Cynical

Let it be known, I do not discuss politics.  I believe in my heart that it brings out the worst in every human being, and what is intended as friendly curiosity generally dissolves into argument, defense, and intolerance.  Therefore, I do not discuss politics.  That said, here I go.

I hate election season.  I firmly believe that this could be one of the most important Presidential elections of my life, and I find myself researching, listening, and randomly bursting out in anger as I struggle with my own decision.  Though it is overquoted, almost trite, I stand with Alexis de Tocqueville, who sagely observed,"America is great because she is good.  If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."  Have we come to the time when America has ceased to be good?  Are there solutions or have we mired ourselves in our own greed, lust, debt, indecision, and self-promotion?

I'm not a catastrophizer, but in my ponderings I cannot completely set aside the possibility that America will soon cease to be great.  Will the ceiling fall because our nation owes China half a trillion dollars?  Will we trip over our inability to sensibly solve the problems that face all Americans, all people?  Or will the reign of the red, white, and blue giant dissolve as the planet itself begins to crumble?  It is my fervent hope that none of these are the future of a great nation.  If, however, the future holds a fate less than sunny for this America, I am sure that nothing noted above will prove the Achilles heel of the world's most dominating country.  

I believe that the solution to the woes of a nation, any nation, lies in the strength of its individual homes.  Likewise, I firmly hold to the idea that the destruction of prosperity, the dissolution of security will be traceable to the weakness of the homes within any nation.  I preach no doctrine, and I proselyte no dogma from the words on this page.  What I suggest is that it's time for us to look homeward to find the solutions that will affect lasting change for us and for our nation.  For an unexplainable reason, we are looking up to our leaders rather than down to our children.  Are we teaching them to rely on their big-talking, idea-inflating leaders for solutions?  Are our young ones learning that the plans of others are more important than than personal principles?  Or are we teaching them consistently and constantly the principles that will strengthen them and those within their sphere of influence?  Do they know how to make responsible decisions?  Can they tell right from wrong?  Can they choose from among several "right" decisions to select that which is best?  Do they have a strong sense of self?  Do they understand the need to reach beyond themselves, to offer a hand to those in need, and fight for causes that are worth the fight?  Do they know how to humbly accept defeat?  Do they understand that they are not entitled to a perfect world unless they are willing to work tirelessly for that perfect world?

It seems suitable that on this night when the future leaders of our nation debate using big ideas, inflated rhetoric, and blame enough for every man, woman, and child on earth, that I am left with more questions than answers.  Essentially, I hear the same recycled alibis, the same tireless dodging of responsibility, and the same inability to grapple with the people's most urgent and direct concerns.  It is refreshing, however, to hear that our candidates agree on something: there are too many problems, and not enough money, not enough time, not enough solutions.  In addition, they also believe in the unalienable rights of all Americans—a poor education, mediocre health care, and light bulbs that don't get hot.

Comments

[Becky]

as always, you have a phenomenal way with words!!!