Swing-State Blues

One would hope that election season would be a somewhat happy time for Americans. After all, it is a reminder of what makes America great. We have the freedom to elect representation that ultimately has the responsibility to carry out the mind and will of the people.

When I realized that I was going to become an Ohioan, I was excited to live in a state where my vote might have a little more sway. My two previous presidential elections were in Utah and while I voted both times with pride, the results were never shocking. I tried to research whether or not Utah has ever given their electoral votes to a democratic presidential candidate but I have still not found the data.

Ohio has lived up to its promise of a lively election season. For instance, if I had the desire (and no Lukey to take care of) I could be 15 minutes away listening to Michelle Obama at this very moment. I'm always surprised to hear that the presidential candidates are in the area. In Utah, the closest I ever came to a candidate was when their plane was passing overhead. I should feel excited to be in the middle of such angst and excitement. Instead I feel what I can only describe as the swing-state blues.

For instance, I haven't seen a normal commercial in months. Every commercial is one candidate slamming another for reasons a, b and c. The next commercial is his opponent stating the exact opposite. Sometimes, the third commercial in succession is actually the former candidate again with another plethora of accusations to dump. Who can be trusted? When the media gets involved, the scene only gets uglier. Are these the people I'm supposed to trust? Doing so seems to force me to contradict my better judgment and intuition most of the time. When they claim to be on my side...I wonder what that means. I wonder who they think that I am. Of course, I can't claim any special privilege to the blues simply because I live in Ohio. I think that many people feel the same way. Tired of the fighting and wondering who is telling the truth. I should note that the Stacey Sizzle, Inc. (which a friend kindly commented recently, sounds a bit like the name of a trashy tabloid.....point noted) will not throw all support behind either candidate because the editor-in-chief (Lauren) thinks that they're both bad options. I will vote. However, I don't wish to publicly put my name behind a dirty politician (note that I believe that to be both of them to some degree or another) and will only be tossing my two cents at the lesser of two evils.

Lest I appear to be a pessimist, let me clarify that one cannot feel sad about something that they care nothing about. I only feel blue because I think that America is wonderful. Sometimes all the arguing leads us to think negatively about our political system...some have even told me that they no longer are proud to be an American. I think that an American is ungrateful if he or she does not feel a sense of patriotism and love for the gift of liberty that people have sacrificed their lives to give us. It is sad when we demean and demoralize such a gift. It is sad when we come dangerously close to a socialist extreme as if to completely disregard what history has taught us. It is sad when we see many in political service that have no moral backbone and ride the wave of popularity. But I still think that America's future is bright. Like I stated previously, election season should be a reminder of how great it is to be an American. I think that is how I will overcome my swing-state blues. I have to remember that America is great because we can have frustrating political debates and not have our beliefs dictated to us. It is great because election season will come and go and there is always another one just around the corner. I might be tired of the fighting but every once in while I have to step back and think, "Well, at least we have the privilege to fight".

On a somewhat separate note, if America does undergo difficult economic turmoil and recession over the next several years, I think we will discover that though we may have been spoiled rotten for a time, Americans will be able to survive and make it okay because most of the people are good at the core, despite our differing beliefs. Most people will look out for their neighbor and give what they can. Most people will realize that they have lived in excess and will find joy in a simpler life. Most people will become more grateful that while America may not do everything for them and fix every problem, it will give them options and opportunity. Then, with a little hard work and sweat, we'll make it okay and be all the better for it. That's what I'm praying for at least. But we have to work for it. I have to stop feeling blue and start contributing constructively to the discussion.

Now on to more pictures of Luke....

Fall in Ohio is pretty gorgeous




Luke helping Dad cook some amazing Italian food.

This might be some sort of gang sign...I'm not sure.

This is cuter when you can see that he's copying me.

This video shows the many faces of Luke Stacey. Enjoy.