*** Disclaimer: the views expressed by the author are his alone, in no way reflect an endorsement by any organization or entity, and in no way solicits or campaigns for the vote of one candidate over another. ***
Let me just say it upfront, this election is horrific! As with most of the world I am disgusted with how American politics have devolved into a Kindergarten playground with name calling, insults and lying like we have never seen. Actually, that is a little bit of an insult to Kindergarteners... Sorry kids!
Having children for the first time during a major election season has changed my thought process more than I could have ever imagined. The "choice" we have been given by a faulty (at best) primary process is truly disheartening. I see great opportunity to really tackle serious issues our nation faces but unfortunately we have been distracted for so long and taught the "other side" is evil, corrupt, etc. that we can't have a discussion without shouting at each other. I don't think we are even trying to debate any more, we are just trying to win and shout louder than the other person.
I was a proud Republican until 2014. I was involved in President Bush's 2004 re-election effort while in college and rode the wave of patriotism following 9/11 like most of the nation. I believed, and still believe, we are truly fighting for something that matters; freedom, prosperity and peace. I respected the political elite as a group of knowledgeable, legitimate and (mostly) honest people who had my best interests at heart. Fast forward a decade and two things have changed; I no longer believe the Republican party represents my beliefs and the hatred I feel coming from the GOP is like nothing I could have ever imagined. I remember a time not too long ago that I would roll my eyes at someone claiming the GOP is racist or sexist as nothing more than Liberal propaganda but how else can you explain what you see now? I would love to know how the last few years of anti-Obama/Hillary rhetoric, and the extremely unfortunate phenomenon known as Donald Trump, can be explained by anything other than white people (mostly men) feeling their way of life is threatened by outsiders who don't have a right to run this country? I know a lot of people who will hate that statement but it is how I really feel.
The current vitriol is palpable and not because I am tainted by MSNBC or CNN slant. I pride myself on being able to see arguments from both sides and there is no other possible reason for what I see right now. And that hurts me to say! I am a white male and can see how that feeling is an easy way out. Remember "it's the economy, stupid" during the 1992 campaign? Well, as always, that rings true today. From the perspective of a white male trying to provide for his family while having trouble getting a job it is easy to want someone to blame. Unfortunately the reality is that market forces have resulted in industry rise and fall that have little to nothing to do with that brown man who just moved in across the street. Life isn't fair and sometimes we have to admit that there is either no one to blame other than the situation or we need to up our game to succeed. That is hard to do so I think many people are taking the path of least resistance and blaming the closest target which has driven a wedge in society.
I am not here to argue whether Obama is a good President or promote his policies, but one thing is sure in my mind. I can respect him, even if I don't agree with him, because he follows his convictions, values intelligence and acts like an adult while in the most important office in the world. Is he perfect? Of course not, but no President has ever been perfect no matter how much we may place them on a pedestal.
How can we as parents allow this kind of thing to happen in our own lives? How can we show our kids that taking the easy way out is right? How can we become so concerned with being right all the time that we lose sight of the real issues? My parents always instilled that hard work, self reliance and respect were keys to success. I take those lessons to heart today and want to teach my children that no matter what you think, respectful discourse, honesty and personal responsibility are still keys to success. Love your neighbor, even if you don't agree with them... You have no idea what their life experience has led them to value.
With all the above in mind I don't envy parents' decision this cycle. When (if) you go to the polls what will you tell your kids when they are old enough to vote and ask you about the crazy 2016 election? After the first debate I have made up my mind.
- I can't imagine saying to my kids that Donald Trump was the right choice for America. The ridiculousness that comes from that man is impossible to handle. He is the worst candidate for President I can imagine and the debate this week sealed that impression for me. He is the closest thing to Hitler that America has ever seen and I am extremely afraid of the direction he would take our country if elected. And I am not exaggerating in how I feel. Can you look your kid in their eyes and say that someone who proudly and purposefully uses the most derogatory language, espouses hatred whenever he can and treats people in the most disrespectful ways you can imagine deserves to sit in the oval office? I don't care if he is a straight shooter or is "a good business man" (he is not). He is a skillful manipulator who has found a way to blame his way to the top of the GOP.
- I would love to say that Johnson is a viable third option but the truth is that he has very little chance to change the narrative of the election post first debate. Before that he had a chance but modern politics necessitates face time and he doesn't have it. Can you imagine the House of Representatives electing the next President? In the election of 1800 it took 7 days and 36 ballots to elect Jefferson! You want to see your retirement and pension wiped out in the Stock Market due to uncertainty? Go ahead and see how that plays out...
- I also have serious hesitations about Hillary but I now question those hesitations because of the human tendency toward consistency. I have always been told Hillary is a liar, cheat, crook, etc. and as a Republican it was expeditious for me to espouse those talking points because I was remaining consistent with the party line. While there are multiple examples where I seriously question her actions I have decided to challenge that narrative and in my mind those concerns in no way make her the worst candidate in this election. Taking a step back and evaluating her with fresh eyes... She is without question the most qualified Presidential candidate in modern history (possibly ever) based on her resume alone. In this age of credentialism I can think of no other metric with which to make this decision. It just turns out that the GOP's horrible choice for a candidate made my hesitations a lot easier to get over.
I want to be able to look my kids in the eyes and say I voted for someone who, while flawed, at least saw the good in this country and decided to continue the difficult fight of working together instead of dividing the people they represent.
So, here it goes... I'm with Her! This registered independent is becoming more blue with each passing derogatory tweet. The GOP needs to wake up... You are no longer the party of Lincoln and Reagan. If both were living right now, they would be ashamed.
One of my MBA professors (in a class called Power and Politics) once made a comment that resonates a great deal with me now. He said, "people in power want us to hate politics and be divided; it makes the process easier and more predictable for them."
Each of you have all the right in the world to disagree with me, that is what makes our country so amazing. I hope we never forget that! Just remember, our kids are watching and they see more than we think. Keep it civil.
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