Dear Diary,
Only because no one else will read my diary can I be so blunt and say what I really think; not sure my peers would get it so I don’t even try to talk to them about it. The 2016 presidential campaign comes across as a circus gone mad with clowns dancing about, to out-do, undo and over-do each other and the process.
Where is the boring, dignified system of candidates introducing themselves and debating their ideals, plans and visions the United States needs for the next four years that I learned about in social studies class? I do take the time to listen and all that I hear is a firing squad of he-said/she-said dialogue filled with more personal TMI (too much info) that doesn’t seem to add to their causes. Where are the honest plans for improving this country and the facts that back up the candidates supposed intelligent thought-out methods for success? I want to hear their voices so I can be educated on the issues and make good decisions.
Why are they not embracing the needs of the citizens they profess to care about and put aside the BS they continue to regurgitate while assuming those of us listening believe them or their stupid and unrealistic ideas? I wish I had a dollar for every time I have yelled at the TV or rolled my eyes in disbelief over a comment or accusation spewed from the mouths of 99% of the candidates! Is this really American politics? Is this what our Founding Fathers had in mind? I can only envision the faces on Mt. Rushmore if they heard some of the garbage we, the American people, have to tolerate! And who are they trying to fool or convince with visions of unrealistic and least of all un-researchable ideas and goals? Hey, numbers talk!
Is this all you Baby Boomer generation have to offer? Let’s face it, the few younger candidates have barely paid off their student loans, while other want-a-beeeeees have never held a political office or engaged in business. And those who have been employed in politics often think that what they did in their state will be a one-size-fits-all solution for the entire nation!
And let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: How can one candidate use a strategy that plays to the angry, dissatisfied and under privileged instilling fear while actually attacking different factions of our population? And who argues with the Pope??? Why is he getting away with such crap? Ohhhhh, because we live in a free society with protection from the Constitution to speak at will BUT are we ignoring being a mensch, having empathy and decency to our neighbor? Throw the baby out with the bath water—great example for the young people of America.
When do we embrace our similarities and accept our differences? Building a wall divides; not negotiating with our enemies creates more hostility; calling people names says more about YOU than the person you are attacking. Bullies may appear powerful but in the end shooting someone on 5th Ave. will only get you jailed!
I would hate to think that much of America is naïve and uninformed but as numbers rise in polls and primaries continue, there must be a shock of reality where experience in the political arena, knowledge of the powerful world players and goals that are attainable MUST prevail over pipe dreams and non-sensible fairy tales.
Please, America! Pay attention to the words and actions of experience, not someone who you think would be fun to have a beer with but someone who can sit at a negotiating table with Putin, China and North Korea and keep their cool, think with logic and clear headedness and put their country first and not their ego!
Come on, you so-called role-models, give me and my peers a country to have pride in. I’m just not talking about those running for office but also those who can vote. You have a responsibility to us to elect officials that can lead with honest and realistic goals.
Oh, how I wish I could vote in this election. Being a teenager and watching this crazy example adults are setting makes me scared for my future. My Bubbe keeps telling me to pay more attention in history class because we have to learn from the past so we don’t repeat it. This, NOW, is my life, my future.
Right now my Baby Boomer Bubbe would say, “Oy, vey!”
As a Baby Boomer Bubbe who still feels 18 but has four grand kids to prove this is the 21 Century, Sandra writes to leave a legacy for the next generations. Her belief that these precious kids need to know their cultural and family’s past in order for them to live their future is all the muse she needs!
She has a Master’s Degree in Psychology and Cross Cultural studies, has written a family history, personal memoir and is completing her first novel.
Her grandmother’s journey to America and life is her source for her deep belief and love for Judaism.
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