Another Election Done

Empire State Building Photo by CNN
Despite a hurricane, fights over voting rights and annoyances over voting procedures, the people have spoken.

I don't mind living in a country with at least two political parties.  It's called a democracy.  And I don't mind living in a pluralistic society.  That's called the 21st century.  With the election over, let's get back to compromise and respecting differences.  As President Obama said, we are not red states and blue states, we are the United States.

We live in hard times, not just here at home, but all over the world.  People need hope, jobs and opportunities to take care of their families.  I know I'm not alone in wanting to see politicians and everyone else work together for our common good.  Why is New Jersey's Governor Christie being attacked for praising the President's quick response to Sandy?  

I was a congressional intern in Washington, D.C. at a time when U.S. Senators from opposing parties fought one another all day to get their bills passed, then socialized with one another after hours.  Ted Kennedy and Orrin Hatch were from opposing parties and good friends.  Compromise wasn't considered a weakness, but the way to get legislation passed.  It's how our political system is set up to work.  As we begin a new session of Congress, let's aim higher than gridlock, rise above special interests and political parties and solve difficult problems.  There is no shortage of problems to solve!  

In a world that is always changing, where people are multicultural, let's all try to rise above fear and ignorance and a single point of view.  Sometimes life is fair, sometimes not; however a little compassion goes a long way.  Staying informed and working together is the only way to get things done.  

It will be interesting to see what tactics, President Obama comes up with in the next 4 years to force Congress to get more done.  (Hmm?  Lock vexing members in a room?  Sauce inflexible ones up with White House beer?  Take away office heat until resolutions are reached?  Yeah, that's the one!)  Regardless of politcal leanings, critics describe Obama as a smart and measured problem-solver.  Out of adversity there is potential for greatness.  Obviously, for democracy to work our leadership must succeed.
NBC News created this map using the skating rink at Rockefeller Center.  Photo by Bobby Ghosh, snapped the morning after the election, November 7, 2012
You gotta love Florida.  (See map.)  Fortunately, it wasn't decisive in this race.  After a very loooong day of voting, the state has not been called.  Late last night, NBC's Chuck Todd said poll workers had gone home and planned to continue the next day.  (The heck with counting votes!)  Other reports had Floridians still voting during the President's victory speech!  (Time he took the stage: shortly after mid-night.)  Election officials promised to do better next time.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Madewell Summer Dresses

Image
It's a scientistic fact: The Earth is getting warmer.  New York City is expected to hit 94 degrees F today!    Madewell , a sister company of J. Crew, has summer dresses to keep you cool during any heat wave ahead. The style is casual smart. In a nutshell: Comfortable, flattering and effortless. Here are three to consider because we like looking at dresses, don't we?: 1) The  Fern Silk Faux Wrap Dress above ↑ in spiced rose has slender straps, a v-neck and pleats with a stylish flowing bottom. 2) Lakeshore Button Back Dress - A brilliant royal blue shift dress with a V-neck back and oversized buttons make the viscose fabric dress super cute. 3) Strawberry Print Pintuck Ruffle Dress - Chic black canvas featuring strawberry prints. It's 100% cotton. A split square neck with a ruffle outline makes it fun to be a lady! Simple ... with unexpected details, no? Stylin' in the summer heat! Do you have a favorite? You may also enjoy: Lulus Is On Trend Fashion   ...
Read more

Irish Soda Bread: Sweet Or Savory?

Image
Photo by  All About Food I can't claim much Irish ancestry, but aren't we all Irish on St. Patrick's Day?  I do love meat and potatoes, Irish stew, cabbage, root vegetables and Irish soda bread.  I started making soda bread because it tastes similar to buttermilk biscuits, but you can substitute healthier ingredients: like butter instead of lard and whole grain flour in lieu of all white flour.  Soda bread is delicious served warm.  Here is my recipe: Irish Soda Bread For Savory Ingredients: 3 cups whole wheat flour 1 cup all purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 eggs, lightly beaten 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed 1 ¼ cups buttermilk -  I use low fat (1.5% milkfat). optional: 1/3 cup caraway seeds For Sweet You will add  ½ cup sugar, 1 cup raisins. (= Irish American soda bread) Directions: 1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Stir the first 5 dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. 3. Mix ...
Read more

PureFlow Q17 Fan

Image
The PureFlow Q17 fan is an investment, but at $99 it is about 1/3 less than other bladeless fans. Although compact, it puts out a powerful airflow. In lieu of only 3 fan speeds, there are 12 speeds. You can easily sit it on the floor, or on top of a piece of furniture. And sans blades, no need to worry about curious children or pets getting hurt. The fan is designed to circulate air throughout an entire room. It vertically tilts 90 degrees and has a 90 degree horizontal oscillation. This keeps the air flowing in every direction. Moreover, a heavy smoker lives above me, who oddly enough, smokes at 3:00ish am and 5:30ish am every morning. What a nightmare at such vulnerable hours. The cigarette smoke migrates into my apartment and makes it hard to breathe, so I sleep with the fan sitting on a foot stool, pointed up at the ceiling. It does only some good (and I worry she will burn the place down during hours the rest of us are sleeping.) How I wish this mindless,   nocturnal being ...
Read more