When I was in my late teens and into my early 30’s, I was a political junky. Lived and breathed politics. I had earned a degree in Political Science; was Page for the Illinois General Assembly; was a Congressional Intern and went to work for the Republican Party as well as the State House of Representatives and then the State Senate. I even had training from the National Republican Committee. So Election Day was like Christmas, well at least when you candidate(s) won.
Then I started having children and my focus went from state and federal concerns to my own household and community. Don’t get me wrong, I still have political convictions, but today, I’m more interested in people. And I am disheartened by candidates from both parties in the way so many of them attach each other. When families are brought in, it is even worse. Why don’t we focus on what the candidate can do and who they are rather then attaching the opponent? Can you even imagine how differently the election season would be?
There have been elected officials from both parties who I have liked and respected. That doesn’t mean I always agreed with them. It means I respected how they handled themselves in office. I always told my children that they did not have to like the candidate but after their were an elected official, they should respect the office and that they were then the chosen candidate/official.
So after the election, I have a challenge for you! How about we all show some respect. Regardless of the political affiliation, let’s respect the office and our country’s dedication to free elections! You don’t have to like the person, you don’t have to like their philosophy. Please respect that they stepped up to be a candidate, were elected by popular vote and now hold office. Debate but don’t destruct. Challenge but don’t crucify. So tomorrow the challenge begins!
May your path be filled with respectful elected officials and you being respectful of those officials.