Election Day Thoughts

One of the survey responses I received last spring indicated an interest in my views on current events.  That’s kind of a broad topic but I took that to basically mean politics.  While my blog isn’t about presenting a political platform, this did make me think.

So, I thought election day might be the perfect time to express a few of my opinions.

Government

I believe in less vs. more when it comes to government.  I know I don’t know even half of what goes on in government but based on the little I do see, there’s so much wasted time and money.  Which is sad, because there are so many things that money could be spent on.

I think there should be term limits for Congress.  We shouldn’t have career politicians.  Yes, experience does matter.  But we need new blood more often and people who are there to get things done instead of worrying about the next election.  It might even be more appealing to the right kind of people if it wasn’t about game playing and following the big money.

I think there should be limits on campaign spending.  What a complete waste of money.  And for what?  Each candidate should be given the same amount of money to spend.  It isn’t fair that those with more money can get more exposure.  That doesn’t make them the best candidate.  For this reason, I never participated in our company’s PAC (political action committee).  I do believe people need to share their views with the candidates, but I don’t think money is the way to do it.

Political parties

There’s a reason I’m a registered Independent.  I am so sick of our two party system.  It just doesn’t work anymore.  Too many decisions are made based on party and that isn’t right.  Opinions on issues should not be dictated by a party platform.

Each candidate should be able to express what he/she believes and vote based on what their constituents want.  Do we even know what most candidates truly believe today?  Or are they simply spewing the party rhetoric?

What would happen without the party system?  Would the country fall apart?  I decided to see what others think on this and found this article.  It’s a couple of years old, but it’s still relevant and expresses my feelings well.

I thought about sharing something that speaks to the advantages of the two-party system, and I found some.  But I didn’t find them very compelling.  And, since this is about MY thoughts, there’s no reason to share.  😘

Our current President

I don’t like the way President Trump handles communications.  I think his tweets make him appear childish and unprofessional.  I don’t understand why he can’t get his administration in order.

I don’t believe he’s a man of character but I also think he’s pretty transparent.  We may not like what he says or how he says it but he’s at least upfront about it.  Others are backstabbers and trading favors to get what they want.

While many would blame the country’s divisiveness on Trump, I think we were heading there way before he was elected.  This speaks to the two-party system and how people (and the parties) seem to gravitate to one extreme or the other.

And regardless of what we believe, can’t we be civil about it?  People are rude and obnoxious.  Maybe Trump is setting this example, but again, this didn’t start with him.  Aren’t we supposed to accept our differences and be willing to listen to other opinions?

My experience with a local candidate

A little while ago, I answered a knock on the door, only to see someone on my porch who was running for a state office.  I’d never heard of him and knew nothing about him.  We actually talked for a little while, and I was impressed with what he had to say.  

One thing in particular that resonated with me was this statement he made (before he even mentioned which political party he was associated with): “I am more socially Democrat but fiscally Republican.”  A friend of mine has said something almost exactly like that, and I wonder if it’s indicative of what more people want.  He eventually mentioned he’s running as a Democrat.  I think I’ll vote for him tonight, simply because he has a fresh perspective.  If he’s elected, I hope he holds true to those words.

Differences of opinion

I’m sure none of you are like this, but many people seem to struggle with forgetting politics and can’t be friends with anyone who thinks differently.  I am not one of those people.  Everyone has a right to his/her political opinion and if it doesn’t match mine, I don’t care.   I don’t choose my friends based on that. Politics is such a small part of life, so why do we let it divide us?

In church this week, Pastor Mike talked about that.  I’m going to end this post with a Bible verse we should all take to heart.

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.  And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.  Remember, they have their own history to deal with.  Treat them gently.

Romans 14:1 (The Message)

So vote, and then treat each other gently.  💕❤😍