I thought I would be so relieved when this election was over. Even more so if my candidate won. Instead I was disappointed.
Disappointed in humanity which my husband says I often give far too much credit in the first place.
My kids told me about some horrible comments their friends made on Facebook and in person about the election results. Not just nasty, but some things I think that you could get arrested for saying as an adult. Frankly, some of them outright disturbing. And even more disturbing to think about the parents who might be teaching these kids that it is okay to say such comments about any elected official, or candidate or even regular person, no matter the political affiliation.
Many seem to work hard to teach their kids about sportsmanship on the playing field. To high-five the other team whether you lose or win. I remember the bridges of hands that the kids of my boys’ soccer teams would take turns walking through whether they lost or won. But why does that have to fly out the window in adulthood?
Today comments from both sides of the aisle made me uneasy. Isn’t part of what makes our country so great that we have diverse backgrounds, views and opinions?
I really just wanted to fast forward past today to a point in politics where it can be better. Is that possible? Am I just more tuned in this year than I have been in the past and expecting way too much? These thoughts ran wildly through my mind today.
I pride myself in the fact that I teach my kids to not publicly bash a political official no matter how much they disagree with them. And to appreciate differences in opinions and never belittle others for having opposing views. I also pride myself in that fact that we encourage our kids to form their own opinions and research and understand issues before taking a stance. To not parrot our views because it makes us feel more secure. I am ever so grateful to watch them take heed as they grow into young men.
So, I am grateful that today is coming to a close. (And that I met a wonderful woman in the nail salon who could tell from my face that I was exhausted by this and other events of today, and who was so very kind. What a serendipitous shot of hope and a beautiful remedy for my distress at the end of this long day.)
Most importantly, I’m grateful that tomorrow is going to be a better day. I can feel it. Can you?
It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow’s viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.
Harry S. Truman
life on wry 
I could not agree more (or be sadder about the fact) that we are living in divisive, hate-filled times. Unfortunately, the example is being set at the top. Some of the nastiest, most disrespectful lies came directly from the campaigns with the icing-on-the-cake being the president encouraging people to vote out of revenge. “Voting is the best revenge.” Really? How exactly is that supposed to unify the country? Should we really be surprised that kids are picking up on the vitriol being spewed by the adults?
I feel you on the facebook commenting getting out of hand. While it’s ok to state one’s opinion it’s not cool to get racist, sexist, and down right disrespectful! I chose to stay out of it in an attempt to remain friends with everyone. It’s amazing how many older adults were getting in on the crazy too! Unfriending nieces and nephews for simply posting who they voted for…seriously?
I think this election brought awareness to many people of some huge problems, including raging bipartisanship and the HUGE amount of money that controls our politics (how much did these campaigns cost?!! that cash could have gone a long way toward solving some serious problems…) My hope is that we, of the two parties between which we are unrealistically forced to choose, will choose to work together to solve the problems common to us all…without being forced to unite for some horrible reason such as war or a natural catastrophe.
Well said.
While I agree that young people and their FB pages open up a whole new arena to voice horrible things they wouldn’t or couldn’t say to one’s face, I think it’s really important to speak one’s mind. A vote for Romney would be 4 billions steps back for women’s rights and I applaud all of us females who looked into the crystal ball and saw our future. In spite of things about Pres. Obama that might not be perfect, I believe this was the overwhelming reason he was re-elected. Plus, no way could I vote for someone who went on a family vacation with his dog strapped to the top of his station wagon.
Great points. I totally and completely agree about speaking one’s own mind and I teach my kids that in every way that I can.. And they definitely know how I feel about the issues because I am an open book. But I encourage them to be respectful and informed while they are at it. 🙂
Thanks for a great post. I firmly believe that cuticle artisans are our unsung oracles!
🙂 new term…. Cuticle Oracles
I think the people of the world are very stressed and it is coming out in their actions and words. There’s always a reason for bad behaviour. Not sure how to make it better though. One person at a time maybe. Glad you are looking toward a better future.
I’m with you on this post. While my candidate won, I have never been one to disrespect the other side of the fence. I overheard my daughter say “R hates women, that’s why he lost the women vote”. I was floored I immediately told her that was untruth & he may not be a strong supporter of women empowerment but hate is a wrong choice of words. She realized that she was merely mimicking what Tumbler, FB etc was posting. We as parents have a moral obligation to teach our children to be respectful, to not follow the leader and to walk away from people that just like to fan the flames of hatred.
Although R was not my choice, I made her do a internet search on him and find me where he says he hates women. She came up empty. case closed.
(sorry for the long comment )
Amen sister. Loved your long comment.
I am so glad that your day ended better than it began. I think it’s terrible, how awful people can be and how this ugliness manifests itself in their children. It makes me shudder.
Me too! Thanks I’m going to do a better job tuning it out today.