I’m exhausted. As a citizen in a swing state, I’ve been inundated with constant commercials about all things the Presidential (and local) election. This has been going on for over a year and I’m tired. But I have to say. I have election fatigue and please vote.
I’m amazed that I even should have to ask people to vote. But, in an election like the one that we have just gone through…I’m not surprised that I have to plead with people to keep their eye on the big picture.
Coffee Shop Talk
One of the activities that I most enjoy is going for a simple cup of coffee. I love the opportunity to sit down, enjoy a lovely cup of coffee, and engage in random conversations with strangers. Today was no different. I had a great conversation with a lovely dad and daughter about Tuesday and we came to some of the same conclusions:
- Integrity matters-And, at the heart of everything that we’ve been fighting and arguing about I think this is the real issue that we’re grappling with. Shouldn’t the people who represent us reflect the BEST that we have to offer instead of the worst?
- We will survive whatever happens-I spoke with my Grandmother the other day and she said that she was so tired of the election and was so happy she had already voted. She also said that at the end of the day that we will survive whomever we elect. This is a woman who has lived through A LOT of Presidents both incompetent and competent. We may be a hot mess..but we will survive whatever happens.
- Your vote DOES matter-Please don’t forget that you’re not only voting for a President, but senators, different local and state laws, and amendments.
If you spent 10 minutes spending time on social media…then you can vote. If you’re disgusted with both candidates there are other people that you can vote for. I do not believe in the wasted vote argument. I do believe in the wasted vote when you choose NOT to cast one.
Change is Coming
Clearly, the next years will be volatile but we live in a volatile world. Good things that have come out of this election:
- We now know what a lot of people stand with their beliefs. It’s always good to know where people stand.
- We’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time discussing politics. In a country that can be a bit light on discussing deep matters..this is important.
- Awoken the 3rd Party Possibility-We need more than 2 parties. It’s clear. But, for those of you with third party affiliations just showing up every 4 years for the Presidential election isn’t going to cut it. You need to show up day after day so that we can learn to know, like, and trust you.
- I am hoping that this will “trigger” people to become active politically (in their own way) on a local or national level.
- Laws will get changed-I can 100% guarantee that there will be a number of lawsuits focused on: election spending, when ads can be shown, terms limits (we really need them), getting politicians to actually do their work or there’s no break.
On Wednesday after we’ve woken up with our election hangovers I would like to ask you the following: what is the one thing that you will do to make this country better?
- Be kind to strangers?
- Speak to someone who is different from you and truly listen to what they have to say?
- Figure out the one thing that you can compromise on…without compromising yourself?
- Figure out how to listen to someone who has different beliefs?
- Talk to your local politicians and tell them that you’re not paying them NOT to talk to one another. Seriously, could you imagine going to work every day and NOT talking to the people who will help you do your job…just because you don’t like them? This is a non-partisan comment. It’s ridiculous. It’s time we stop paying people who aren’t doing their work.
I’ve realized that I’ve been way too passive as a citizen. I can’t just be an “election citizen.” You know, where I just show up every 4 years. Like being an Easter Christian (but that’s a totally different conversation!) Now, I plan on showing up everyday. I can no longer take it for granted that things will continue to go well without my and your active participation. Democracy just doesn’t work that way.
How Do You Plan on Showing Up?
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Trump won, and almost every part of the US has protests against the President elect. Good luck America!
If he hadn’t spent 10 years discrediting President Obama (birther stuff) and the Republicans hadn’t obstructed all of things the President tried to do for 8 years than I would be reacting very differently. I’m an independent so I am just as likely to vote either party. Also, I always believe what people show me. I lived in NY state and know about the President Elect’s business practices, racial attitudes, and behavior towards women. Basically, I know, don’t like, and don’t respect him. Unfortunately, that won’t change As for people who voted for him: I believe that 50% of the votes were just desperation and frustration. The other 50% was racism. For the 50% that voted because of desperation I have relatives who live in those towns. So, I get what’s going on with them.
Thank you for this post. It’s good to engage with the political process and learn everything possible about the candidates to make the right decision. Citizenship is given to us by the constitution with the idea that we will exercise this power with care.
I’m amazed at the number of people who just don’t vote…regularly. I’m really proud to say that 75% of eligible voters in Colorado voted 🙂