In my previous post I said that I would try to be more optimistic about the election and I will try; really. The primary reason for some optimism is that we seem to be experiencing a reasonable transfer of power, which is at the core of the democratic process. The choice of the personnel being selected is not mine to make so I have to rely on the President-Elect to choose qualified advisers to guide the country during the next four years.
Having said that, I would be misleading readers if I failed to say that I have concerns about the coming presidential term. We have an incredible array of both domestic and international problems and they will demand diplomacy and clear and direct leadership. And this is where my concerns become troubling.
We have become tone deaf during a very long and tedious run-up to the election. All candidates say and do whatever they can to garner votes and support and this time has been a bit different with some real animosity on all sides. There is a general perception that there was an intentional effort to separate and divide the voting public which has not happened in our history.
But, the real question is how much of the campaign rhetoric was simply vote-getting and how much was a true indicator of what will be reflected in our upcoming government. So far, I am not encouraged by the long list of promises made during the election that can only be implemented by congress.
It is true that politicians are seldom able to carry out their desire to change Washington and "drain the swamp". Whether it is on the road to the White House or in the State of the Union address, there are checks and balances to block unrealistic expectations. Not to mention lobbyists, corruption, power seekers, and a congress that is more interested in themselves than in the welfare of the country.
But words count and whether it is from the President- Elect or the President, there is an effect around the world and around the country. Politicians learn quickly that they have to filter their comments and think about what they say and how they say it. But it is ludicrous to perpetuate the idea that what a candidate or President-Elect says shouldn't be considered literally or seriously accurate. And the media should not be held liable for recording actual statements that any candidate uses as a tool to get elected.
And now, some closing thoughts: First, this page will not become a political football but simply, as always, will remain observations about our world and society. Secondly, I will not pay attention to the pundits or surrogates as they spout words without substance. And third, as in past elections you can color me concerned and I will be doing my own thinking and research...
Having said that, I would be misleading readers if I failed to say that I have concerns about the coming presidential term. We have an incredible array of both domestic and international problems and they will demand diplomacy and clear and direct leadership. And this is where my concerns become troubling.
We have become tone deaf during a very long and tedious run-up to the election. All candidates say and do whatever they can to garner votes and support and this time has been a bit different with some real animosity on all sides. There is a general perception that there was an intentional effort to separate and divide the voting public which has not happened in our history.
But, the real question is how much of the campaign rhetoric was simply vote-getting and how much was a true indicator of what will be reflected in our upcoming government. So far, I am not encouraged by the long list of promises made during the election that can only be implemented by congress.
It is true that politicians are seldom able to carry out their desire to change Washington and "drain the swamp". Whether it is on the road to the White House or in the State of the Union address, there are checks and balances to block unrealistic expectations. Not to mention lobbyists, corruption, power seekers, and a congress that is more interested in themselves than in the welfare of the country.
But words count and whether it is from the President- Elect or the President, there is an effect around the world and around the country. Politicians learn quickly that they have to filter their comments and think about what they say and how they say it. But it is ludicrous to perpetuate the idea that what a candidate or President-Elect says shouldn't be considered literally or seriously accurate. And the media should not be held liable for recording actual statements that any candidate uses as a tool to get elected.
And now, some closing thoughts: First, this page will not become a political football but simply, as always, will remain observations about our world and society. Secondly, I will not pay attention to the pundits or surrogates as they spout words without substance. And third, as in past elections you can color me concerned and I will be doing my own thinking and research...
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