Third Verse, Same As The First
This campaign season, and well last campaign season too, has really made me realize something alarming about our political system — it is irrelevant. Our two-party system has gotten to be like the NFL or MLB (stay with me here). The team managers and owners have so completely gotten the game down to a science and the players are all so good that the differences between teams is negligible. It is when every game becomes a close game that the franchise owners get together to change the rules – to make it tougher. Over the years they have done that to the NFL and to the NBA.
Well, I suspect that every political race from this point forward will be a close race. Why? Because political strategists and the machines behind these campaigns have gotten it down to a science. We no longer hear about the issues on the news we hear about what states are in contention, how many more electoral votes are required and how to win Michigan. Did you know that neither presidential candidate this year ever came to Texas? Do you know why? Because we are such a conservative state Democrats feel it is a waste to spend money here. Republicans feel there is no need to spend money here because Democrats don’t – so nobody comes to visit. Do I feel neglected? yes, I do. Because my vote is being taken for granted. My vote has already been decided for me by some political strategist in Washington who could care less about what really matters to me. Because I am no longer a person but a demographic. A demographic that is highly sought after (soccer moms) or no longer needed.
Our system does not reward and promote the best candidate, it rewards and promotes the better strategy. It is time to change the rules but unlike professional sports the people in charge of changing the rules are the same ones who benefit from keeping them the same.
My Civic Duty
I voted today with the kids. I’m not going to tell you who I voted for or why I voted for that person or what issues are important to me. Frankly, that is too personal and the beauty of this country is the SECRET ballot. However, I am a big believer in the act of voting which is why I took my two children. If I can stand in a line with a 4 yr old and a 2 yr old and explain to them why voting for new leaders is important during which they are trying to push all the buttons in the voting booth and cause the next voting controversy, you can too. I’m sure many of you may view this voting campaign with celebrities involved as some sort of secret plot by Democrats but the message is simple — Vote. (Lucy thought I said “boat” and wanted to know where the water was).
Conversations III
Lucy and I had a very spiritual conversation over breakfast this morning:
Lucy: When I was at Nana’s house Katie said that when I become a Grandma I will die
Me: Well, that is a long way away honey I don’t think you need to worry about it
Lucy: But I don’t want to die
Me: (recognizing a bad thing coming) well, you won’t die
Lucy: (tears welling in her eyes) BUT I DON’T WANT TO DIE!!
Me: Oh sweetie, it won’t happen until your like a hundred years old — you’re not even 5 right now
Lucy: I. DON’T. WANT. TO. DIE!!!
Me: Lucy, do you know what happens when you die? (Lucy shakes her head vigorously) you go to live with God so it isn’t anything to be sad about
Lucy: I don’t want to live with God. I want to live with Mommy. (hot tears now streaming down her face. I gather her up into my arms and sit on the couch)
Me: Lucy, you will live with Mommy.
Lucy: I don’t want to live somewhere without Mommy.
Me: You will always be with Mommy. I will always take care of you. Always, always.
Lucy: When I’m a Mommy can I still call you Mommy?
Me: Yes, of course you can
Lucy: (calming down, and the tears receding) Will you still call me “honey”?
Me: yes, of course I will
Lucy: (perking back up) I like it when you call me “honey”.
We recently let Max have some time to run around the house “commando” – no diaper, no pants. He seemed to like this until he peed on the floor. As I was cleaning him up this conversation occurred.
Me: It’s okay Max accidents happen
Lucy: (from the adjacent room and screaming) IT’S OKAY MAX! ACCIDENTS HAPPEN ALLLLL THE TIME!
Me: You have accidents when you are learning to use the potty
Lucy: (still in other room) IT’S OKAY MAX! I HAVE ACCIDENTS!!! BE BRAVE MAX!!
Max: (shouting back) OK SISHY! I BWAVE!!
Me: okay buddy lay down so I can clean you up
Max: Peepee come out my peanut
Me: yes, peepee comes out of your penis
Max: Mama don’t have peanut
Me: that is right, mommy doesn’t have a penis
Max: peepee come out of hole in peanut.
Me: Yes sweetheart, the peepee comes out of the hole
(Wow, so glad we got that all cleared up. )
