So, the "mid-term" elections are over. Now comes the wailing and gnashing of teeth (your side lost too many elections) or the gloating and self-congratulation (your side won more elections).I may piss some people off but....I'm really glad I'm half-way around the world and don't have to be in the middle of it. Not the election, the reaction to the election.
We have become, if Facebook is any indication, an ugly people around politics. The hate and invective directed towards the "other" shocks me, especially from people I know who are otherwise devoted to peace and reason."Those" people over there? The ones who voted for the candidates you secretly suspect are Satan's spawn? They are your neighbors (figuratively, literally, and spiritually). They're desperately trying to figure out what's best for their community, their country, and their lives.
Just like you.
They did what they thought was best.
Just like you.
They vote rampant self-interest sometimes.
Just like you.
But daaaaaaaaamn it feels so good to get agitated and over-excited that we can't hardly resist. Which is why I'm glad I'm not there and why I won't even look at Facebook for the next 2 or 3 days.
My motto to all on election day: If your guy won, be happy, but don't gloat. If your guy lost, be disappointed, but don't be angry.
ReplyDeleteI still don't know what to be since our Congressional race is too close to call, and there may very well be a recount.
Imani is shaking her head sadly. the us guy on africa is out and will be replaced by some dude who doesn't belive in global warming and will likely cut funding and aid. i'm thinking moving to another country to get away from all this stuff is sounding pretty good.
ReplyDeleteJeff has been asked by the Powers That Be to let them know here in the next few weeks if he wants to stay longer. We're having long conversations about it.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's nice to be away from some thing about America right now, especially all the hate around politics. But Australia has its own weirdnesses too.
It's not a clear cut choice either way.