Kalo Mina. May you have a good month. That’s what Greeks say to each other at the
beginning of a new month.
This November 1st in the US, I dare not think what Americans
are saying to one another, for we’re three days away from Tuesday, November 4,
2014, Election Day. On that day a host of local, state, and national elected
offices are up for grabs (word used advisedly).
At the national level it’s all 435 seats in the House of Representatives
(representing 300+ million citizens, compared to Greece’s 300 Members of
Parliament for 11 million citizens) plus approximately one-third of the
100-member Senate. This is called the
mid-term elections, because it’s in the middle of President Obama’s final
four-year term as POTUS.
What I wonder is, are elections actually upon us or are we
sleepwalking through some existential detached stupor? I’m certain that for
those running for office it’s definitely real, and undoubtedly anxiety
inducing. There’s a lot at stake for the candidates. For example, getting elected to Congress
likely sets one for life, assuming the candidate’s not already rich when he or
she decides to run. There’s a 5P
universal truth at work here: Political Power Portends Profitable Perks.
I’ve spent the last ten days in Arizona and Texas where
there’s a ubiquitous white noise drumming away in the background, a cacophony
of voices engaged in name calling and verbal finger pointing…much like an unsupervised
kindergarten. For the life of me,
though, I couldn’t tell you who’s the Republican and who’s the Democrat—no one
seems to want to own up to being a member of either party—and if you ask me who
to believe…fuggedaboudit. I’m sure it’s the same in the other 48 states.
Nothing is above politicizing. In Houston, the tragic death of a sheriff’s
deputy in a head on collision with a just released meth addict drew barbs from
a district attorney candidate at the current DA suggesting that the deputy died
because the DA failed to put the addict away for a longer period of time. And
Ebola draws hysterical reactions from all sides, as candidates demonstrate
their decided lack of character by exploiting fear without regard to medical
evidence or compassion. All that matters is whether it might help get them
elected.
I frankly tune it all out, recognizing as I do, that
undoubtedly I’m doing precisely what one or another candidate’s media
consultant wants me to do: Turn from a voter who should care into one who no
longer cares.
The candidates all come across as the same. From top to bottom. No matter who wins the government will likely
do nothing for the next two years. Gridlock will continue, the Affordable Care
Act/Obamacare will be attacked without regard to how much good it’s actually doing
for so many, rhetoric will rage against ISIS and the horrid, rapidly
deteriorating world situation while inaction reigns, and all issues facing our
country will be subservient to whatever is thought expedient toward gaining or
retaining control of The White House—except in so far as the prime directive of
our political system is threatened: Above all else, do whatever it takes to make
sure you’re elected again…and again…and again.
We are an electorate that doesn’t care or has given up hope,
allowing those with vested interests at stake to prosper. But there is a dark side to a demoralized
people, one shared with Greece: The death
of hope creates fertile ground for demagoguery, and it’s taking root in both
lands.
The question is, what are those who should care willing to
do about it before it’s too late?
Such as vote on
Tuesday for whomever you think best for the future of our country.
Jeff—Saturday
