By: LEAH DUDGEON
The probability that you’re going to affect the outcome of this election? Zero. The probability that you’re going to affect the outcome of the next chapter of your life with your family members? Pretty high”
Joe Pinkster (The Atlantis)
I use to be a very politically involved person. I was so consumed by the two Philippine Revolutions that, for months, I was glued to the news.
So twice in my life- we overthrew presidents and put in power new ones. We ousted two strongmen and installed women presidents in their place. We were all ecstatic – LIFE WILL BE BETTER – we thought.
After a few years, we realized, everything was just the same. The majority was used to propel a few to power. A few who were just as corrupt as the ones we ousted. It did not improve my bank account.
But the politics I knew in the Philippines is so different from what I see here in the US. To a certain extent, the two major political upheavals in the Philippines have united the country and our people to a singular goal- to oust blatantly corrupt leaders. We did it peacefully.
To most of us here in the US, we’ve been having memes, cruel jokes, disgusting comments and vile contents for breakfast. There is no day these past eight months that I haven’t seen people attacking friends, family, and strangers—because of politics.
I was shocked by the party loyalty of Americans that, most of the time, span generations. The party affiliations are clearly divided into Republicans and Democrats. It has also clearly divided the country – alienated friends and worst, families.
In a few days, we will have a new POTUS. November 4 will either be an early Christmas or Doomsday to Americans. I cannot help but reflect on these thoughts:
1. Value relationship over politics. Whoever wins this election – whether it’s Biden or Trump – it is only a 4-year term. It will be Trump’s last term and I don’t think Biden will run for reelection. Four years is not a good reason to create lifetime enemies from friends and family. The worst and saddest I’ve seen is the family of George and KellyAnn Conway.
2. Don’t let politics ruin your online reputation.Be aware of what you put into the world wide web. Are you about to risk offending clients? Maybe a potential employer? Always remember, your online behavior says a lot about you. So before you type your equally nasty response to your friends’ vitriolic comment, BREATHE, and ask – Is it really worth it?
3. Politics is a sensitive issue. Discuss it in private settings. Face-to-face with a friend it’s easier to clarify and explain your position to avoid offending people. Online- you can be misunderstood or even silently condemned.
4. While I have not turned apolitical- I have learned one thing. You cannot change a person’s political beliefs. It can only ruin relationships. I have kept my political views to myself.
When asked – I have a ready answer- “I am still a green card holder and cannot vote yet.” That gets me off the hook.
5. Raise politically smart kids. I have always encouraged my kids to have a political opinion and to be socially aware. In the past, I took them to political protests in the Philippines. I told them – history is happening. You cannot be on the sidelines. You need to be a part of it.
I encouraged political discussions at home. If kids can have a safe place to process their thoughts, get answers to their questions argue their concerns – we can raise critical thinkers who don’t need to vent and rant on their Facebook page.
6. In a few years, I can practice my right of suffrage. One thing is for sure, I will never vote for a party. While the values of one political party may align with mine, I will always scrutinize the values of a candidate as reflected in his lifestyle, speech, and demeanor.
It is so easy to piggyback on pious and moral platforms, but the bible says- from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
7. We are in control of our lives. I have learned that ultimately, we create our lives and fortunes. Whoever sits in power can affect what’s on Twitter and on the news – but I am still in still in control of my bank account.
America For Every Juan 
Thank you for your insight.
The president is not a Republican. He is a populist who ran on the Republican ticket. His greatest, most ruthless opposition comes from republicans, both in congress, and within the exectutive branch. Even when a third party gets on the ballot in all 50 states, they are excluded from the presidential debates (I won’t go into all the details of this.) Those who are inclined, can research it),
Trump has an —hole personality. He is very “in your face,” and easy to dislike (Super-‘Cano?). One has to deliberately separate the personality from the policies, and accomplishments to properly evaulate. I am NOT going to debate about it online, because that is NOT why I enjoy your wonderful posts . . . Just offering perspective.
Most Respectfully submitted,
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Thanks for the insights. As a new immigrant, I am still navigating my way around American politics. For one, party loyalty is so new to me – in the Philippines, we vote for the person, not the party. And up to now (as much as I’ve read about it) I still couldn’t wrap my head around the concept of electoral college. Pretty scary right now. Businesses are already boarding up – anticipating riots. It doesn’t feel like America these days.
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The idea behind the electoral college is to avoid concentrating ALL of the political power in a few large cities. With out it, New York, Chicago and California (urban) would elect the president of the united states. As it is the elites refer to the rest of us as living in “fly-over country” (you just ‘fly over’ it to get to NY or CA). It is the same basic idea that gives all states two senators. With out it many states would be political “back-waters” treated poorly by the central goverment. 0p“0
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As I was typing the above reply, the side-table that my keyboard sits on collapsed! I managed to rip-out the center drawer of my desk trying to catch the keyboard (didn’t know that drawer held so much junk. . . ).
To continue: The electoral college is the same principal as the U.S. Senate. It insures regional (state) representation. It(the senate) insures that all states will have an equal say in that chamber. With out these two provisions, the 13 states never would have signed the constitution and formed a common federal Govt. The electoral college is proportional to the population (unlike the Senate), but it does dilute the impact of the urban population centers. It prevents what out founders called “the tyranny of the majority.”
If you REALLY want to go off into the weeds, look what happens if the presidential election is decided by the congress . . .
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