I love the process of a presidential election. Things happen that are inspiring, unusual, brutal, outright lies, unforgiving words, and quite honestly...totally bizarre!
It seems a large segment of potential voters find themselves going from the excitement of change and a better future for Americans to a present stress full of anxieties. I read one report anti-depressant pills are at an all-time high. I honestly do not know if this presidential election is the fuel for this jump in sales.
I can't change my passion for this interest in politics, but I do have 5 simple guidelines I use to keep myself from stress and anxiety.
1. Disconnect when you can: The TV, computer, and radio coverage of our present elections are overwhelming to the human brain. We have the liberal media, Fox News, CNN News, Rush Limbaugh, Chris Matthews that only represent a very small tip of the iceberg. Take a segment at a time, then back off. Trust me, you won't miss anything. Enjoy a hobby, plan an outing, or participate in a charitable event to get your mind distracted from politics.
2. Educate yourself on the candidates and their total agenda: And...don't use media coverage as a source for your assessments. Do some research. Study political history, read how past elections were conducted, and find comfortable and reliable sources that give you some healthy options to choose and consider... even it it means you may have to adjust or change.
3. Keep your values in tact: Not everyone has the same values. Sort out the ones most important to you and don't draw conclusions simply because someone does not "measure up" to yours. Weigh things out...."ponder" can be a good thing!
4. Keep things in perspective: Very vital to your sanity! Past elections have been crazy! Although each one is unique and our lifestyles and cultures change, there is a nucleus of common denominators that has power to give you a more objective view...a source of information to assist and clarify the candidate you wish to vote for.
5. Join discussions: Find a discussion online, a monthly meeting, or at a library that are committed to objectivity, respect, and openness of mind. Don't simply join a group that supports your views only.
I might add one more train of thought. A presidential election is not always limited to a charismatic personality who states similar ideals. Sometimes America cries for a change that is of a collective thought, a new movement embraced by many rather than one individual proclaiming a fresh outlook. The "Old" has too many flaws, corruption is too much, and a change is needed. The leader(s) of such new change are sometimes raw and flawed ( sometimes excessively) and are prone to endangering the motives of a new movement itself. Allow the process to develop and do not let "single moments" distract you from the agenda at hand. Give yourself time to evolve with a decision that is well thought out, studied, and pondered. The entirety of the election process ( primaries, general election, and time) have been established to give voters time needed to make good decisions.
Finally, here are some thoughts from past elections keeping in mind the times of these elections were different including topics, concerns, and general cultures of this great nation:
Arron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel based on the agenda of the 1804 election.
Thomas Jefferson was considered an anti-christ by a large swath of Americans when he was running for president.
Andrew Jackson called the 1824 elections a "corrupt bargain."...similar to the word "rigged" we hear today.
The 1860 elections were extremely tense. Lincoln himself elected as part of a new party named GOP, replacing an outdated and out-of-touch Whig party.
Horace Greeley never heard the final tally of electoral college results against his opponent U. S. Grant in 1872. Why? He died.
The 1920 presidential elections included socialist politics. A "Bernie" in their midst.
The 1946 presidential elections was forecast as Truman is gone...no chance whatsoever. Truman's own commerce secretary revolted claiming Harry was "out of his mind!" The Chicago Tribune called Truman a "total nincompoop!" Dewey?...the newspaper was sadly mistaken!
The first ever TV debate in 1960 gave Americans a view of a GOP candidate just out of the hospital, unshaven, and physically weak. His opponent was quite striking, both in physical appearance and his words. Many think this debate had great influence on the outcome of the elections, regardless of what topics were discussed.
1964 presidential elections brought us the great "Daisy ad." Goldwater portrayed as part of a party that would "pull the trigger" at a moments notice, ignoring environmental issues, similar to Global Warming issues today.
1973 Vice President Agnew resigned do to corruption issues.
1974 President Nixon resigned due to Watergate. " I screwed up real good, didn't I?" President Richard Milhouse Nixon.
The 2000 presidential election brought Howard Dean screaming and Rick Perry forgetting one of the 3 federal agencies he would cut. Speakers at a convention included Joan Jett ( Blakk,) "Wavy Gravy," and Jello Biara.
Every 4 years we have components advocating new ideas. This particular election is of quite interest because America is crying out...perhaps a great vacuum has been in the land for too long...
"Political nature abhors a vacuum, which is what often exists for a year or two in a party after it loses a presidential election." George Will
Don't become discouraged...still time!...We must Vote!
I can't change my passion for this interest in politics, but I do have 5 simple guidelines I use to keep myself from stress and anxiety.
1. Disconnect when you can: The TV, computer, and radio coverage of our present elections are overwhelming to the human brain. We have the liberal media, Fox News, CNN News, Rush Limbaugh, Chris Matthews that only represent a very small tip of the iceberg. Take a segment at a time, then back off. Trust me, you won't miss anything. Enjoy a hobby, plan an outing, or participate in a charitable event to get your mind distracted from politics.
2. Educate yourself on the candidates and their total agenda: And...don't use media coverage as a source for your assessments. Do some research. Study political history, read how past elections were conducted, and find comfortable and reliable sources that give you some healthy options to choose and consider... even it it means you may have to adjust or change.
3. Keep your values in tact: Not everyone has the same values. Sort out the ones most important to you and don't draw conclusions simply because someone does not "measure up" to yours. Weigh things out...."ponder" can be a good thing!
4. Keep things in perspective: Very vital to your sanity! Past elections have been crazy! Although each one is unique and our lifestyles and cultures change, there is a nucleus of common denominators that has power to give you a more objective view...a source of information to assist and clarify the candidate you wish to vote for.
5. Join discussions: Find a discussion online, a monthly meeting, or at a library that are committed to objectivity, respect, and openness of mind. Don't simply join a group that supports your views only.
I might add one more train of thought. A presidential election is not always limited to a charismatic personality who states similar ideals. Sometimes America cries for a change that is of a collective thought, a new movement embraced by many rather than one individual proclaiming a fresh outlook. The "Old" has too many flaws, corruption is too much, and a change is needed. The leader(s) of such new change are sometimes raw and flawed ( sometimes excessively) and are prone to endangering the motives of a new movement itself. Allow the process to develop and do not let "single moments" distract you from the agenda at hand. Give yourself time to evolve with a decision that is well thought out, studied, and pondered. The entirety of the election process ( primaries, general election, and time) have been established to give voters time needed to make good decisions.
Finally, here are some thoughts from past elections keeping in mind the times of these elections were different including topics, concerns, and general cultures of this great nation:Arron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel based on the agenda of the 1804 election.
Thomas Jefferson was considered an anti-christ by a large swath of Americans when he was running for president.
Andrew Jackson called the 1824 elections a "corrupt bargain."...similar to the word "rigged" we hear today.
The 1860 elections were extremely tense. Lincoln himself elected as part of a new party named GOP, replacing an outdated and out-of-touch Whig party.
Horace Greeley never heard the final tally of electoral college results against his opponent U. S. Grant in 1872. Why? He died.
The 1920 presidential elections included socialist politics. A "Bernie" in their midst.The 1946 presidential elections was forecast as Truman is gone...no chance whatsoever. Truman's own commerce secretary revolted claiming Harry was "out of his mind!" The Chicago Tribune called Truman a "total nincompoop!" Dewey?...the newspaper was sadly mistaken!
The first ever TV debate in 1960 gave Americans a view of a GOP candidate just out of the hospital, unshaven, and physically weak. His opponent was quite striking, both in physical appearance and his words. Many think this debate had great influence on the outcome of the elections, regardless of what topics were discussed.
1964 presidential elections brought us the great "Daisy ad." Goldwater portrayed as part of a party that would "pull the trigger" at a moments notice, ignoring environmental issues, similar to Global Warming issues today.1973 Vice President Agnew resigned do to corruption issues.
1974 President Nixon resigned due to Watergate. " I screwed up real good, didn't I?" President Richard Milhouse Nixon.
The 2000 presidential election brought Howard Dean screaming and Rick Perry forgetting one of the 3 federal agencies he would cut. Speakers at a convention included Joan Jett ( Blakk,) "Wavy Gravy," and Jello Biara.
Every 4 years we have components advocating new ideas. This particular election is of quite interest because America is crying out...perhaps a great vacuum has been in the land for too long...
"Political nature abhors a vacuum, which is what often exists for a year or two in a party after it loses a presidential election." George Will
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