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Election Night Musings
Nov. 3rd, 2004 12:20 amEither way it goes, I've discovered that I'm very interested and very excited.
But not because I care passionately and deeply about the success of one candidate or another. I feel very observational right now, very detached. Part of this could very much be my return from Over There, but I'm not sure.
I've come to realize over the past several months, perhaps the past few years, that I don't particularly care if my viewpoint is the dominant viewpoint. I care what other individuals think about my views, and I want my views to be understood as thoughtful and well-considered, but whether it's "my" candidate in the White House or the success of proposals that I agree with, I think I could honestly care less. Either way, so long as the system is functioning, I'm content to observe, occasionally to discuss, but otherwise not to get emotionally invested in whether or not so-and-so is good for the country/state/district, or whatever. I had a hard time fathoming the "he's bad for the country" opposition to Clinton and Bush, and I probably would not be able to throw any weight behind such declamations with regards to Kerry, should he win (unless he demonstrates thoroughgoing ineptitude while in office).
In part, yes, this is because I have not felt particularly put-upon by "the system." I have the luxury of observing.
And, in a way, I think this is also a product of a certain cynicism I have been developing toward "the system" of late, as well. Especially with the Presidency, the promise so rarely reflects the execution, and the whole bitter battle is as much partisan rah-rahing as it is a serious consideration of each candidates' position, that I find myself completely unimpressed by the whole conflict. I can't muster interest because the candidates have proven themselves to be two sides of the exact same coin; precisely the same in behavior in pursuit of victory, and personal power, they fail to stand apart from one another in terms of unique and inspiring leadership. They are mired in the naked the partisanship, the spin doctoring, and mud of character assasination, and I cannot rouse the slightest bit of true passion for either of them as a result. Or anyone, for that matter.
But, it also stems from a genuine hope and faith in the greater system, not the two-party powerplays, but that of which they are a part, the one that has survived for over 200 years largely intact. Freedoms have not eroded significantly, rights have been extended, and extended again until participation in government is a universal right (some would say duty, but I disagree, just a little bit) and expression is fairly well protected.
By the long way around, I say that I think I'm more comfortable observing than participating, and I will be very interested to see what happens when the dust settles.
But not because I care passionately and deeply about the success of one candidate or another. I feel very observational right now, very detached. Part of this could very much be my return from Over There, but I'm not sure.
I've come to realize over the past several months, perhaps the past few years, that I don't particularly care if my viewpoint is the dominant viewpoint. I care what other individuals think about my views, and I want my views to be understood as thoughtful and well-considered, but whether it's "my" candidate in the White House or the success of proposals that I agree with, I think I could honestly care less. Either way, so long as the system is functioning, I'm content to observe, occasionally to discuss, but otherwise not to get emotionally invested in whether or not so-and-so is good for the country/state/district, or whatever. I had a hard time fathoming the "he's bad for the country" opposition to Clinton and Bush, and I probably would not be able to throw any weight behind such declamations with regards to Kerry, should he win (unless he demonstrates thoroughgoing ineptitude while in office).
In part, yes, this is because I have not felt particularly put-upon by "the system." I have the luxury of observing.
And, in a way, I think this is also a product of a certain cynicism I have been developing toward "the system" of late, as well. Especially with the Presidency, the promise so rarely reflects the execution, and the whole bitter battle is as much partisan rah-rahing as it is a serious consideration of each candidates' position, that I find myself completely unimpressed by the whole conflict. I can't muster interest because the candidates have proven themselves to be two sides of the exact same coin; precisely the same in behavior in pursuit of victory, and personal power, they fail to stand apart from one another in terms of unique and inspiring leadership. They are mired in the naked the partisanship, the spin doctoring, and mud of character assasination, and I cannot rouse the slightest bit of true passion for either of them as a result. Or anyone, for that matter.
But, it also stems from a genuine hope and faith in the greater system, not the two-party powerplays, but that of which they are a part, the one that has survived for over 200 years largely intact. Freedoms have not eroded significantly, rights have been extended, and extended again until participation in government is a universal right (some would say duty, but I disagree, just a little bit) and expression is fairly well protected.
By the long way around, I say that I think I'm more comfortable observing than participating, and I will be very interested to see what happens when the dust settles.