Full disclosure. For long time readers (hah, seriously), thanks for following along this self-indulgent journey, I hope at times it was entertaining. If you were/are a serious partisan and felt somehow that I didn't afford the political process the gravitas our fine country deserved, yea, you came to the wrong blog. But if you're a fan of the process, the democracy that allows the rich diversity of opinion to shape our country, well...this has been for you.
A lot of posts ago I paraphrased Yoda by saying "vote, or don't vote. there is no try". Or something like that. And I still mean it. Here's my bottom line. I would suggest you do something, vote Hillary, vote Trump, don't vote, whatever. But perhaps do something that you can look back on in the future and say, "yea, I did that". Of course, being unable to predict the future (yes, I'm talking to you. ALL of you), this recommendation has it's caveats. So this brief election guide will try and distill some of the perspectives (NB. it's not a pro/con of the issues, 'cause that's crap. they're all lying at this point)
In the broadest possible brushstrokes, here's my gestalt:
Status quo (which is/isn't a bad thing, you decide). Hillary. I think for the most part things stay the same. An evolution of the Affordable Care Act. Largely the same level of regulation (Wall St., etc...) as we currently have. Minimal/no change in foreign policy, same of domestic policy/entitlements. Like I said, status quo.
Unhappy with status quo? Trump. Yea, it's a crap shoot of sorts, but it's not the end of the Republic as we know it. Actually, probably not even as much as some/many wish for, the whole "drain the swamp" rhetoric. Why? Because, like I believe is true with the economy in general, the President actually has a lot LESS power and influence over broad issues like the economy than he/she thinks they do, and even if they wield a modicum of influence, often times (changes in monetary policy, trade policy, etc...) the effects of those changes don't necessarily coincide with the 4/8 years of a Presidential term, ie the effect may not be linked to the cause. Confusing? Sorry. I think the "finger on the nuclear button" was a weak campaign attack, akin to the "3 am phone call" Hillary tried on Obama, the guy who ultimately got Osama Bin Laden. But I'm leaving the 10th inning postgame show for next week after the election.
Dislike both candidates? I'm completely comfortable with active non-voting. If you stand up publicly and defend your choice/candidate, I understand. Remember, I'm a Bernie guy (sorry to rub that in there). I would have also been a Biden guy. A Bush guy. An O'Malley guy. Probably a Kasich guy. Probably NOT a Cruz guy. So there. No, I wasn't looking for perfection. I think that's always unrealistic. But my last (almost) Bernie plug. Someone I actually believed gave a damn. I don't think that's true with either of the current choices, hence my comfort with non-voting. Ultimately they're both a bad cocktail of self interest mixed with special interests. Typical Washington.
Issues? No. Please be assured that both sides would sell you the Brooklyn Bridge (a promissory note) if they thought it would get your vote. But will either do what they say, good or bad? Doubt it. And remember, the POTUS doesn't make laws, that's Congress. (someone please let Donald know)
That's it, brief. Ish. If you already read the blog you're engaged enough for me, so congrats! Make a choice and be cool with it. Here's a true anecdote for the close. I spend a good deal of time with a large group of people I'm pretty confident don't vote. Not because they're not affected, because they very obviously are, as they get government assistance. No, they don't vote because they long ago lost hope. Hope that, regardless of who's in power, there's really someone in high office that gives two s*&ts about the poor, the homeless, veterans, the mentally ill, the down and outs. And I agree with them. This election is about who holds the keys to the kingdom, not who cares for the least among us (hah, spend the whole post trying to work in an obtuse Biblical reference. Score! Sorry/not sorry if you've offended, here's another one). Rejoice, and be glad. This will all be over next week.
Unless Egg McMuffin wins Utah, and Hills and the Don are tied in the Electoral College. Damn, now that would be something.
As always, thanks for reading!
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