Election Day 2016

So, here it is, election day 2016. For some, it's the most exciting day ever. Others find it depressing and frightening. Those of us in the U.S. live in a country divided. And no matter what the results, nearly half the nation will be disappointed, if not devastated. It is a sad state of affairs.

During my lifetime, I've never experienced an election like this one. Yes, there are those passionate about their choice on both sides. But, according to many I speak with, there are just as many who are voting for "the lesser of two evils." How incredibly sad is that? Or they're voting for a third party simply because they can not stomach voting for either of the other two candidates. 

Some are voting based on gender, celebrating the possibility of a woman president. That's one I don't get. If you are voting simply because of the gender of the candidate, you are missing the point. Same was true during the last two elections when people voted based on the color of skin. Come on. There HAS to be more to it. Voting for policies and ideologies is one thing. Voting for gender or skin color is another altogether. 

Some are voting based on the whole reality star sensationalism that has gripped the country. I can't even comment on that. It's too ludicrous. 

Based on the political commercials (for all offices), we know little about the actual candidates' strengths. The mudslinging has mucked that all up. I mean, seriously. If, in order to be elected, you have to tear down your opponent, all you're doing is asking people to vote for you to avoid voting for them. Ridiculous.

Of course, we all had the chance to watch the debates to find out what the presidential candidates stood for. But it was like watching a three-ring circus or a Saturday Night Live satire. Where was the integrity??

Deep sigh. I, like many of you, am weary. I'm heading off to do my civic duty soon. But I'm not doing it with the enthusiasm and hope I've had in the past. Tomorrow, hopefully, it will all be over. Of course, there could always be issues raised by the defeated party and they could drag this on a little longer. My hope, however, is that there will be a gracious loser who will concede with grace. Based on the two candidates running, that's unlikely to happen. 

Wishing you a peaceful day and night.