yours.  We need to find someone that is determined but good, supportive but strong and by all means bipartisan.  

Just my thoughts,

With love from your retired and somewhat politically frustrated FACS teacher,
Jane