What I have to say may seem vague, and circular. It may make no sense at all. In fact, I’m not sure I have the words to express the emotions behind it. But I want to get it out of my head, and this is the best way I know how to do it.
As we all have witnessed, there is ugliness in the “masses” in terms of this election cycle, candidates, and propositions on the table. I wrote about it a bit before.
Now it’s personal. Because I just realized that someone I respect, if they truly knew how I feel, and what I feel, finds me evil and bigoted. Now that I know that, I don’t know that I can associate with her anymore. Not because of how she feels about these issues, but because of what she would feel about me. This person is more than an acquaintance, but not an actual friend. One of those in between people. And yet? It hurts me greatly.
Before these elections, I – and I imagine, many people like me – maybe didn’t get too involved in political machinations. They probably voted the party line, because they knew that in general, they were of that political affiliation. But this election, I feel people are more passionate, and more educated, and are actively seeking out that information. They’re vocal. They’re expressive. And there is judgment.
But regardless of who wins the election, and what props pass and don’t… We then have to live our lives. and the smaller picture – those people in our lives right now – the small microcosm we actually live, eat and breathe in. And frankly, I believe that this election has caused large rifts. Rifts between families, colleagues, friends. We’ve all had to delve deep into what we feel and why. We have this constant need to defend our views and our choices. That’s going to come to roost. It already has started.
I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to have a lighthearted conversation with this person again. Because she thinks I’m evil. I so very much want to show this person why I feel the things I do. What path I took to get there. What I’ve seen in my life to shape my choices. Basically, defend myself. I won’t. I won’t talk to her about it. She has her opinions for a reason. She is passionate about that, and I respect that, so I won’t draw her into a debate that neither of us will win. It’ll just create more hurt. And those reasons place me in a category of persons that she does not feel holds her same moral code. I’m not judging her for this. I see how and why and where it comes from. She has made her stance clear, and concise.
Regardless… This makes me terribly sad. Because I’ve lost something valuable there.
So my question becomes, how do we as a country on down to the next door neighbor continue to cohabitate after this election? How? I certainly don’t have the answers. That’s why I’m asking the question. That’s my main concern. I would think most voters, by now, know who they’re voting for. So – even though we don’t know the outcome, it’s a done deal. So now I’m growing very concerned about how we come together to live peacefully with one another in the aftermath.
I’m actually feeling that in part of the blogosphere. There are many people that are passionate about their candidate and they seem to argue with an ugly heart about it. I just keep my mouth shut because I won’t be changing anyones’ minds. I hope that not just as a community but as a nation we’ll be able to put the ugliness behind us. 2 weeks, baby!
For what it’s worth, there has been a lot of talk around our church lately that there is a price to pay-and it seems to be evident all over lately. The price is great but the reward is greater.
Truthfully, I don’t think the division is as bad (or at least not worse) than what I felt after 2000 but especially 2004. I remember the next day after the election in 2004, waking up and feeling so depressed and defeated and wondering how I would look at anyone who voted for the other party in the eye again.
The answer is? I just did. It gets better, I promise. When the election is over, people come together again. I have been very glad this time around that I haven’t witnessed the personal venom that I saw the last election.
I think, when it comes down to it, that you’ll see the division that you yourself feel. If you can put it behind you, others will too.
Now everyone is talking about the American economy and eclections, nice to read something different. Eugene
I think things in CA have gotten particularly ugly this year. I’ve definitely felt it in San Francisco. I don’t necessarily think keeping my head down and my mouth shut is the best way to go, but it’s how I’ve chosen to cope with the next few weeks. I’m hoping that after the election the vitriol will lessen. Hang in there knowing that you’ve made the right decisions for yourself.
I completely understand. It makes me sad that I’m not able to talk about some of the issues with friends and bloggers because it’s so heated and emotional on both sides. Shouldn’t we be more unified in our Christian love, as Americans, as humans, than divided over political views?
I hear ya; and I agree with Heather’s comment.
This year I’m more engaged and educated than I’ve ever been. And while I’ll discuss my thoughts with those close to me, who love and understand my perspective, I’ve learned not to share them with just anyone. I did ONCE and it was amazing how DISGUSTED the person in conversation became towards me b/c I didn’t share her view. I’ve never been on the receiving end of something like that.
In the blogosphere I’ve realized I’ve kept my thoughts close; they’re a departure from how I’ve traditionally voted but it’s based on research and much thought and prayer.
And…letting go of the party line.
Hello there, found you on nablopomo.
I’m a liberal living in Southern Oregon (which used to be the State of Jefferson..the only place in the west that were with the Confederates during civil war) so I am HUGELY outnumbered. It is really hard to swallow all of the One Man, One Woman stickers, and all of the “Go Joe The Plumber” signs when I disagree so whole heartedly. What I do to keep myself from getting too angry or too judgmental, is to think about everyone from a different perspective. I think about what we have in common; wanting to live a good live, wanting to have love and family, trying to navigate in a crazy world. Those things we ALL have in common, no matter what we believe in politically or theologically. I think that as time goes on you can mend the awkwardness with your friend, only because we aren’t the political party we back. Every person can find common ground with another. I am VERY liberal in a lot of ways, but I also want to be a stay at home mom and get frustrated that I basically can’t do so in this economy (I don’t think that every woman should stay home, I just want the option). I’m very anti-religion in goverment funded institutions, but I think efforts should be made to make private schools more affordable because it shouldn’t be just for the rich who may want to send their kids to a religious school. There are less people out there who are completely Republican or Democrat, even if they have the bumper stickers or favorite pundit shows on their DVR..when it comes down to it we just want to have a good life.