Some Thoughts About the Night Before on the Day After

Just me or are you, too, feeling a little lonely this morning and maybe just a tad depressed in a post-primary sort of way here in The Nutmeg State. We certainly had ourselves a time around here in the world of Big Time Politics for the last week or so, didn’t we? Ayup.

But let’s face it, it was getting crowded with all these out-of-towners pleading for and seeking our votes on both sides of the aisle. Whether you were keen to Feel the Bern, wanted to Make America Great Again or were supporting someone else for our nation’s highest office, we had a nearly historical opportunity to get up close and personal in Presidential primaries that actually mattered.   

Because of the campaign calendar, magic mathematical numbers and an unrelenting pursuit of needed delegates for both parties’ nominations, our voices were heard yesterday loud and clear. I have little doubt that the total number of those of us who voted, based on the weeks and months of buzz, was ‘unheard of’ even though we could have been a lot/little more inclusive in whom we allowed to cast a ballot. That vox populi stuff gets to be a little problematic when you try thinking outside of the vox but voter registration and affiliation rules for 2016 seem more rooted for a time before technology and connectivity.

With passions stoked and so much at stake, it’s to be expected in the harsh light of the morning after, some of us are more than a little disappointed with yesterday’s results. You may consider absenting yourself from voting in November. Pardon my bluntness; we should grow up and shut up. I refuse (and so should you) to NOT use a right I defended while in uniform because I'm less than happy with the outcomes.

Because the entrees on the menu aren't to my liking doesn't mean I'm going on a hunger strike anytime soon right here in the Democracy Diner. Far too often unqualified or less than competent office seekers are elected to positions of leadership because caring, concerned and engaged citizens get discouraged and don’t vote.

We’ve heard it our whole lives and that’s because it’s been true for that long (and longer), this election matters. Explore every position and challenge every assumption made by every candidate. Consider everyone and everything. Then make up your mind.

We need all the help we can get and give to one another, especially now. We have drifted off-course for a long time and if we're ever going to reach the beach we'll all have to grab an oar and row like our lives depend on it. Put your back into it.

Let’s be clear: this is going to get a lot harder before it gets easier if it ever gets easier at all but TOO many have sacrificed everything they had so that you and I could make a choice and have our voices heard. Don’t you dare remain sullen or silent. Not now, or November.
-bill kenny