Counting down

Hi y’all.   I’m counting down to Election Day.   It’s almost here.

I have to say I’m nervous about it.    Why?

•  Regardless of the state and national outcomes Tuesday night I worry that people who are disappointed will lash out.   It’s the way things are now.   Emotions are high and as we have recently seen, there is a small element that get out of hand.  So, I am a bit nervous that there might be violence.
• I think the voting numbers will be up and that is good.  There has been a lot of talk about voting this time.   So, I hope people actually take the time to go out and vote on Tuesday.  Wait in line if you must.
• I am sure of who I plan to vote for in this election.   I will vote for candidates who put people before money.  I  will vote for candidates that want to make stronger, better gun ownership laws to keep us safe.  Those who are not afraid to go against the NRA.   I will vote for those who realize how important protecting our environment is.  Around here that includes our ocean and beaches. No oil drilling off our shores.   I will vote for those who feel there is a better way to welcome those seeking asylum in the United States.   We need leaders with compassion and ones that will work to get them the proper paperwork done swiftly.    I will vote for women, and for men who realize women are equal but also know that work is still needed to attain equal status in the workplace and in our government.     I will vote for minorities.   They need better representation. I will vote for those who have not given up on finding a medical care system for all.  I will vote for better education for our children.     I will vote for those who speak kindly.  I will vote for the ones that I hope will put people before politics.
• My list above requires money.   Doesn’t everything?  I will NOT vote for those who talk only about lowering taxes.  I know better.   Less money equals less help for the needy.
• Yesterday I took the time to watch both CNN and FOX.   Yes, I put on Hannity.   I wanted to see and hear for myself what is being said to those who favor one network over the other.  All I can say is WOW!  Forceful talk, and such meanness.  I was amazed how Hannity spent the 20 minutes that I watched to call out CNN. He put down other reporters and called them all liars.  He made the reporters the news.   I quickly saw how those who only watch that guy and that network would give a person a false reality.   It scared me.
• Tuesday night I may be pretty disappointed.  I’m already trying to face the realization.  After the last presidential election my faith in people took a big hit.   I went into a depression.   It might just happen again.

So, I’m counting down and hoping for a safe, fair Election Day.  I’m praying that voting machines work properly, and that our free system works the way it was set up to be.  I pray that people stay calm.   Winners don’t gloat and losers don’t lie.

And, yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed that there will be changes.  Changes in voters minds… changes in how we speak about each other…   changes in how we perceive each other.

As I finish up this post I think to myself I might be aiming pretty high – and might be pretty disappointed.   So, just in case, the day after please give me some space.  I think I might need it.     In fact, give me a week.