| Well, it’s been a week since Election Day, and although it was only the mid-terms, I felt like in the weeks running up to it, it received almost as much media coverage and attention as a presidential election. |
| That is because so much was on the line. The “hype” was that there would be a “red wave” and the Republicans would dominate. And, easily take control of Congress. It never happened. |
| It certainly proved not to count your chickens before they hatch, that it’s not over until the fat lady sings, oh, I could go on and on. |
| You can stop with the idioms, especially since I am not sure the “fat lady” one is PC (politically correct). But, the results show that voters were much more levelheaded than the media gave them credit for being. |
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| Which, given how disheartened I’ve felt in the last few years, I found to be a huge relief. And although I wasn’t surprised at what happened here in Texas, the results throughout the rest of the country definitely caught me by surprise. |
| Maybe we all are just tired of all the extreme rhetoric on both sides – the radical Republicans and the progressive Democrats. Maybe even longing for the days when the two parties had different beliefs in the role of government and fiscal policy, but still shared an underlying belief in democracy. And, the right for people’s voices to be heard. |
| I know that many people thought democracy was “on the line,” but on reflection, it seems that abortion’s what got so many people out to vote. After Roe v. Wade was overturned, it became a major issue and, no doubt, got many women and younger people out to vote. |
| To a great extent, abortion was tied to democracy, as it appeared to be a partisan decision from the Supreme Court, not a reflection of what the people wanted. Just look at the results when some states made abortion a line item, a referendum, that people could vote for or against, separate from what candidates they voted for. Or, look at states where the outcome of the governor's race could dramatically change abortion rights policy. (Although, as expected, Texas and Florida stayed red.) |
| Yes, which just shows how a specific issue you feel very strongly about can greatly influence how you vote. Even to the extent that it might cause you to vote for a candidate you might not otherwise have supported based on that single issue. |
| Exactly, so why not make those key issues national referendums? Why make voters choose between candidates based on a single issue? Looking at the mid-term results, it might well have resulted in very different outcomes. |
| Now there’s an understatement. What I find most interesting is that we went from expecting a red wave and all the “noise” about what that could mean for the country to an election that, although it was incredibly tight for some races and/or had surprising results, actually felt pretty normal. |
| Agree. Luckily the predicted, or maybe “threatened” is a better word, voter intimidation, violence, and other antics at polling places never came to fruition. And, many candidates who lost even conceded with grace. |
| And the fact that many of us, including the press, found that surprising speaks for itself. Regardless, it will be very interesting to see what happens when it comes to the 2024 presidential election. Two years is a long way away, but not when it comes to politics, and much can, and no doubt will, happen. |
| I am sure many politicians are busy rethinking and adjusting their positions and strategizing as they obviously misread the room and clearly did not know their audiences. |
| And now who’s talking in clichés? |
| Want another cliché? When it comes to the will of “We the people” and voting … actions speak louder than words. |
| I know everyone’s always trying to find balance in their life. I thought becoming an empty nester would make that easier, but apparently not. The girls may be grown, but being a mom doesn’t end when your children move out. Between them, Red & Black, and my seemingly endless lists of things to do, I still struggle. |
| And, as I am a die-hard workaholic who admits to not having a life, you think I have the answer? |
| Excellent point. Never mind. |
| However, I do have some suggestions … although I will preface it with, "Do as I say, not as I do." |
| At this point, I'll take whatever help I can get. |
| Sometimes you need to make a conscious effort to stay present. And, by that I mean appreciate what is happening now instead of thinking about what is next. Or, reminiscing about the past. |
| That sounds good, but it also sounds overly simplistic, not to mention highly optimistic. And where would I even start? |
| Easy. It really is as simple as 1 – 2 – 3. |
| Nothing's that simple. |
| 1. SLOW down and look around 2. STOP using your gizmo and consider putting it away 3. GO spend time with family or friends, or steal some "alone time" |
| Actually, that does sound simple. Now I just have to remember to SLOW – STOP –GO. |
| Just imagine a traffic light. Plus, it would have the added benefit of every time you see a real traffic light, it will remind you to SLOW –STOP – GO. |
| I should've known there'd be a car or driving analogy in there somewhere. |
| Throttle on ... |