Monday, October 13, 2008

I'm Counting on Your Vote

So much happening at once. In just 21 days I will most likely have a son and we will have a new president. I'm ready for the former. As ready as I'll ever be. I can't wait to see what he looks like. I'm just wondering if we will get an Opie like I was or he'll favor his mama's side and pop out a toe headed, blue eyed Dutch boy. A coworker of mine, a relatively new mommy herself, guaranteed I wouldn't be disappointed. Somehow I believe her.

As for the election, I'm ready for that to be over. For almost two years we've had to listen to these prima donas tell us that our relationship with them is more important than our relationship to the people we live around and work with every day. That we are to get in the face of our neighbor if they don't share our views. That we're to get mad. Basically, that we're to argue their case for them so that they can have power.

I don't care who you vote for, Obama or McCain. The fact is neither one will be around when you're truly in need. When your car breaks down and you need a ride, Barry isn't going to come pick you up. Try calling John McCain at 2 a.m. when you can't sleep and need someone to talk to. These guys only want one thing from you. Your vote. Once they have it, as they've amply demonstrated throughout history, you'll be lucky if they keep their word. That is if they can even remember what their word is, they offer so many versions of it.

The only people that have consistently come through for me in any administration are my friends and my family. And even a few people that I don't even know that well. They've all done more to better my lot in life than any president.

As anyone who has read this blog knows, I've relished shooting my mouth off in pursuit of political points for someone who really has no clue who I am. But lately I've been asking myself, "Are my political views really worth a single relationship I have with any of the people who actually inhabit my life?" Please don't think I'm suggesting we cease reasoned political discourse all together for fear of disagreement. I think everyone reading this would agree that making well thought out decisions about who to vote for is important and that talking about it with one another is a great way to work it out.

All I'm trying to do is keep it in perspective. Because come November 5, whoever is headed to the White House isn't going to be thinking about me at all. They're not going to be the ones excited about the arrival of my son. They're not going to join me for a beer at Esquire to celebrate. They're not going to talk to me for at least another two or three years until they need my vote again.

So, if from now on you find me unusually silent on this blog about political matters, you will know why. I will never dispute that who we elect can have a profound effect on our lives. I just may not think it's important enough to dispute with you who we elect.

I am Uncle Lar and I approve this message.