Give Thanks Today for Choices

Election Day.  Ugh.  So much rhetoric led up to this moment along with verbal assaults and strong opinions; and then there’s what the candidates themselves had to say.  I find it interesting that elections are held in the month of November…..the month that folks on facebook use their status updates to list what they are thankful for in their lives.  On this day we all should be thankful for being Americans who have choices.

A lot of spew will hit the airwaves today via television, radio, and the internet.  I have some friends who are planning on avoiding facebook, for example, entirely today. 

I can understand why.

As we head in to Election Day there are a few things I wish folks would keep in mind.

 There are more than two candidates on the ballot.  Obama and Romney aren’t the only choices.  Sure, they are the prominent choices – one of those two will win the election to be sure.  But that doesn’t mean that if you care for neither you can’t vote for a candidate that is more closely suited to what you believe this country needs.  It’s your vote.  Cast it with your conscience.

That leads to the next thing to keep in mind.  Chances are VERY good that the friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors you know will be voting for the candidate they deem the best choice for this election.  Just as you are voting for the candidate you deem the best choice for this country.  Respect that.  Respect your friend, co-worker, and neighbor even if you disagree with their choice.  Respect the fact that people have different ideas, beliefs, perspectives than you do.  Do NOT assume that someone who votes differently than you is an idiot.  Sure, there are idiots out there voting, but in this country we have to take the good with the bad; the smart with the idiotic.  Let it go.

Also, there is more on the ballot today than just electing the President.  Pay attention to the other offices that have candidates for election.  Grassroots, folks…..it matters as much, if not more, who you put into the State Legislature and Congress.  There are also items on the ticket that are allowing you a voice in new laws being considered.  Read up on those issues and vote!

Lastly, believe it or not America has survived having other idiots in office.  I am talking about idiots from either side of the fence.  We have faced a lot of crap in our 230 + years of existence.  In every election there were folks who were unhappy; who believed the next President was going to be the ruination of our country.  Seriously, do you think everyone was happy when Lincoln was elected?  Wilson?  FDR?  Truman?  Eisenhower?  Nixon?  Carter?  Reagan?  And so on, and so on…..  It is for four years.  Yes, they seem to be *crucial* years, but I *know* the same was said by the generations would lived through WWI,  The Great Depression, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Cold War, the Energy Crisis….oh, I could go on and on, but hopefully you get the point.

Just remember, be thankful that you have choices and remember everyone else does too.  In the end we are the *UNITED* States of America.

~Mari B.