With the most frequent conversation this week posed somewhere along the lines of either (a) the relationship between patriotism and protest, (b) the right of free speech vs. disrespect of law enforcement and the military, and (c) the consistency within the combination of our public and private behavior, did you notice what we did not talk about?
There was no conversation centering on Clinton or Trump.
(Ah… it’s telling how refreshing that is…)
As no subject is intentionally avoided on our blog, allow me to share with you a bottom line observation: while there exist pockets of people here and there who are very excited about one of the above candidates (and a fewer number excited about Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson), the overall enthusiasm is significantly lesser for the entire 2016 presidential field. Gallup has been consistently reporting significant lows for all in response to agreement with the statement that “there is a candidate running who would make a good president.”
Personally, I have peace regardless. Why? Because we are electing a “president” — not attempting to discern who is God nor crowning some kind of king or queen. That gives me peace.
Recently, no less, while on my recent respite, one guest writer shared a delayed entry with me. While the expressions of another may or may not be held by the Intramuralist, I appreciate his genuine offering of hope. Hope, my friends, is part of what we all crave. He suggested the following commentary regarding our choice this coming November:
“I’m watching this election season with both despair and at the same time some amount of hope. The despair is obvious because both of the candidates at the top of the tickets are so tainted that we will need to take a collective bath as a nation after it the dust settles. The first candidate is obviously qualified by virtue of being in the inner sanctum for so long with different roles (First lady, Senator, Secretary of State). To deny those credentials would not be part of an honest dialog. Yet it is because of the being in the inner sanctum that I’m afraid she has learned how to use the system to benefit herself and other family members. Not to mention the obvious benefits for her friends and colleagues who defend her regardless of the action or even possible crimes committed – yes, I said ‘possible crimes.’ But the media will find a way to excuse it, because it is ‘only money’ just like it was seemingly ‘only about sex’ in the 90’s.
The other candidate has had by most objective assessment great success in the business world and obviously can and seemingly will fight anyone (he took out 16 mostly capable opponents in the primary). It is the latter part of that aspect of him that scares most of his critics. Or are they really afraid that might make him win the general election, as well? I personally like a fighter, but I always want the fight to be with dignity and a good grasp of the subject knowledge. I grew up in New York City, so I understand the swagger one has to have in order to survive the tough streets of South Jamaica (where I grew up) or the corporate offices of Wall Street (where I have worked). I get it, I get it. But when you are on the national stage, you better realize that mom and pop in Cheyenne, WY or Duluth, MN may not quite understand that swagger. You are speaking to a national audience that doesn’t always ‘get it.’ I grew up with guys who all thought they were wise guys (regardless of ethnicity). All those guys today have mellowed. I’m hoping what I have seen in the last week that this guy, too, can mellow so people can hear the message he has.
So where is the hope you ask? Well, I do believe that we are truly one nation under God, and we will survive this as we have every other election cycle. As Paul said to the Corinthians in II Corinthians (not ‘Two Corinthians’ – sorry I couldn’t resist), ‘We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. Always be hopeful.’”
Always be hopeful. That’s something we each can wrap our minds around.
So where does your hope come from? From a president, king, or queen?
Let’s hope not.
Respectfully…
AR