My teenage son has been following this year’s election closely, even expressing disappointment that he will not get to vote in this year’s presidential election because his 18th birthday falls two months too late. Of course my young man’s interest in our government would peak at a time when America is knee-deep in the most intolerable presidential election of our nation’s history.
My parenting skills are simply not equipped to handle such irrationalities and it has taken some deep soul searching to scrounge up some positives amongst all the negativity.
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The political affairs of our country have created challenges across America for parents just like me. A responsible voting parent would want to guide their young adult’s political inquisitiveness with great excitement and pride but that is hard to do when you are overflowing with voter’s disenchantment and cynicism.
My son’s questions and concerns about the future of his country are totally legit and striving to be a “legit parent” who is able to direct their up-and-coming voter through the chaos of this year’s presidential election is a nearly impossible task. My parenting skills are simply not equipped to handle such irrationalities and it has taken some deep soul searching to scrounge up some positives amongst all the negativity.
After a 40 day sabbatical from anything remotely political and out of the ashes arose 5 pointers to surviving election year 2016.
- This too shall pass.
These are four of the wisest words ever shared with me and most certainly can be useful when you find yourself living in a time of “Dark Age Politics”. Most American voters can agree about one thing, this election year makes me want to vomit in my mouth.
These feelings are not only okay but appropriate. Regardless of feelings, America will elect its’ forty-fifth president into office in just a few short months when we can all return to our regularly scheduled programs.
Hip-Hip-Horray!
- Tell the Sara Silverman’s of the world to “Suck It”.
Tell these overbearing-political-police to “Suck It” like the WWE wresters do so that the message is clear you are not talking about lollipops. This presidential race is what is ridiculous and any voter in this country has every right to feel outraged, shame, and bewilderment.
The last thing America needs right now is another celebrity, politician or Facebook “friend” reprimanding, telling us what to think, who to vote for, and how to feel.
The world needs more self-thinkers so please shut your opinion hole.
- The Democrat Presidential nominee is not a great choice and has not won my vote.
Worthy Presidential candidates seem to be a sparse resource around these parts. I used to love the Democratic Party but over the years we have grown apart and now I am anxiously looking for a newer and better model. Having to hear nonsense like “I ask you to do for Hillary Clinton what you did for me” makes President Obama sound desperate and unattractive. I was offended that President Obama thinks I voted for him because he is a black man and I am even more offended that he now wants me to vote for Hilary Clinton because she is a woman.
I took this wrong and turned it into a lesson on how oppression and racism can still exist in our Country. The choice for Commander in Chief of the United States should go to the most qualified person. A person’s skin color, whether they are male or female, or their sexual orientation are not qualifications for President of the United States.
- The Republican Presidential nominee is not a great choice and has not won my vote.
To better understand controversial leaders like Donald Trump we Google searched North Korea’s Supreme leader Kim Jong-Un. If Mr. Trump is elected we will not be the only country in the world lead by an eccentric whacko and though it may not be pleasant we can rest assure in the fact that the elected President of the United States holds far less control than the dictator of North Korea . The real decision makers, the United States Congress will remain as dysfunctional as ever and despite who is elected President we can expect another four years of the same crap we have been subjected to; budget stalls, billions of wasted dollars, and legislation that leads us in circles.
No matter how much we yearn to “Make America Great Again” or wish to find a “Change We Can Believe In” and regardless of how much we “Feel the Bern” our political system is very broken. The People’s voice is slowly being stifled.
- With my own two hands.
All of these red, white, and blue revelations have led to my final resolution. Despite all of the silliness on Capitol Hill we live in a great country filled with survivors, heroes, and leaders. Day after day there are stories of courage, kindness, and perseverance ..the stuff our forefathers built this country on.
As much as we “The People” want our vote to count our voice has become muffled overtime by the Superdelegates and the Electoral College.
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Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump are not the best “Uncle Sam” has to offer and are not a fair representation of the American People but that is what happens when candidates are chosen for you. As much as we “The People” want our vote to count our voice has become muffled overtime by the Superdelegates and the Electoral College.
This is where my son and I found a solution to change. This year I will vote for the underdog as my new state representative.
Can you imagine flooding Capitol Hill with a bunch of “newbies”? These coveted positions are rarely filled with people capable of creating the change we require but every year there is someone running who is willing to take on that very challenge.
None of this will create the radical changes needed but to make my vote count the most I need to work on tweaking the voice that represents my state and that will require a smarter and more thoughtful vote.
This is the main lesson I can teach my son that he needs to vote because the people’s voice is the only voice loud enough to create change.
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Photo: Getty Images
So, are you voting for Jill Stein, too?
Hmmm not sure how you came up with that conclusion but my vote will be between me, myself and Irene.
Thank you, Aimee, thank you. I could not have even come close to saying it better myself.
Perhaps we need to create a grass roots movement called, “The sane people’s party”, because this is, for lack of a better word, nuts.
DJ thank you. I like your word “Nuts” perfect description of the chaos we are being subjected to.