My wonderful niece, Kristen, voted for the first time yesterday. Today she posted this question, that I want to share with you. She understands an important part of the big picture, but due to her age, she doesn’t understand the other part.
“This is the first year I’ve been old enough to vote, so I’m not sure if this happens every election, but do the losing candidate supporters always act like it’s the end of the world?? If so, this country is full of babies. Grow up, you will survive”
I think so highly of my thoughtful, and insightful niece. She has so much on the ball, and I think that she has a bright future. Since I feel that way about her, I wanted to give her a bit of my insights on her thoughtfully stated opinion. I share it below. But today I also want to say this: stay committed to what you believe in, but please be kind. We only progress as a group if we strengthen the weakest links. We cannot permit the politicos and politicians to keep us fighting. There is good in the folks on each side. We must work with each other.
Here is what I told my niece.
“yes, Kristen, they do. Here is why: those that get incredibly involved in a cause they are passionate about believe that their cause is extremely important for the future. Many of them invest a lot of time and money to try to get out the vote for their candidate or cause. If they didn’t believe that strongly in it, they would not have volunteered, contributed and more. It is so much more important to the winners and losers than, for instance, an Ohio State University Buckeye football game. Neither the winners, nor the losers, in this race will handle it gracefully, I fear. The supporters of the losers will survive. Their concern is that many of the principles they hold dear will be forever lost. It is a big deal to both sides. and yes, both sides need to play nice. They won’t, but they definitely need to. I am so happy to have you join the voting ranks”.
Believe Anyway 
seems to me (I am not American but it also applies to UK) that you listen to the promises and then later watch them filter down the drain.
One can never be sure that you are doing the right thing..you just have to go with your instincts
you sure do have to go with your instincts. PLUS we have to keep in mind that each elected official has to depend on all the other elected officials. no solitary official can do it alone. they have to work together…
Wise words Kate. Tell your niece I’m proud of her for voting. Too many young people don’t.
thanks so much—and i will tell my niece! she is a wonderful young lady. i am so proud of my nieces and nephews. it is kind of amazing to see them all becoming adults…
Our society has lost the art of being gracious losers. Sadly, the winning side isn’t gracious either. A championship sports team’s big win is likely cause for a riot in the winning’s team’s city while the losing team’s fans scream the game was “fixed”, the referees “cheated” and lawsuits should be filed.
I am horrified at the things I read this morning from those in both presidential candidates’ camps. President Obama’s more fanatical, and even some of the not-very fanatical, followers were mean, ugly and profane as they cheered his win and vilified those who dared to oppose their opinion and choice. At the same time many of the rabid and mildly rabid Romney followers used the same tone and language to question the sanity, intelligence and ability to think clearly to talk about the president’s supporters. I was embarrassed at what I read and especially so, when I saw many of those spewing filth are those I know who profess to be Christians.
Tell her welcome to the ranks of the US voters but to expect more of what she’s seeing and hearing today with each election.
i think she is feeling exactly that way. it is a rude awakening to truly see that huge imperfections in the adult world, when you are just becoming part of that world. heck, it’s shocking for us! i agree. you just want to say to them all, come ON! Let’s roll up our sleeves, make the best of things, and be NICE!!! stop the brat talk, etc…argh, Kathy….if the would all onl listen to us, right?
You and your niece are both so wise! I hope we all calm down soon…I’ve heard some of the most hateful things said and it grieves me. I am so glad I finally read your post. It’s so on point and helpful to me! 🙂
Debra—I hope we all calm down soon, too. It would be good if both sides could be gracious, work together, and let each other have some of what they deeply desire. It seems that some people’s animosity knows no bounds. With you setting a wonderful example in your town and each of us attempting to do the same, we CAN turn this old ship around.