Election Day 2016

My first election was in 1972.  Dad and I went to vote at the Parkett Restaurant in Mt. Vernon.  I felt so proud as I cast my first ballot.  I was an American citizen, exercising my right, my duty to vote.  My dad was a veteran of World War II, served on the USS Eldridge, a destroyer escort.  He is the most patriotic man I have ever known. 

Even though the Hendersons and the Ritchies (Mom's family) were, for the most part, registered Republicans (Uncle Dean was a registered Democrat), Dad always stressed splitting the ticket.  He would examine the issues, educate himself of the stance of the candidates, and vote for the person who he thought could represent his views the best.  He voted in each and every election, primaries in May and general elections in November.  He was proud that he never missed using his right to vote. 

In some ways I wish Dad were still alive so that we could discuss the candidates this year.  But in some ways I am glad that he is not here to see the mess that this election has become.   

While I know that social media is not a true indication of how votes may go or the general public opinion (since it is based on our own circle of 'friends'), there seems to be an overwhelming consensus that this election has been a poor representation of our country and its values.  Negativity.  Mud-slinging.  Accusations.  Emails.  Tax returns.  Tapes from 11 years ago.  Secrecy.  Foundations with money from other countries.  Insults.  And it isn't just at the national level.  The same negativity has permeated many of the state races, the senate and house seats, and even has seeped into some local contests.

The overwhelming feeling, however, is that no matter who is elected as our next President, the citizens of the United States must work together for peace among us.  We must show love for our neighbors, kindness for others, and moderation in our arguments.  Most of all we must not allow our differences in opinion concerning the political race seep into our personal lives, our relationships within our families, and our friendships. 

Tonight while some are closely watching the news or the channels covering the election returns, Gary and I are watching reruns of Andy Griffith.  Since this is our first night home in several after staying with his mom during her illness, we are ready for mindless television, something to watch where the biggest conflict is trying to keep Earnest T. Bass from marrying Charlene Darling.   I noticed several facebook posts where friends have declared a movie night, or going to dinner, or playing board games with the family rather than watching television tonight.  Family.  Friends.  Anything away for the angry politics and more speculation on fraud and exit polls and projections of red states and blue states.

Whatever happens, whoever is elected, we must remember that our freedoms are important, precious, and sacred. Our forefathers fought and sacrificed so that we can enjoy the right to vote.  We did today.  We will again in four years.   Hopefully the next election will be calmer and not as nasty as this one has been.