One Vote

Having heard rumors of a larger than usual turn out on Election Day, I voted early. It doesn't have that same nice small-town America feel that I always enjoy, but I was happy to miss the usual gauntlet of folks posted just outside the boundaries and ready to thrust pamphlets or cards at me. I wonder if anyone is actually swayed by these last minute appeals.

Polls show that there are still folks trying to make up their minds. I've known all along which side I support -- known so clearly that I have trouble understanding how anyone could think otherwise. So in an effort to comprehend the mindset of the other side (Do you see that I'm trying to stay non-political?), I've spent a little time listening to their radio shows and reading their on-line commentary. And finding it pretty appalling.

I've come to the conclusion that we all must have a kind of in-dwelling filter. My candidate makes a pronouncement and I think, Yeah, that sounds good and reasonable. But folks on the other side hear the same words and interpret them as evil and/or nonsensical. And of course, when the other side speaks, it's the same: What sounds like blind ignorance or cynical manipulation to me is embraced as true patriotism by others.

So I cast my single vote, hoping with all my heart that the winning side will possess the strength and wisdom and good will to guide our country out of the storm of crises that threaten to test us all. . .