And then I thought: Nobody wants to hear that. It's like listening to your mother tell you to eat your vegetables. We all know we should. But either we eat our vegetables or we don't. Having someone hector you about it isn't going to change anything.
But if you're discouraged about our seemingly irreconcilable differences, perhaps you can take heart in this Oct. 31 piece by Michael Smerconish about how Congress Is Out of Step with the Rest of Us. Perhaps we're not so divided after all.
Anyway, to the point of this post. Yesterday, this was my view of a tree on our street at home.
But today -- because I'm retired, and because I can -- this is the view I have outside the back of the house we're renting for the next two weeks. And we got a reasonable price, because we're out of season.
Sometimes it's good to get away. I sent in my absentee ballot a week ago. I did my civic duty. And now I can enjoy a little peace and quiet, like a retired person should, far away from the maddening crowd.
18 comments:
I agree with you on all counts here. We seem to have lost sight of what this country is all about. But I too voted and will now try to get back to getting ready for the holidays. As for your view from your new place, it's lovely. Enjoy!
Good to get away in retirement. I do think many on both sides of the political aisle agree on more than disagree, but this President does not want that and he continues to fan the flames of hatred.
Last week, we had the municipal elections. When I came home, I said to myself, 'I've just voted for one form of corruption to get rid of another form of corruption'; that bad. I'm past the age of naivite.Why do I vote? to do "my civic duty" as you put it.
And yes, you're an irreperably divided nation. I say this with great sadness as America's our only friend and ally (and Russia doesn't want us...).
I used that phrase, "doing my civic duty" in my post this morning. Fortunately for me, I live in a mail-in state and can do it any time during the three weeks we had the ballots. I was able to figure out which way to vote in most cases without any problem. There will be happy and sad people on Wednesday, but this divided nation will carry on. Good post, Tom. Glad you've got that cool getaway spot. :-)
Enjoy the moment.
My sentiments exactly. I want to go on and on about moderation in all and how I wish #donniedowner would shut ... up and quit stirring the pot. But you're right. They have already made up their mind and only Nov. 6 tallies will give us an idea of where we are going.
Your link does not work for me. Here is one I found http://www2.philly.com/philly/columnists/michael_smerconish/america-political-division-left-right-20181031.html
Wow! What a great piece. This makes perfect sense. Here are the two pieces that make the most sense: "On the hard left there are 8 percent of Americans, four in five of whom are white. They are well-educated, frequently vote, cheerlead for their party's campaigns, and stay active on social media. It's pretty much the same, except for viewpoint, with the 6 percent of people on the hard right." and "The typical Democratic or Republican voter has not adopted more extreme ideological views. Instead, it's the parties and the politicians that are more polarized and have sorted into narrow groups that don't represent the whole of us. Sadly, what many have done is to think worse of the other side. It's become personal, not issue-driven."
I have to get up at 6am to stand in line- my polls open at 7 (no early voting here). Some red/ some blue- most in the middle. Then I go to my daughter's house to watch the kids while her hubby has cancer removed.
A long day---and civic duty.
Thank you for voting!
I love your current view, and the core of your message. We all need a break from the maddening crowd (and media) to find our own peace of mind!
I would blow everything off for a walk on that beach!
Hi Tom! Good for you for recognizing that you can indeed take time off any time you want. Enjoy your time at the beach. ~kathy
Some people find it ironic when retired people take a vacation. i think it is a wonderful way to live. Enjoy!
Ahhh...what lovely pictures. Something I'll keep in mind (calm waves) as I walk past all those conflicting signs to get into my place to vote.
Don't hold your breath for 'bipartisanship'. I hope it is not too late. Anyway, I just found your blog...I like the setup. I started a blog at 67 but I know I won't 'catch up' with you. Good site!
Janette -- Thanks for the heads up about the link; I think I fixed it. Trippe, I don't mind people on the far right or the far left. They should have their say. They just shouldn't be in charge.
I sent in my absentee ballot so I don't need to go to the polls today.
I think we all have much more in common than we do different. I love your beach photo. I think I will go there in my mind for a few days.
You should consider moving overseas at places like Thailand. They have affordable Retirement Residences with Luxury and sunshine all year around. Visit www.sichasia.com
I wouldn't mind having that view right about now. We have lots of smoke from the Los Angeles fires and Malibu is burning up.
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