Not My Father's America

I am becoming more and more convinced that, no matter which candidate wins the presidency, we lose. I have not come to this conclusion because I do not believe at least one of the parties would bring real change, and the right change, to Washington. This sense of despair is based upon the attitudes displayed by the American people.

Everywhere I look I am dismayed by the dialogue between supporters of the opposing candidates. Whether on television, on the streets, or in the blogs I see an increasing amount of animosity - no - outright hostility! Why can't we have a discussion about the issues without resorting to juvenile name-calling? I know. Many of you will blame the campaigns. Since the candidates themselves have resorted to negativity, so shall we. So who is responsible for your behavior? We all want the same thing - the best for America. We may not agree on who has the best ideas to provide the leadership. But we should let our common goal unite us rather than our difference of philosophy divide us.

My opinion is that those who resort to the personal attacks are the uninformed supporters. Since they do not know or understand the issues they insult their adversaries. The most frightening implication of this thought is that this is the same way a vast majority of Americans exercise their right to vote. They "like" one of the candidates, perhaps because he or she is more like them or they are angry at the other party. But along with the right to vote comes a greater responsibility. If we are to entertain any hope that we will elect leaders that are really equipped to govern effectively, and make the decisions upon which our economy, the security of our nation, and the future of our children depend, we must become an educated electorate. If we plan to go to the polls to vote by the way we feel, the nation would certainly be better off if we just stayed home.

The information is out there. A good place to start is with voting records. This source is totally objective and cannot be changed by the presenter. The candidate either voted for or against an issue - or perhaps present. But the vote is a fact and cannot be distorted by the media.

Further, an informed voter will be able to debate with another informed voter regarding the issues. Mature dialogue is the only way one can convince or persuade another. Name-calling only widens the gap. Calling another individual a moron or fascist because they do not agree with your point of view will only alienate them and increase feelings of hostility - and guarantee they will not vote with you!

I am sure that I feel as strongly, perhaps more strongly, about the candidate that I support as any supporter of either candidate. But my conviction is based upon an understanding of the issues and the knowledge of where the candidates stand on the issues. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the issues with anyone regardless of which candidate they support. Unfortunately, I have not been very successful at finding many who have done enough real research to carry on this conversation. So I have been called every name in the book, and not without expletives.

I am very discouraged about the future of our country if we cannot get along amicably with one another. If the climate in America does not change neither candidate will be able to unify this nation after the election.

Our founding fathers provided us with the opportunity to select our leaders - a government of the people, for the people and by the people.

Count a blessing - and a curse!