Our Two Party System

Many Americans woke up today (or stayed up late enough last night) to disillusionment and near despair.  Just as many woke up to an unexpected excitement and renewed confidence in our country and its leadership.  I stayed up, and got up today with neither of those feelings.  I was more of an observer.  My personal choice and my vote is irrelevant to this post. 

This post is about our two major party system that has worked for many years to keep America between the ditches of one extreme or another.  In my judgment, that is still happening.  All you have to do is look back at the past administrations and see that the American people will not allow any one party to dominate for too long.  It is much like the financial markets.  If the stock market goes up too fast, for too long, there are bound to be some “corrections” on the horizon.  President Obama said it well this morning in his speech concerning the election results and transitions that are ahead.  We do not move in a straight line (no pun intended)…..we zigzag….back and forth as we slowly move forward.  My expectation is that we will continue to do that for the foreseeable future (likely, for my lifetime, at least).  Some stretches we will like, because they are us.  Others we will not, because they will reflect positions and practices that we do not embrace.  That is the way it is, folks. 

My challenge is to love my neighbor, no matter which political and social persuasion they happen to adhere to or embrace.  Love is an action word, not a mere feeling.  I will treat those around me with respect and dignity simply because they are fellow human beings, and fellow Americans.  I will do my best to not slander, dehumanize, exaggerate their faults or speak hateful words to them or about them.  I will step in to lend a hand when there is a need regardless of their political position.  It’s much like what we tend to do in crisis.  After the Joplin, MO tornado, no one was asking, “are you a democrat or a republican?” People just came to lend a hand, to help, to show love…period. 

People can and will be obnoxious, hateful, disrespectful, dishonest and rude.  We all know that.  We have a choice.  I do not like what those kinds of emotions stir up inside me.  Not many people aspire to become a more angry and bitter individual, but the choices they make often lead to that outcome. My goal is to live better than that, whether or not my choice for an elected official is in office.  I have voted for candidates in both major parties over the years.  Sometimes I have been sorry I supported a particular person.  Other times, I was pleased with my choice.  I have NEVER been disappointed in myself for treating my fellow Americans, ALL OF THEM, with respect, dignity and love. 

I have traveled in parts of the world where the issues we face in America today are not even a blip on their radar screens.  Their problems are much more severe and they have little to no influence to bring changes.  I love America.  I am always happy to come back home no matter who is occupying the White House.  Chances are, it will change in a few years.  That is one of the strengths of our two party system.  Grace and peace to you all.

Gatekeeper