musings from no politician
Oh, I’m so glad those ads are over. I’m also glad the election is over. Too much of our time is spent running for office than actually working in one, in my opinion. And let me be very clear. I don’t work in nor for a political office. I have zero desire to. I’m merely one who sits back, with limited proximity, making some musings from afar, recognizing I may be right, may be wrong, and sometimes have no clue about either.
Hence, talking to people, examining exit polling, and looking at how "we the people" voted — a few creative musings now that the midterm elections are behind us…
Our votes have become more for — or against — people as opposed to policy. Do we like someone? Do we not like someone? Also, a vote against someone can be just as motivating as a vote for. Clearly, the majority of us are dissatisfied with and/or disapprove of Pres. Trump’s leadership. Republicans were held responsible for that dissatisfaction this election cycle. Consider western Iowa state House candidate Eric Armstrong, for example, a Democrat who won in a district that Trump won handily just two years ago. Never mind that Armstrong had suspended his campaign months ago due to health reasons.
People over policy. That’s how we’re voting, and that’s clear when we look at some of the issues on the ballot, too. While an overwhelming number of Democrats were elected, some of their more controversial polices were simultaneously rejected. Bans on transgender student athletes competing in girls’ sports passed in all four states where they were presented, as another example.
There are issues on which the majority of people agree — because we’re not a majority-left or majority-right country. Collectively...
We’re not fans of the war in Iran. While we support our allies, and antisemitism is indeed iniquitous, the war has gone on too long and is costing too much. We want to leave Iran promptly and well. Please, let’s not repeat the disastrous exit in Afghanistan.
We’re not fans of AI data centers. It seems we need more data (pun intended), as much of what we’re hearing has been skewed by the bias embedded in left/right leaning reporting. At this point, the majority of us have concerns on how the centers impact the local environment and resources. This needs to be an issue where leaders come together, listen to one another, and discern what’s true and what’s not. You know, actually govern.
Affordability. Oh, isn’t that an issue. Tell me: which party is going to do what they say on this issue? On affordability and inflation? Costs are still high under this administration. True, too, is that the grass isn’t always greener elsewhere. Note: the average national price of gas under Pres. Trump thus far has hovered between $3.45 to $3.47 per gallon. The average national price of gas under Pres. Biden was $3.46 to $3.47. Apparently, at least at the gas pump, the differences aren't quite as dramatic as some would have us believe.
This isn’t a mandate. I’m always fascinated by those who declare it so. Pres. Trump did the same on election night in 2024. But maybe it depends on how we define a mandate. It isn’t a call to usher in more partisan policy (see above). But if there is a mandate, it’s this: figure out how to make progress on affordability, release the Epstein files (let us see them; stop the corruption in both parties), end stock trading by the individual elect (there is a clear conflict of interest between those who craft public policy and their private financial portfolios), and please, please, be mature adults. Quit the name calling and speak respectfully to one another. Is that really too much to ask?
Two more musings, no less…
For those who despair or gloat, there’s no need. While it’s not our job to tell another how to feel, the reality is that we’re striving to be a more perfect union. That means that our current state is, well, not perfect. We have much to learn. And if there was only one right way to do it, we’d have done it already. There is good and bad — and plenty of imperfection — on all sides of the aisle.
And lastly, for those who’ve felt empowered to tell those who voted differently how wrong they are, how misguided they are, or how inauthentic their faith is — and we’ve witnessed this on both the right and the left — let me encourage you to pause a little more before you speak. Your lack of humility is unattractive and not winsome.
Then again, a lack of humility is never attractive nor winsome.
That’s part of what we all need to learn from now.
Respectfully…
AR
