“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14
Coping with Election Overload
By Shannon Pederson
As the political season nears the finish line, our lives are being invaded by a barrage of ads, phone polls, social media and door-knocking.
With only a few weeks before Election day, only this much is certain: more ads, more phone polls, more fliers, and more door-knockers will result in more interruptions, more litter, and more intrusions when all you want to do is eat in peace, read, or enjoy your favorite TV program.
Is this how democracy is supposed to feel? How we are impacted by a campaign has moved far beyond bumper stickers and lawn signs.
How did elections come to feel so burdensome? One reason is how easily campaigns can reach us, even without our invitation. We answer the phone, turn on the TV, log on to a computer, or open a newspaper or news magazine. Therein lies the issue: It can feel as if our daily routines have been hijacked by “Vote for Me.” or, more often, “My Opponent is an Idiot” or by the annoying announcement that someone “approves the message.” There’s a great temptation to check out, which hardly feels like engaged citizenship.
If you can step back, observe what’s going on, stop listening to the rhetoric, and read between the lines instead of just listening to what the politicians say, you’ll start to feel like you have a little more control over things.
After the votes have been tallied, life will start settling down --- at least until the next election comes along. Since the next time we’ll elect a new president, you’ll only have about 12 months or less of peace and quiet. Enjoy it while it lasts.
“Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” Abraham Lincoln
Coping with Election Overload
By Shannon Pederson
As the political season nears the finish line, our lives are being invaded by a barrage of ads, phone polls, social media and door-knocking.
With only a few weeks before Election day, only this much is certain: more ads, more phone polls, more fliers, and more door-knockers will result in more interruptions, more litter, and more intrusions when all you want to do is eat in peace, read, or enjoy your favorite TV program.
Is this how democracy is supposed to feel? How we are impacted by a campaign has moved far beyond bumper stickers and lawn signs.
How did elections come to feel so burdensome? One reason is how easily campaigns can reach us, even without our invitation. We answer the phone, turn on the TV, log on to a computer, or open a newspaper or news magazine. Therein lies the issue: It can feel as if our daily routines have been hijacked by “Vote for Me.” or, more often, “My Opponent is an Idiot” or by the annoying announcement that someone “approves the message.” There’s a great temptation to check out, which hardly feels like engaged citizenship.
If you can step back, observe what’s going on, stop listening to the rhetoric, and read between the lines instead of just listening to what the politicians say, you’ll start to feel like you have a little more control over things.
After the votes have been tallied, life will start settling down --- at least until the next election comes along. Since the next time we’ll elect a new president, you’ll only have about 12 months or less of peace and quiet. Enjoy it while it lasts.
“Elections belong to the people. It's their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters.” Abraham Lincoln