None of the Above

I typically try to avoid political commentary and controversy, but the latest batch of ads (and stunts) from BOTH candidates has really annoyed me. What is sad is that these ads and stunts probably work. If they didn't, they wouldn't continue them. But I don't think I'll be voting this year. And here are my reasons:

1. I don't want to put my "stamp of approval" on either candidate. There have been 10 presidential elections since I've been old enough to vote. During that time I've voted for the Democratic candidate six times, twice for the Republican candidate, once for the Independent and once I felt that the available choices constituted no choice and did not vote. It seems this is another one of those times. Given my liberal leanings, I was really quite surprised when I took an online quiz to see which candidate my views were most closely aligned with and the result was Ron Paul. Unfortunately, I don't think Candidate Paul will be on the ballot in November. So for me, it's like 1988 all over again. If I vote, it might encourage them to continue their shenanigans.

2. I live in Texas. My vote doesn't really count. Texas has been a Republican stronghold since the 1970s. A Democrat has carried this state one time since 1972. It wouldn't matter if the Republicans nominated an elephant as their candidate, Texas would vote for it. So, if I choose to vote Democrat, it doesn't matter because the Republican candidate will carry the state. If I choose to vote Republican, it doesn't matter because the Republican candidate will carry the state.

3. No matter who is elected, I have to get on with it. No matter how it impacts my life, I have to deal with it. When Lyndon Johnson was president, we were at war, but we all had jobs. We got on with it. We had double-digit inflation with Richard Nixon, but we did our best and got on with it. The economy (among other things) went completely wrong under Carter, but we got on with it and survived. We prospered under Reagan because we didn't realize how the national debt was being run up. Most of us were happy that we were doing well and didn't care. We had to tighten the belt under Bush, but we still got on with it. Good times with Clinton and then George W comes along and we're dumped back into a recession. But we got on with it. Obama hasn't exactly been Mr. FixIt, although our business has improved over the past year or so. But we've been doing our best and we've survived what I hope is the worst of it. No matter who is elected, we'll still just get on with our lives and adjust to whatever demands or restrictions are put on us.

I'm not suggesting that anyone else follow my lead. Although, it might be a very powerful message if no one voted, even though I don't think the candidates or the political pundits would actually get it. Personally, I like to vote "for" a candidate rather than "against" a candidate. Choosing the "lesser of two evils" is something that should be reserved for the treatment of diseases. I'm sure there are a number of people who feel very passionately about the candidate they support. I respect that, but quite frankly, I look at all the mud-slinging and I have to ask, "Is this the best America has to offer?" Scary.