This political hubbub has made even the least politically-minded person become energized and passionate about the future of the state. This is the positive aspect of the whole mess. Yesterday's election had a very high voter turnout. The air itself felt electrified as people took time from their busy days to stand in lengthy lines at the polls. And then, depending upon how you look at it, hopes were dashed or spirits were buoyed as the results came in.
It gives me the warm fuzzies to know that so many people are involved in the political process, but I am disgusted by the polarizing effect this has had on my state. Whatever happened to political compromise and common decency? Heated arguments occur not only in the lawmakers chambers, but within homes across the state as well. Hurtful language has been used by conservatives and liberals alike. When did it become okay to lambaste someone for their beliefs? I'm frustrated that our elected officials cannot find a way to work together and that common citizens have resorted to vitriol in the face of opposing views.
What worries me the most is that this hatred has, and will continue to seep beyond the borders of my state. The upcoming presidential election will be a mighty battle with hurtful accusations thrown each way. I suppose I just don't have the stomach for politics. I should probably move to a deserted island. Anyone care to join me?
I'll come! I recently saw a film called Patriocracy and it hit on this topic beautifully. It is all about how both sides have become so unable to listen or even be respectful. It opened my eyes to the need to walk in the middle and open my ears, mind, heart and arms to people I don't agree with.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting film. I'll have to check it out!
DeleteOne of the things that being in Switzerland has thrown into shocking relief for me is the American political system. I have always had a distaste for it, but seeing an approach that more matches my ideals about how it can be done respectfully (the one here) has turned that distaste into disgust. Although I'm not very familiar with this situation - I've only read the headlines - what you say in your third paragraph gives me yet one more reason to be so disgusted.
ReplyDeletePerhaps it's for the best that the recall failed ... remember who "muscled" his way into power in California when that state's former governor was yanked!
Thank you for getting on your soapbox and sharing these thoughts with us - I love learning more about bloggie friends than just the reproductive side of things.
(Not that I'm not happy to learn about the reproductive side of things!!)
DeleteAmerican politics are honestly a huge mess right now. I'm sure it's refreshing to see how another country handles things.
DeletePersonally, I was in favor of the recall. The national media has made it seem like only one or two issues are at stake, when in reality there are many different facets to this upheaval. For example, I care about the environmental future of the state but the governor does not - I am beyond upset about the harmful mining techniques that he supports. I could go on and on, but at the risk of sounding like one of those people I vented about above I will cease right here. :) Thanks for reading my rant. Hopefully someday soon we can all blog about things other than our reproductive woes!