MUSINGS
By Regena Handy
I’ve made my decision. Finally know who I’m voting for in the election. Oh, boy, you’re thinking, regardless of her preference, she is about to agitate a bunch of people.
My candidate of choice is Tom Hanks. Who, you might wonder? You know, Tom Hanks—Forrest Gump. Mercy, looks like she has finally lost it, you say. But here’s the deal; he is the only one whose ideas I can truly support.
Okay, I’m joking. Obviously I won’t really be voting for Mr. Hanks. But here is my reasoning.
Many of you are no doubt familiar with a little supplement which appears in several area Sunday newspapers. Some weeks ago, an article was included with quotes from various people (celebrities and not) as to what they would do if elected President. I loved Tom Hanks’ answer of giving priority to a great rail passenger service that would provide fast and easy access to all parts of the country.
But seriously, unless you’ve been pulling a Rip Van Winkle or hiding in a cave these past couple of years, you well know about the upcoming Presidential election. We’ve all lived through the tortuous narrowing of party candidates, through the national conventions, and the many months of querulous debates, spiteful revelations and backbiting, offensive insults and accusations, and probably in some cases, plain falsehoods. (I was taught not to call anyone a liar so let’s go with the gentler, grade school term and say fibbers.) Now, finally, we are just days away from choosing a new leader for our country.
I concur with the sentiment expressed by many people as I am not enthusiastic about our choices and, to put it mildly, find them less than ideal. Can’t help but agree with what I’ve seen on Facebook and heard spoken several times: “Really? Out of millions of people, these are our choices?” Already I can imagine reluctantly dragging my feet to the polls.
Perhaps it is only a family myth, the story of my maternal grandfather and an election day. Regardless, I’m envious of the fervent gusto demonstrated in his supposed action. The tale is told that as a young man, Grandpa was at the polls when someone insulted his candidate of choice. Supposedly, he calmly rolled up his sleeves and prepared to defend the honor of his decision. Wish I felt that way about any of our candidates.
But, despite misgivings that many of us share, it is crucial that we exercise our privilege to vote. Even though we may sometimes forget, we are still blessed beyond measure to have the opportunity to do so. Not voting is simply not an option. We should enter into this duty prayerfully and respectfully, for as in every presidential election, our country’s future is dependent upon our actions.
Oh, by the way, speaking of Forrest Gump, I still think he showed a lot of wisdom, more so, in fact, than a good deal of what I’ve heard from numerous sources this year. Just my opinion, folks.
