The headlines every day blare like airhorns. It’s usually the lead story in every news broadcast. Social media is full of it, and it’s a topic that often comes up in conversation.
The presidential race.
Every day a new outrage, or commentary on the latest outrage; he said, she said; some talking head analyzing the impact of this or that statement; allegations, insinuations, accusations, fabrications. It’s a circus the likes of which none of us has ever seen in the history of political races. It’s appalling, embarrassing, depressing and damn near inescapable.
I am so utterly sick of this presidential race. Who’s with me? Show of hands.
But the worst part of this phantasmagorical farce is that it is virtually eclipsing every other race. Yes, folks, there are other offices up for grabs. Senators, representatives, governors, right down to municipal budget committee and library trustee. Voters are not just electing a president (heaven help us) in November. Depending on where you live, you are electing a herd of other political representatives who are going to make important decisions that directly relate to you and your community. Do you have any idea who is running and what they stand for?
We agonize over the actions of Congress. A lot of those seats are up for grabs this time around. Folks all over the country could do an awful lot of good if they threw assorted bums out and elected senators and reps who will actually represent the people, who will work with each other to hammer out practical solutions to difficult problems, instead of grandstanding, obstructing and then going on vacation (usually on the taxpayers’ dollar, or courtesy of some major corporate interest).
How about governor? How do you think ours has been doing? Is there someone out there running who might do a better job, who thinks about the problems of all citizens, not just the ones with clout? Same for state reps. Take a little time. Look at voting records. Do the research yourself; don’t rely on the rhetoric competing candidates throw at you. In this age of the internet it has never been easier to dig up facts and debunk claims. Google is your friend. So is your local newspaper. If they aren’t covering the smaller races and providing solid, unbiased information on the candidates, ask them why.
We will be electing a president in November, not a king. The chief executive can only accomplish so much. Congress has to work with the president to move programs and policies forward. Instead of agonizing over what happens if (fill in blank) wins, work to get a Congress in place that will make intelligent choices to restrain the excesses – or promote the good ideas – of whoever wins the hot seat. Not just in this election, but all the ones that follow. (Have you noticed that elections come around on a regular basis, not just when the president’s term is up?) Pay attention to the local races. Just because it isn’t on the national news, it doesn’t mean it isn’t important. Your vote on the national scale is spit in Lake Winnipesaukee. Your vote in your town has some real clout. And yes, what Washington does has a trickle-down impact on your life. But what happens in your community or your state has a much more direct impact.
The choice for president is just one box on the ballot you’ll be presented with in November. Make sure you invest as much time and thought in all the other boxes (or ovals, or whatever format you’re confronted with) that you’ll be asked to select.
That’s how real change comes.
(Justine “Mel” Graykin lives and writes in Deerfield, and practices freelance philosophy on her website at justinegraykin.com.)