Opinions and Perceptions

It never ceases to amaze me how different perceptions of a situation really exist. This year was extremely uncomfortable for many Americans faced with the difficult decision of who would be our next President. Personally I was displeased by both of the choices as were many of the individuals from the various walks of life and backgrounds that I had conversed with. We all shared the same concerns that ranged from National Security, the war in Iraq, financial security or the lack of financial where-with-all, high cost of living, lack of affordable quality health care, crime, et cetera. At the end of the day regardless of whether we were Democrats, Republicans, Independents or claimed no "party" allegiance, we looked forward to waking up the next day with the same concerns staring us in our faces as we sipped our coffee, tea or juice.

I remember the pride I felt the first time I became old enough to vote in any election. The elation combined with pride is hard to put into words as I carefully studied my ballot and received my first official voting stub and sticker. I placed my sticker on my sweater as a proud badge of honor that showed I cared about my country. For years to come voting would be a fairly easy yet important part of my life. It has only been over the last few years that the elections seemed to take on an ominous and frustrating tone. Now the choices are harder and more crucial, now the choices are more yet less. Now the party lines seem to blur. What and who is a Democrat? What and who is a Republican?

I was taught while growing up that Republicans were wealthy individuals that only cared about getting richer and could care less about poor/middle class working stiffs. Democrats were for the people, the regular everyday "joe" like you and I. Lately I've found myself wondering about that childhood analogy that I had been taught. Through-out our history there have been individuals that have been elected or appointed into crucial key offices that run our Country. I can't for the life of me find any "poor" or "middle class" officials in the upper echelon of our system. Are there any Senators or have there been any Presidents that worry about healthcare or what their children will be eating on any given day? Are there any Congress officials worried about their "hoopty" getting them to their offices? I may be wrong but I think not. Why do you have to be well off or wealthy to hold any political office of significance?

Maybe it's sour grapes on my part but as the media and history can attest wealth/money is no guarantee of integrity, morality or honesty. I've often heard that it is not good to mix politics and religion then why do we mix politics and entertainment? How can people that we give our hard earned dollars to entertain us through television, music, and sports possibly be in touch with the average citizen's needs? If all of these wealthy individuals and businesses cared so much about the plight of the average person why not donate a percentage of their millions and billions (heck, a smidgen of there interest) to a program to build affordable homes for families, quality food programs so no one is hungry, equal healthcare for every American and make quality education possible for all.

But alas, that would be too much like right and might make us all equal. What fun would it be to be wealthy if everyone really had a fair advantage at living a comfortable lifestyle. I'm sure that there are many opinions and perceptions to the questions I ponder. There are more questions than answers I suppose, regardless of what the answers may be. So I'll just follow my beloved father's advice...be true to yourself...be true. Yes, my father who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars, who retired from the United States Army after 25 years of loyal and proud service to his country, my country, our country. He rests now in a National Cemetery along side hundreds of his proud comrades who gave years of service and many gave their lives...so we could be true to ourselves.

God Bless America my home, sweet, home...