I don’t comment on politics simply because I tend to become irritated by the lack of civility shown during any given election year. This particular election has been no exception. It has been a major turn-off for me to see both sides apply every available media outlet source to blurt bold lies about their opponent. In my role as independent voter, (President Washington once warned our young nation about the dangers of political parties) I have been subjected to some of the most bias commentary I have ever experienced.
And it’s not just newspapers, television and the online comments. It’s been my friends and family. I’ve been left stunned repeatedly by things people I know and love have said. These comments are often followed-up with some form of direct inquiry. People seem to be looking for a reaction. But because I have heard so many negative things from both sides of the coin, I am usually left with nothing to say. At which point I defer to my one simple election season rule: I never know until after the debates.
I've been reading a book by David Halberstam called "The Powers That Be" that tracks the history of 20th century media in the United States. It was serendipitous that the week of the first debates was about the time I reached 1960 in the book and how that was the first presidential election where television completely revolutionized politics in America (pres candidates reached the people through print and radio before 1960). Everyone knows about the famous Kennedy and Nixon debate, but it was certainly interesting to read about it in behind-the-scenes detail just in the last couple weeks.
Another thought... Maybe because our country is in crisis or maybe because this is such a landmark election, but I'm seeing people cross party lines for the first time ever. I can think of three people I know extremely well who have staunchly been one party as long as I've known them who are not only voting with the other party, but are doing so with tremendous enthusiasm. It's so bizarre. It's like the sun rising in the West and setting in the East.
Like you, Flix, it always amazes me that friends and family will make grandiose inflammatory statements during election season, as if getting a rise out of another person is some sort of unhappy sport.
One family member is famous for this line, "I don't want to talk politics, but..." and then proceed to shred the candidate she knows you are supporting. When you try to rebut, she'll say, "I said I didn't want to talk politics!" Very aggrevating.
4 comments:
I don’t comment on politics simply because I tend to become irritated by the lack of civility shown during any given election year. This particular election has been no exception. It has been a major turn-off for me to see both sides apply every available media outlet source to blurt bold lies about their opponent. In my role as independent voter, (President Washington once warned our young nation about the dangers of political parties) I have been subjected to some of the most bias commentary I have ever experienced.
And it’s not just newspapers, television and the online comments. It’s been my friends and family. I’ve been left stunned repeatedly by things people I know and love have said. These comments are often followed-up with some form of direct inquiry. People seem to be looking for a reaction. But because I have heard so many negative things from both sides of the coin, I am usually left with nothing to say. At which point I defer to my one simple election season rule: I never know until after the debates.
I'm voting for Perot.
LOL Mish!! I'll vote for Perot, too!!
I've been reading a book by David Halberstam called "The Powers That Be" that tracks the history of 20th century media in the United States. It was serendipitous that the week of the first debates was about the time I reached 1960 in the book and how that was the first presidential election where television completely revolutionized politics in America (pres candidates reached the people through print and radio before 1960). Everyone knows about the famous Kennedy and Nixon debate, but it was certainly interesting to read about it in behind-the-scenes detail just in the last couple weeks.
Another thought...
Maybe because our country is in crisis or maybe because this is such a landmark election, but I'm seeing people cross party lines for the first time ever. I can think of three people I know extremely well who have staunchly been one party as long as I've known them who are not only voting with the other party, but are doing so with tremendous enthusiasm. It's so bizarre. It's like the sun rising in the West and setting in the East.
Like you, Flix, it always amazes me that friends and family will make grandiose inflammatory statements during election season, as if getting a rise out of another person is some sort of unhappy sport.
One family member is famous for this line, "I don't want to talk politics, but..." and then proceed to shred the candidate she knows you are supporting. When you try to rebut, she'll say, "I said I didn't want to talk politics!" Very aggrevating.
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