About the Election (11-05-12)

I did not vote for the Count Dracula and Eddie Munster ticket.

In a world wrought by lack of compassion, I could not relate to a candidate whose allegiance rests with the rich, a candidate who voices arrogant disdain for 47% percent of his own countrymen, underlining a fundamental inability to serve and represent all of his countrymen, whether they rely on financial tax shelters abroad, or not.

In a world wrought by poverty, I could not relate to a candidate whose income is so far out of the realm of comprehensible that, as much as I personally can't understand what it means, I know that the same works in reverse: this person does not know what it means to not be able to pay of food, housing, schooling, student loans, and healthcare costs...

In a world wrought by lack of opportunities, I could not relate to a candidate whose fortunate background precludes any direct experience of life's challenges. Not all of us are born and raised within networks of well-heeled connected people; not all of us find doors opening at the mention of our family name, or the amount of money we make. Not all of us have access to the best medical care, nor do all of have stock options to sell off as the need arises...

In a world wrought by lack of balance, I could not relate to a candidate whose first agenda would be to dismantle the first real efforts at providing health coverage to people in this country, -however imperfect it may be-, and tear down the frail social safety net for the aged, without any aim for improvement, but just to make a point.

In a world wrought by lack of integrity, I could not relate to a candidate whose words ring hollow, and whose position on issues seems to change as the wind turns. A man of integrity is not a chameleon; he does not lie, but will open his heart and will be inspired to lead his nation by serving it, for the wounded need tending, the oppressed need relief, and the struggling need assistance.

No, I did not vote for cynicism and arrogance, because had I done so, I would have lost my self-respect.

Election Night (11-04-08)

We were invited to the Crawfords' on Tuesday, for an "Election Night Party."
It was nice to see that there was an apparent consensus across the country, and it was as if one could feel people around the globe sigh with relief.
I was also nice to hear a great speaker for a change. Someone who spoke well, who said meaningful, complete sentences, with no snickering. Soon, the "nukular," the "He's a good man," the "Mission Accomplished," the "I am the Decider"...will become just fleeting elements of a nightmare from which people yearn to wake up.
Of course, I am not an idealist to the point of thinking that this election is going to be the dawn to a new course for the country, but, maybe, it'll bring enough small changes to make a difference for the better. We need to move on, to turn the page. Let's change our modus operandi and fix things rather than dismantle and destroy.