Dear Editor: I cannot imagine there is one of us who won’t be significantly relieved by the arrival of Nov 8, Election Day.
Not to say that the outcomes will be satisfying for all of us, but we likely will welcome the alleviation of distress invoked by excessive, noxious campaign ads that have proliferated broadcast media throughout the past several months.
Seemingly our reality is that today’s world is in a state of chronic crisis, whereby all people are struggling to cope with the stress of uncertainty on multiple fronts. Moreover, embattled politicians have contributed to widespread cynicism whereby we are left distrustful of their sincerity or integrity.
It’s easy to feel pessimism regarding politics. Yet, if we collectively acknowledge fundamental choices inherent on Election Day and adopt an authentic introspective approach through a process of discernment, we can assuage our angst with equanimity. Even though we may feel uncertain as to “the right choices,” by employing introspection, by examining our own thoughts and feelings grounded within a framework of core values like justice, equality and fairness, as we cast our votes we can do so with a sense of congruence.
Realize that the act of voting is our most fundamental form of civic engagement. If we all do so with a focus on issues relevant to daily life and not political party affiliations, we can have the personal satisfaction of knowing that the outcomes are a result of a most authentic process.
Peter Wibell, Rutledge