An election-eve thought.
For very, very good reasons, not least the state of my own blood pressure, I’ve studiously avoided talking politics on this blog during this fractious election cycle. That policy continues, even in this post, but I wanted to make an observation — okay, call it a rant — about the political soap opera that has consumed the time of many of us over the past months.
Here it is, point by point:
- I take it as a point of civic faith that all eligible Americans should exercise their right to vote, every single time they get the chance. In my book, if you don’t vote, you give up any moral claim to complain about the government.
- Within the bounds of the law (e.g. campaign contribution limits), all of us Americans are also free to spend our time and money stumping for the candidates of our choice, whether that means writing a check, attending a rally, or advocating candidates to our neighbors.
- Beyond that, every second we spend palavering about politics — especially during the working day — is an active waste of time.
Now, I’m not against wasting time. I might have a chat with a colleague in the break room about the Longhorns’ loss to Texas Tech the other night. My cube-mate and I might spend a couple of minutes discussing our families’ favorite vacation spots, or the cute things our kids have done lately. Fine — things like this can administer social glue to our working relationships.
But keep it firmly in mind that, when you discuss politics in the same vein, without taking concomitant action that might actually affect the outcome of a race somewhere . . . you’re wasting your time.
Get out and vote, by all means. Let your voice be heard in a way that’s effective. But beyond that — and especially after the dust settles on this election — put your head down and get back to work. Especially in this economy, you’ll get a lot further by the devout application of hustle than you ever will by complaining or gossiping about the political system.
(Here endeth the rant — and thanks for bearing with me.)
~
Photo by kimberlyfaye.
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When the dust is settled tomorrow night, the media will have won again! Ok, so that’s my rant!
Seriously, after the people have spoken, we should give proper respect to the office of the Presidency. No matter who wins. Because in four years, if no one is able to sink this ship in that amount of time, we get to do it all over again. I’ve said my piece in the polling booth. Beyond that, I don’t intend to look at one inaugural gown and wonder how much it cost!
Head down, working hard, living on our own streets, with our own neighbors in our own little cities. Isn’t it great to be an American!
GREAT post!!
That’s the best thing I can imagine anyone saying today, with regard to The Big Event.
Great post. Like Paul above I find your “rant” on target. I especially agree with points 1 and 2.
Hear, hear… but it’s possible that point #1 may be near-moot: This month’s National Geographic published a graph claiming that about 89% of eligible Americans vote — they say that highly-touted low voter rates over the past few decades have been based on census figures that included ineligible immigrants, both legal and illegal.
Sadly, I couldn’t find the graph on their website to link up.
“Seriously, after the people have spoken, we should give proper respect to the office of the Presidency. No matter who wins.” A very strong point made by Glenda. I will not say who I voted for, though no matter the outcome I will put my faith and hope behind the winner of the election. It is our only option once the election is over. So maybe the guy who you voted against won, and maybe u voted against them because you felt the other candidate was better. Well, that is even more of a reason to throw your support behind the winner, because they’ll need as much support as they can get right now.