THOUGHTS
I was innocently sitting at the beauty shop having my nails done, a luxury that affords me not only decent nails but a time to relax. I was jolted out of my relaxed state however by the nail technician’s avowal that she was going to be sure to vote in this election. Like the fish being lured to a tasty tidbit obscuring a mean nasty hook, I took a hearty bite thinking that she was going to tell me that she was motivated by an attack of civic responsibility and felt the absolute necessity of casting an informed ballot in the upcoming presidential election. To my surprise when I asked about the fervor of her intent, she adamantly stated, “Because I hate Bush.” Other than an instant reflexive withdrawal of my heretofore relaxed fingers, I maintained my cool and asked her why. She had no reason other than a visceral dislike of our president . . . she could name no policy that she disliked other than a vague feeling that “he got us into this war to avenge his father.”
Now, I am not taking a side in this debate over who will become president, but I was disturbed by her completely emotional decision, not to vote for someone, but to vote against our sitting president. I am totally amazed at the number of people who share her views and base their decision on feelings rather than actually studying policies, strategies and long-term effects of those policies.
History repeats itself
In a conversation with my brother about this strange phenomenon he reminded me of something that I believe Americans have forgotten . . . history.
History tells us that after World War I Germany was a defeated, discouraged and disillusioned nation. Hitler fed those feelings . . . and provided a foil for their misery . . . the Jews. They were responsible for the misery. Germany could stop the Jews from conquering the world by eliminating them. He appealed to the thought that the German stock was pure and destined for glory. He exploited their self-centeredness. He demonized anyone who disagreed with him and used his colleagues to intimidate and physically attack them. He took over the media . . . the media became his pamphleteer. He plundered the emotions of a discouraged and disheartened people and gave them a scapegoat to blame. He appealed to their baser qualities rather than urging them to move forward toward a brighter future for Germany. He purveyed hatred in the most self-serving way. He lied and lied some more, later telling people that if one tells a big enough lie, people will eventually believe it.
He understood human nature very well, particularly human pride.
Tickling ears
He told the German people what they wanted to hear rather than telling them what they needed to know.
Personal dislike is not enough
It is NOT a good enough reason to vote for someone because you personally dislike the other candidate. Our democratic republic is dependent upon a knowledgeable and well-informed populace who studies the issues and engages their brain rather than their emotions. Emotions are important, but they should not be the engine that runs the train.
Tyrants rule in a vacuum
In every era of history a despot has been waiting in the wings hoping to manipulate people into giving him power. I am not saying that is the case in this election; but what I am saying is we cannot let our feelings cloud our judgment because the tyrant rules in a vacuum. The stakes are too high; as Germany learned at the end of the war, there are more hurtful things that can happen to a nation than injured pride.
A responsible vote is the antidote
Vote in the coming election! Use this opportunity to exercise your choice in a sober and responsible way.
In Him,
Judy Smith
State Director