There hasn’t been a moment recently where I’ve been able to enjoy something on the television. I am getting to the point of physical sickness when it comes to these political ads. I’m not just talking about the presidential ads either–they all suck. They are devisive, angry, accusatory, and in truth–most don’t have a thing to do with the candidate that has, “approved” that message. That’s the common theme: “VOTE FOR ME BECAUSE THE OTHER GUY/GAL IS AWFUL.” I don’t recall an election for president where it seemed to solely be about the negatives about the other candidate. From the debates, to the ads, to seemingly every campaign stop–it wasn’t as much about the issues as it was about why you shouldn’t vote for the other person.
Enough is enough.
By the time you go to bed on Tuesday night (presumably) we will have a new President. 50% of you will be really happy and 50% of you will be really upset. So what now?
How we take a step back and have a bit of a group hug? Seriously. One of the things that makes America great is the fact that everyone isn’t the same. We don’t have to all believe the same things. I have some great friends that I don’t agree with politically on everything, but they are still my friends. I still care dearly for them. They still care dearly for me (I hope). The fact that the person you didn’t vote for is not in office shouldn’t change how you feel about your neighbor.
Let’s not moan on social media. I get it. I really do. Yes, you’re disappointed that your candidate didn’t win…but the other one DID win. You taking a moment to bemoan that fact on facebook or twitter isn’t going to do a single positive thing. It only continues to drive an unnecessary divide between us. Us. Me and you. You and your neighbor…
If you wanted to, “Make America Great Again” and that didn’t happen, how about you make your neighborhood great again. If you were, “with Her” and she’s suddenly unemployed, why not find someone locally to be with? You still have to live your life and angry about an election is a bad place to be.
Likewise, gloating that your candidate won?? That’s not a good look either. It’s just poking the bear. What’s the need for it? Go have a beer with someone that voted for the other candidate and talk about something other than politics. Have dinner. Move on. Be the bigger person.
There’s no doubt that this has been one of the ugliest elections in my lifetime and I have a sincere fear that the ugliness isn’t over yet–but that’s on us. Truly. It’s on each and every one of us to move forward. Neither Hillary nor Trump in office will truly affect your day in a meaningful way, so don’t let it. Don’t let it manage your relationships. Don’t let it come between you and real things.
There will be butt-hurt, but the degree to which it shows is on each and every one of us. I hope that we as a country can move on and love one another a little bit more than we have in the last few months.
the wookiee blog 