It feels like years since this current presidential election process began. I don't know about you, but I am so very, very happy Election Day has finally arrived. I feel that our country has been divided way to long across party lines and with the constant mud slinging, slanderous name-calling and general condescension toward the intellect of the American people I feel this day could not have come any sooner. This democratic process has damaged relationships, divided friends and acquaintances and there seems to be a genuine distrust among people as a result of their political alliances that never existed before.
In my own family, there are many people of different political points of view, which in the past these opinions have been shared with each other with great passion, conviction but most importantly acceptance. Even after a spirited debate we were always able to leave the table having said our piece, but still come together as a family that respected and loved one another for their differences. I always thought it was a great lesson for my children. It teaches them that it is ok to have your own opinions and if you share them wisely and respectfully people will respond. Unfortunately, the more this election turned into a bloody boxing match, these good-natured and thought-provoking political conversations seemed to grow more and more contentious and personal that it finally got to the point we collectively decided we could no longer discuss politics at family gatherings. What a shame it was for us! Having come from my own family where we were not permitted to disagree, I always cherished the lively debate that would often ensue at these gatherings. These conversations would sometimes start at dinner or sometimes it would wait until dessert, but once they got going you knew you were in for a fun roller-coaster of a ride. If these conversations turned personal and accusatory among people who know and deeply love one another what can that mean for the general public?
So with Election Day finally here let us all demonstrate the importance of being part of the process for our children and also let us show them that while we might disagree with others on the nuisances of politics we collectively want what is best for our country. If not only for the benefit of our children let us all agree that regardless of whether our party wins or loses today we WILL come together and heal the wounds of the past in order to create the change we need to get this great country of ours back up on its feet again.
Let’s remember something very important – at the end of the day, it is all about the children and working together to make sure they have a safe, clean, stable and supportive world to hopefully raise their own children in some day.
Now, go out and VOTE and then do something fun with your kids today!
In my own family, there are many people of different political points of view, which in the past these opinions have been shared with each other with great passion, conviction but most importantly acceptance. Even after a spirited debate we were always able to leave the table having said our piece, but still come together as a family that respected and loved one another for their differences. I always thought it was a great lesson for my children. It teaches them that it is ok to have your own opinions and if you share them wisely and respectfully people will respond. Unfortunately, the more this election turned into a bloody boxing match, these good-natured and thought-provoking political conversations seemed to grow more and more contentious and personal that it finally got to the point we collectively decided we could no longer discuss politics at family gatherings. What a shame it was for us! Having come from my own family where we were not permitted to disagree, I always cherished the lively debate that would often ensue at these gatherings. These conversations would sometimes start at dinner or sometimes it would wait until dessert, but once they got going you knew you were in for a fun roller-coaster of a ride. If these conversations turned personal and accusatory among people who know and deeply love one another what can that mean for the general public?
So with Election Day finally here let us all demonstrate the importance of being part of the process for our children and also let us show them that while we might disagree with others on the nuisances of politics we collectively want what is best for our country. If not only for the benefit of our children let us all agree that regardless of whether our party wins or loses today we WILL come together and heal the wounds of the past in order to create the change we need to get this great country of ours back up on its feet again.
Let’s remember something very important – at the end of the day, it is all about the children and working together to make sure they have a safe, clean, stable and supportive world to hopefully raise their own children in some day.
Now, go out and VOTE and then do something fun with your kids today!