Vote

I am admittedly a political junky. I worked in politics for a number of years and always planned to run for public office. I watch CNN and go online to research candidates and to listen to them in their own words. Sound bites cheat the democratic process. Having worked on local, state, and presidential campaigns, I enjoy observing the drama and intricate movement of the political machine.

We are currently in the midst of a presidential race that is extremely competitive and will likely remain so through the general election. The candidates will parse each other’s statements and exchange sharp words. The campaign workers will cross the line, they just get too caught up in it all and lose perspective. The media will work to take any event, large or small and blow it way out of proportion – especially if it is controversial. All kinds of special interest groups on the fringes of their party will spew hatred from the shadows.

For all that, we will have a change in government and no one will die. No one’s home will be burnt to the ground. The army won’t be mobilized. Armed factions won’t square off. In many places around the world a change in government is accompanied by desperate times and horrible violence. The quest for power and control often flings nations into chaos. In countries around the world, they are bleeding for the right to be counted. This has been true throughout human history and continues to be true today.

Every 4 years, our people have the chance to peacefully overthrow the government and start anew. Absolutely remarkable.