The 2016 Presidential Election

This is the first election in a very long time that has caused me to engage in some level of debate. I am uncomfortable putting my political thoughts out there because my skin has become thin (not just due to aging), and I don't enjoy the haters looking for a head to lop off. I do not spend a lot of time reading about politics or listening to the media skew the issues. In my mind, the media only help politicians breed fear and paranoia, and I cannot allow those thoughts into my psyche. They get in anyway, but I don't need the flood causing me to panic, like I see so many voters doing right now.

My political views have drifted over time from extreme left to middle. There are no candidates who represent me and my views. So, what do I do when I think about entering the voting booth? This year, I have tried very hard to keep an open mind. I vote as an Independent (or Unaffiliated as it is called now). There have only been a couple of elections where I truly got to vote across many party lines. I have become an advocate of abandoning the two-party system, because I desire many more choices. The reality is that the two-party system is the one that rules this country.

People want to vote for someone who will "win", not for a viable candidate who could make a difference, even if that dream in this political system may be a fantasy. Voters love a good ideological fantasy, but our system is much more complicated and embedded with egotistical back-scratchers desiring only to remain in their jobs for that fantasy to live free. I have become cynical and skeptical. I used to be optimistic and hopeful. I resent being made to feel hopeless in the "land of the free and the home of the brave". I love America, and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else in the world. But, our system has become so big and complicated, our elected leaders over time have been relegated to fix it with bandaids only. As the popular singer, Taylor Swift, sang in her song, Bad Blood, "Bandaids don't fix bullet holes".

I vote in South Carolina. With the Republican primary coming this Saturday, our television viewing has been inundated with political ads. One new ad caught my attention: Willie Wilson. Who knew there was another Democrat running in this election? Dr. Wilson is from Illinois, and will only be on the electoral ballot in select states: SC being one. How is this possible? I guess I need to get educated about this process at a level I didn't know existed before. He is listed in a similar category to what "Pat Paulsen for President" once was. I read his biography, and decided he is exactly the type of person who should be running for President! But, he will never have a chance to win. So, if I were to vote for him because I think he should have a right to get a shot at the highest office as is the American Way, I would be accused of throwing away my vote.

I want a woman for President in my lifetime. I planned to vote for Hillary Clinton. But, with all the hoopla over her "mistakes" and ethics controversy, I searched for a list of the most controversial to remind myself what all the hateful talk is about. After reviewing a couple of sites, I had to be honest and say to myself that if a man did some of those things, I wouldn't vote for him. So, then, where does that leave me? She is the only candidate on the ballot on either side with all the requisite experience to actually do the job. She has paid her dues and deserves to be President. Finally, a woman who deserves to be President! But, I am conflicted about the ethical argument. I understand ethics has become a system of "levels and degrees", just as in all things. I also know that I have been forced to do some (what would be considered) unethical things in my life to survive as an unwed mother. The system made me do it. As a woman trying to succeed in a man's arena, questionable decisions and choices must be made. I understand that. I just have to decide the degree of tolerance I will accept with Hillary's choices.

Hillary is the only woman on the ballot now. But, Willie is a candidate I think deserves a shot. He has used the American system to overcome adversity and be successful. That's what the American Dream is all about. The problem is when a candidate's platform is a one-hit wonder, (s)he requires a team of knowledgeable advisers to help. I learned when I ran for Alderman in the city of Newton, Massachusetts, that endorsements are critical to get anywhere in any election. How then does a candidate like Willie acquire endorsements to get anywhere in this presidential election? I just gave him one, but I am a nobody. Therein lies the real problem. Nobody's won't vote for nobody's.

Half-time Super Bowl Shows

I just watched the television show, "Super-Bowl Half-Time Shows"; on CBS, I believe. They reviewed the history of Super-Bowl Half-Time Shows and their performers up to Beyonce and Bruno Mars. I left it frustrated they didn't think or deem to include Katy Perry's Half-Time performance.

Katy's Half-Time Show was mind-blowing. She took full advantage of the stage with superior special effects. I, for one, didn't know it was technically possible to do some of the creations she presented interpreting some of her songs.

In the TV show, I saw impressive and really fun shows with technical and performance perfection made sublime:Prince and Paul McCartney really connected with the audience with appropriate pomp and fire.  But, Katy's show raised the bar for half-time shows going forward.

Let's hope Chris Martin will do its 50th justice. I like his attitude going in, based on this same TV show (see first sentence in this post). I have just never seen a Coldplay performance that rocked me. They're good and fun, but they have never moved me. I guess I have high expectations for Super-Bowl 50, coming Sunday, February 7th on CBS. Larry and I will be driving towards DC. We'll probably be able to catch the finish at our hotel.

"If it bleeds, it leads..."

Watching Sunday morning talking heads spin the 2016 Presidential election this early on, was a huge yawn. Talking about Democratic and Republican approaches of inclusion versus exclusion; continued focus on discrimination versus touting real freedom for all Americans is beginning to fall on deaf ears. Nobody believes these people anymore. Talk is just that: talk. Who is walking the walk?

An inspirational story followed: that of Lauren Hill. Nineteen-year-old Miss Hill was buried this week as a result of pediatric brain cancer after continuing to play basketball for Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati when she should have been in Hospice care. She was a hero, and a true inspiration for many. This story made me cry. It was sad, that's true, but this young woman's bravery touched my heart. That touch is what made me cry. I want to see more stories like this on the news and on talk shows. I'm sick of the bleeding that leads news stories. I just don't watch the news anymore as a result. I bet I'm not alone either. I want to be inspired.

In a world and a society that makes it easy to be sad, angry, hateful, or depressed, we need to be uplifted. We need to be uplifted because we humans are better than the dark side of our nature that leads news stories. In the upcoming Presidential election, I would like to hear how candidates will choose to inspire us instead. How will they move our society, and attempt to move our world, away from war, killing, fighting, violence and hate? How will they attempt to allay our fears? Fear is ruling both our society and the world today. The only way to reduce the power of fear is to focus on the "light" in our human hearts. That light is what moves human beings to do acts of kindness. The light causes us to be brave, and move through our fear. I'm sure Lauren Hill was afraid of dying, but her desire to be a warrior in support of fighting pediatric brain cancer was stronger than her fear of dying.

We are all stronger than the news portrays us. We are all better, kinder and more loving human beings than the news, movies and television choose to portray. Instead, we need to be reminded of our light side. We need to see many more examples of human beings acting out kindness, and demonstrating what true heroism is. Heroism isn't just displayed in war. It is acted out every day in each life all over the world. I want to see more focus on those stories. I want to hear Presidential candidates talk about heroism in their own lives. I don't want to hear anymore "party lines". I want genuine expression from candidates.

We need to hear about forgiveness, kindness; movements towards peace and prosperity for everyone. All human beings are included in the species, and as such we have the equal right to grow and be who and whatever we choose. As Americans, we chose Freedom as the ruling value of our society when we broke away from Britain's iron fist and crossed "the pond" to begin again. America still sets an example for the world of what Freedom means. But, America is losing sight of that meaning. We must get back to the reason we began again in the first place. This remembering is what History is all about. Brave, inspiring stories are the kinds of examples of what is truly possible, and is what I want to hear dominate "the" discussion. Those are the types of topics I want to see addressed if our country and our world is to move forward, and not continue to fall backward into times when fear dominated. When one powerful faction wanted only to control the masses for greedy and egotistical means.

Enough already. We are brave. We are kind. We are loving. Who doesn't love their parents or their children? Who doesn't love a good love story portrayed, whether it be between two human beings or a human and an animal or a bird? It's time to stop ruling the world with just our heads and our egos. It's time to begin to move more into ruling the world and our society with our hearts leading the way. Tell me about how you feel about the state of our society and world, Ms. or Mr. Candidate, and then tell me how you see us move more in that direction. Forward. Away from the fearful behaviors, thoughts and laws that have dominated politics all our lives. Who will be as brave as Lauren Hill, and speak about the light instead of the dark? Whoever is brave enough to speak in Light terms, will receive my vote. Who will join me?

I Object!

What would happen if someone actually did say, "Yes", when the officiate in a marriage ceremony spoke the words, "If there is anyone here who feels these two should not be joined, speak now or forever hold your peace." I find myself, for the first time in my life, feeling very strongly that I want to speak up and say, "Yes", to that question at my niece's wedding happening in early May. Nobody feels she should be marrying this guy, but no one, including her father, will speak up.

She would be hurt and probably never speak to me again. If I can stop this marriage, is that such a bad thing? She may get over it when she realizes the mistake she is making. But is it right to try to protect her from her own choice? She may marry him anyway. They may run away and get married. Or, will they? Support or sabotage: those are the choices I am contemplating at the moment.

I am currently supporting her choice, and am directly involved in coordinating the event; even hosting a bridal shower for her. I convinced her father that even though he objects, she'll do it anyway, and we have to support her. Or do we? I can't get away from this idea of answering that question nobody ever answers in the ceremony. Should I just take my own advice and keep silent?

It's time to play some super football!

Sports is a big business with huge salaries for all. Most sports continue to be dominated by males. Living in South Carolina, though, we have come to appreciate the University of South Carolina Gamecock Women's Basketball Team. Our nephews here are their biggest fans. But, I digress from the point of this post. It's Super Bowl weekend, and our favorite team, The Patriots, are in it. I am from Massachusetts.

The Super Bowl telecast has become not only huge for team business, it is now one of the largest, in my opinion because I have done no research, for advertiser business. And Super Bowl half-time shows have become the brightest spotlight for music headliners. Just ask Beyonce or Janet Jackson how their appearances have enhanced their careers. Katy Perry will find out tomorrow. I digress again, however.

I just watched snipits of upcoming Super Bowl commercials on the internet. Who doesn't love the Super Bowl commercials? I think half the reason people watch the biggest football game of the year, especially those who don't watch many games throughout the season, are the commercials and the half-time show. I am one of those people. But because my home team is in it once again, I am rooting for them out of solidarity with Boston. And, I love Tom Brady, as a person and as a hottie. Still digressing...

Yahoo Answers said that 111.3 million people in the United States watched the 2012 Super Bowl game. That's a lot of viewers, and I'm sure that number has increased in the last three years. Therefore, advertisers are beginning to use this very popular venue to not only entertain us (who doesn't love puppies and horses?), but to make important statements. Political and social commentary is not just for Hollywood anymore.

The snipits I viewed just now include statements on being a good Dad, being the best human you can be, caring, domestic violence, interpretations of "like a girl..." statements, "paying with Love", and honoring your body. I am not going to make any statement about my least favorite commercials: Victoria Secret ads, or giving Kim Kardashian's ego more screen time than she deserves. Don't get me started on those, please. But, for the first time, God is brought into the mix. Amazing.



Positive social statements about "care makes a man stronger" (Dove+Care for Men commercial) are so important to highlight in this day and age. Reinforcing positive human behavior and values is new for Super Bowl commercials, I believe. I love how the puppy saved from the wolf by its horse friends makes me tear up every time. With an ever-present "dead-beat dad" mentality in our society, highlighting positive aspects of being a dad are critical. I bet many of the former will be watching, and be made to think about becoming more of the latter. At least, that's what I hope.


Now I can also be proud that in the most macho television show aired, advertisers are beginning to highlight a softer side of humanity: its heart. This new revelation makes me feel proud, for the first time, of Capitalism at its finest. I buy Dove products, and will make a point of supporting those companies who promote positive human attributes in Super Bowl commercials. How about you?

Advertising is big business, but now it is expanding into making positive statements about human society. These statements are an excellent use of the technology. But, then, this is just one person's opinion. Go Pats!!!

Did you vote in 2014?

The "mid-term" results have been tallied (except for the Louisiana runoff), and thirty-two states voted a Republican majority in both the House and the Senate. Many people are happy about this result, and many are not. One thing is for sure, though: this is NOT the first time we have had a House and Senate majority with a President from the opposite party. The other thing I know for sure is that we as a United States have not fallen apart yet. Our lifestyle and our issues rise and fall like the tides of the ocean, regardless of who is in charge of our government. Are we closer to economic collapse today than we ever were historically as a nation? I think the answer to that question depends on which economist you talk with.

I am of the mind that a two-party system has become outmoded. I, for one, deserve and require more choices in representation. I am unaffiliated with a party in what used to be called "Independent". I prefer to vote my conscience; not for who is slated to win. That said, I took the Senate result map and tallied state by state, who held elections yesterday, the percentage of people who voted for other parties considered "alternative". These other parties, therefore, do not count in what Americans still consider a "two-party system" of government when we watch election results on television.

In SC alone, there were at least a total of a half-dozen parties on our ballot: Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Moderate, Working Families, United Citizens, and undeclared. There may have been a couple more, but their names are not coming to mind presently. I happily voted for a variety of parties, and feel more fulfilled as a voter in general. My candidates do not always win elections, but my right to express my desires in the ballot box are enough for me to feel satisfied. I will be happier when other "independent" parties are considered equal to the Democrats and Republicans in terms of fairness in coverage and support by the media, and considered mainstream by voters at large.


Here are the results: Total percentage of the vote from thirty-two states holding elections yesterday for Libertarians, Green, Undeclared, Independent, Reform, Pacific, Constitution, Moderate, and Mountain is 3.85%. Now, this number is not very large. I grant you that. But, what stood out for me was that in the red state of South Dakota, 20.1% of citizens voted for Independent candidates. In Rhode Island (blue state), 23% voted for a Moderate candidate for Governor. Overall in the states holding elections, Libertarians received the highest vote percentage (49.8% from all 32 states). Independents received 41.3%. In the blue state of North Carolina, 3.7% voted for Libertarians. And, in the red state of West Virginia, 8% voted for Independents.

I find these statistics remarkable and hopeful. These percentages tell me that alternative parties must continue as a valid choice on election day. I also propose that these other parties begin to  receive equal media coverage, or get progressively more coverage as we enter into another uncertain future. Because, what is the future but uncertain, regardless of any election. Let's face it. We control our destiny. And, we control who decides policy for us when we vote. The squeaky wheel gets greased. If a handful of people run things, those are the voices that will be heard.

A most remarkable thing also happened in Rhode Island this past year. The people fought "city hall" and won! My pessimistic self did not believe such a feat was possible anymore. But people of Southcoast Rhode Island fought to get a toll on the new Sakonnet River Bridge overturned, and won! The turn-styles were taken down. We didn't get a refund, but I don't even care about that. I was amazed that people who believed they could win persevered, even when others of us gave up, and won for us all. I was in awe of that commitment. I don't have it, but am so happy somebody in that state does. This example taught me that it really does pay to speak up; to use your voice.

For those who are concerned about the Republican majority reigning with a Democratic President, I found a Wikipedia site detailing Party Divisions of United States Congresses. What I discovered was that, just in my lifetime alone (1949-present), there has been a Senate and House Democratic majority with a Republican President ten times, and a Republic Senate and House majority with a Democratic President three times. The Senate and House majorities were split six times. The terms where we had a Republican majority in the House and Senate with a Democratic President were during Bill Clinton's terms. The only times we had a Republican majority and a Republican President were with Dwight D. Eisenhower and George W. Bush. The only time we had a Democratic majority and a Democratic President was with Harry Truman, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, (1993-95) Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, until last night.

So, what does this all mean? Don't worry, America! Whatever side your vote fell on, we as a nation will survive. We will persevere. What I would like to see going forward is complete elimination of all the "fight" language. Let's stop fighting across "the isle", and really begin to work together. Many people say this, but few follow suit. Let our new leaders (in some cases), act on their speech, and cooperate with one another for the good of "all the people" of the United States. All the people. Can you do this elected leaders? I pray you do. Amen.

Begin Again

It seems the more I try to live according to the “new age gurus'” philosophy of “living according to the highest form of my best self”, the more confused I get and the more isolated I feel. My life is not surrounded by like-minded people living according to those same philosophies. It appears to me that the more I self-actualize, the more uncomfortable my family and old friends (not all, but most) feel around me. I don’t like it much. It makes me feel a little lonely. I’m not sure how to surround myself with those like-minded people when I’m not at a “new age” workshop. Finding new friends who think like me is hard.

But, these philosophies resonate with my core Self. How can I not try to live them? Isn't it more important to be true to oneself than it is to please everyone around you or make them comfortable being in your company? Why am I still asking these questions? I'm in my mid-sixties and I am still questioning myself. This self query process is not constant, but remains when I feel most vulnerable. Loved ones like to joke that I am spoiled. My life is not filled with dramatic angst like many of theirs. I know that some are jealous of my lifestyle, but there is nothing I can do about their reaction. I am only responsible for mine. I know this, but this knowledge does not always help assuage the heartache I feel without loving family connection readily at hand.

Loved ones who surround me have much harder lives than I. I don't consider myself spoiled necessarily because my problems seem frivolous compared to caring for an aging parent in isolation or dealing with addicted adult children, for example. I see my life as a culmination of my choices. This life is where my choices to date have led me. I have a great life. What's wrong with that? I am blessed. I see it; I recognize it, and I am grateful for it. Every day. Why should I be made to feel guilty or bad about myself for that?

Part of my problem is that I am vulnerable to the pain of my loved ones. My "adult child" wants to dive in to fix, save or rescue them from their pain. I know intellectually I can't do this; I shouldn't do it. Their pain is their journey. They must travel their own path. If along the way they amast more sympathizers with a similar journey to support them in their pain than I, then what does that say? I travel "the road less traveled". I always have. I don't want to save them; I want to be completely comfortable in my own skin. Does this desire make me selfish? I want to be able to defend myself in the moment when someone I love tries to hurt my feelings out of a reaction to their own "green monster". I study, read, take workshops, find spiritual mentors in hopes of growing in a positive direction. I am. It's just a lonely road sometimes. I don't think I'm selfish, but sometimes I wonder. I doubt. I question.

Dealing with the loneliness can be relatively easy at times, but at others it seems impossible. At those difficult moments, my heart aches so badly, I need to wrap my arms tightly around myself trying to stay the pain. I must stop thinking about this pain as an outward pain, and remind myself that it's source is inward. I must go inward much more often. That is where the healing and the knowledge lives. I know this, but fear keeps me from going there daily. Fear of what? That is the ultimate question I find difficult to answer. Life experiences in spiritual exploration have taught me there is no need to fear. Intellectually I know this, but my heart holds me back. I'm still working on this one.


The Self Work is my life process. I will continue to question until the day I die. I think that's what this journey is all about. Learning who I am. Really. The external, physical challenges our lives present us through the choices we make are the lessons we must learn. I think we decide before we come into this world what lessons we require; form alliances with other spiritual beings to help us in our quest on earth, then come here and do what we need to learn. Crazy? Who knows. None of us will really know until we return to our spiritual Home. Until then, I will continue searching for like-minded friends and allies wherever I go because having a support system is the key to success in any venture. None of us can do anything alone. We may think we can, and we may try. But, life is so much harder living it in isolation. Life is meant to be fun, happy and joyous. I truly believe this. Finding like beings to share it with only makes life easier. This belief is my Truth. Being comfortable in my Truth is my Journey. I hope I see you on the Path. Namaste.