I have a degree in Political Science from the University of Rochester. I've had more than a passing interest in the political system for quite a while. While it seems like every election cycle you hear about how negative the campaigning is compared to previous years, a quick study of history will show you that mudslinging is certainly nothing new, and is generally no worse in any given year than in another. What I believe has changed is the frequency with which the messages are disseminated. With so many more channels on tv and the increased use of websites, emails, and viral videos, it is almost impossible to find a moment away from the campaigns.
It's easy for people to become caught up in the rhetoric. Passions can run high when you are constantly bombarded with messages that say Candidate A will allow space aliens to probe you, and Candidate B will mutilate a litter of puppies in front of your children. Here's what I'd recommend. Decide what's important to you. Not what anyone else tells you is important to you, but what will really matter to you in the next four years. Then look up how each candidate has handled that issue in the past, and how they say they will handle it in the future. Then make your decision. Leave the rest of the nonsense alone.
This past weekend, the 1950 Jimmy Stewart movie, Harvey was on TV. It's a wonderful movie. You can't help but feel good when you watch it. There's a famous line in the movie that has stuck with me for the last few days:
"In this world, you must be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. For years I was smart. I recommend pleasant."
Posted by westguitar
at 2:09 PM EST