Here we are just days away from probably one the most high profile and most watched elections in my lifetime. Don't worry, I will not try to influence your vote in any way, shape or form. I am still very on the fence with my personal choices. Besides my political saavy is virtually non existant. But I have found myself wishing over the last 6 months that this election would be over already. With all the two party garbage, mudslinging, both democratic and republican effigies, death threats, failed assasination attempts etc. That horrid list continues to grow by the day. Fear tactics, all kinds of crazy diabolical things I've heard and read.
But I honestly have to admit that over the last week, I have read some amazing points regarding both presidential candidates, well written without any mudslinging to the opposing candidates, just well thought out and intelligent diatribes. Frankly I was impressed with those postings and to the ladies who wrote them, good job.
Just the other morning I was listening to an interview with Henry Rollins, and a lot of what he said made so much sense to me. Not about who to vote for, but why to vote the way I will. For those of you who do not know who Henry Rollins is, here's a quick bio for him. He was the enigmatic front man for an underground cult status punk band in the 80's called Black Flag. So now your asking........ "What does some former little punk rocker have to say that would sway the way anybody would choose to vote??" Those of you who are fans and know of Henry Rollins, are smiling and know exactly why I would even bother listening to him.
I have to admit that in his punk days, he would probably be somebody that I might steer clear from, but only if I did not understand what his message was all about. A colorful character indeed is Mr. Rollins. After Black Flag, he fronted the Rollins band, gained acting experience, has both a television and radio program, does stand up comedy, has written and published books of poetry and the list goes on. Most importantly he is a spoken word artist.
Listening to this outspoken, intelligent and engaging man with the hypnotically deep stare, has always been a treat for me. He made this comment in the interview, which I thought was quite profound, "polititions spend so much time trying to get every one to like them, I dont' think they can really move things around". His position is clear which side he will vote for. Not that I agree with his choices, but his reasons are clear.
He went on to say that it doesn't matter who wins, after the election we may not have the candidate of our choice in office but as Americans, we'll pick up the pieces and move on. The solution is not the polititions who are in office, but the "concerned people with a conscience is who will save America." This is something I as well have strongly believed since the fiasco surrounding the 2000 election.
A great example of this was the victims of hurricane Katrina, Fema pretty much failed in that sector and I didn't see a lot of goverment helping to put that great city back together again. So who is rebuilding New Orleans??? the American people, that's who. The college kids on Spring and Christmas break who show up with cans of paint and drywall. It's the Americans volunteering their time, because we can't wait around for the polititions to make the changes, Americans ARE the solution.
I admit that I am not crazy about either presidential candidate and I have said many times, that I doubt it will really matter who gets the top spot in the white house. Who ever it is has a very tough road ahead of them. I however, plan to vote defensively against the person or party I do not want in office.
It is the people of this great country who have made it what it is today, and we will move forward because united we stand, divided we fall. No matter who wins the fact remains, I am and will always be damn proud to be an American and as a proud American I choose to be part of the solution. Remember the whole world is watching, now get out there and VOTE!!!