My readers know I’m not
young; in fact I’m old. I don’t think I am ‘old’, except when I’m
descending a staircase. Then I make
myself navigate carefully, like I'm no longer a kid -- wouldn’t want to fall and break a bone. Anyway, no matter my concept of self, I know if
I make the newspapers because someone tries to harm me, the headline will most
likely report “Elderly Woman Accosted”.
Being of significant age, my interest in the politics of voting comes
from way back.
Whether you’re a young
person, a baby boomer, or an older person, politics is important to America’s
future. In this participatory democracy
of ours, ‘politics’ is the preamble to
the all-important ‘vote’.
If you are eligible to vote,
do it! Some fear their vote is not
counted while others are certain a vote tally is inflated due to ballot box
irregularities. I’m not letting any of
that deter my vote. Don’t let
distraction or skepticism keep you from the voting booth.
I’ll admit, ‘politics’ is the
distraction that gives me pain. Politics is an industry. Men and women have thriving careers built on
promoting candidates. In their zeal
to win, I anticipate false information from both sides. And, I know I’ll have to seek quality information
that is ignored by the media. Here’s
my example of that. Former Secretary of
State, Condoleezza Rice spoke before the Republican Convention Wednesday night.
The next day, I read about her speech via
an online article I happened upon.
Gratefully, I found the speech on another site and saw the twenty minute
or so presentation in its entirety. It
was a magnificent message. Today I’m
still hearing reports of Senator Rubio’s speech on the same night. Nothing more was said about Secretary Rice’
brilliant presentation. Why?
When I was in school, throughout college and even raising my children, both the Republican and Democratic
Conventions were exciting to follow. At convention, the final preparation and presentation of the party platform by the platform committee was a big deal. And the major function, determining the party’s nominee for
president, also happened at the convention. You had no idea who that nominee was
until the floor votes taken one day via several ballots. (I remember going to bed late, getting the results in the morning.) It’s all changed to a process that repurposes the
conventions energy. It doesn't matter what we think, based upon information shared. Today, enthusiasm is generated by how the
political operatives make us feel
based upon the issues their learned minds have determined the candidate can effectively challenge
or support in order to win. Conventions are pre-fixed, scripted,
fine-tuned. Me, you, the party loyal, happily fall
into the role of cheerleader, following, staying politically correct or simply keeping our mouths
shut.
The 2012 Republican
Convention is history. I find the conventioneers adjourned agreeing the economy
is the major issue we should be concerned with.
I think I agree, not because it is a feasible strategy for their candidate to
win but because the economy is a mess.
Money matters are problematic
from many perspectives. We need jobs in
America. People wanting to work should
have employment. Private industry should
stop stock piling their money and use it to hire people to work for them. Banks should pay interest on savings
accounts. Banks should stop charging
high usage fees.
For these failings, I cannot
put the blame at the feet of President Obama.
Don’t you think, driven by
‘political reasons’, our elected officials in Washington did not work together to implement the best policies
for our nation? Even when there was a
compromise worked out, voting was along party lines. Unfortunately ‘politics’ trumped governing.
It’s agonizing surviving the
‘politics’ to stay connected and make a well-informed decision on Election
Day. But, I’ll vote, the good Lord
willing (meaning if I’m able to do so, I’ll vote in the upcoming presidential
election).
Although apathy is easier, I
implore you to vote also.
