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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Politics? Sort of


It was hard to completely avoid the back-slapping mutual admiration society that is a political party convention these last couple of weeks. "We're great and the other guys (and a few token women) really suck" seems to be the basic message. It is still mostly old white guys deciding what should happen. Even as an old white guy I find it appalling. After the Republican convention I had a picture in my mind, but it wasn't quite clear. I was reminded of something I had seen in the past, but could not put a finger on it. Thanks to the interweb and the many great minds out there in cyberspace someone had brought that picture to clarity. You may have seen it already, but for the sake of clarifying my own thoughts, here it is.

I knew there was something familiar about those guys!

I have voted in all the major elections in the last forty years or so as I felt it was my civic duty. The reality is that voting is like buying a lottery ticket. It makes you feel good and gives you hope for just a few hours or days, but in the end nothing much changes and life just goes on. No big cash rewards, no more security or even better health care. Any changes that come are very gradual and mostly unnoticeable. Tax increases or cuts are not noticeable for someone of my income. Two or three dollars a week doesn't make much difference other than helping to offset the price fluctuations of gasoline, or not.

I usually don't go into politics much here because there are more eloquent and intelligent people that do it much better. A recent post from Robert the Skeptic asked to share this video. And a good point it makes.





The leaves are changing and the bright colors of summer are starting to fade. I tried to catch a little splash of color by the greenhouse and I think I did.
Even though it is Saturday I sometimes have to work at my day job. It's not too bad, really, but sometimes the rewards of just going to and from town are quite enjoyable. Rush hour is about 4 vehicles on the road at the same time. Most of the vacationer families have gone home and school has started for most of the school kids and college kids. The crowds of summer have dwindled except for the leaf lookers over the next month or so. Usually they only come on the weekends. About halfway home I stopped and looked back toward the little town where I work and took this pic (with a vintage lens). Even though work was busy, the ride home was quite calming.

   
It has been very busy around the farm and I have not been keeping up with all the blogs I love to read. Most of you know who you are. I should be able to catch up soon. Thank you all for your comments. It is good to know that when you reach out a little there are those who understand. Sharing joys and struggles is part of the human experience and I appreciate all that has been shared.







15 comments:

  1. The change of seasons always seems to bring a flurry of activity. Autumn is the time to get all of the unfinished summer projects completed. But I still like it the most of all the seasons. Or, as Lois Lenski put it:

    "Now it's fall, just the nicest time of all."

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  2. Oh, the politics can drive you crazy if you let it. Much saner option is to look for the color, the beautiful lake views and get the fall chores started. I had not seen the comparison photos...that's great. Take care, enjoy that beauty all around you up there. The snow will be there soon enough.

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  3. That video was a great summary! It reminded me of a sign someone posted on Facebook the other day... "If you don't believe in government perhaps you shouldn't run for it."

    I love fall - up in New York, it was my favorite season. Here in Florida, however, we just call it "still summer."

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  4. I think I'm experiencing deja vu. I believe I've seen that last photo, or maybe the who commute thing before. Am I nuts?

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  5. Love how the beautiful scenery makes the pictures of the candidates look so insignificant.

    -Also I think Herman Munster was way cooler than Romney. ;)

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  6. What a great post!!!

    And I'm pretty bad at posting, too. My only excuse is that Obama is taking a lot of my time and that probably gratifies some and horrifies others. Do I care?

    Glad you came by today. I really am trying to catch up. That video is awesome -- in an sad sort of way! I keep trying to figure out if these people did anything but sleep in civics class.

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  7. Politics is too infuriating for me to spend much time over it, except in election year. Bummer! Your election is coming up. So, keep that blood pressure down, vote and hope for the best.

    Much better to concentrate on nature and the wonders she provides for us. Such as your gorgeous view.

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  8. Amen to the metaphor.... keep buying lotto tix and keep voting. The law of averages says that it HAS to work eventually, right? :-)

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  9. That video was great! As for old white guys running everything, we have the same problem up here. I would love to see anyone other than some rich white dude running my country...

    Love your splash of colour by the greenhouse!

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  10. "It is still mostly old white guys deciding what should happen. Even as an old white guy I find it appalling. "
    Love this!!
    Happy fall, Jono. :)

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  11. Those photos are a riot.

    I wouldn't say that one votes and nothing happens. Especially when there are such clear differences. People (and judges) voted in George Bush, and right off the bat Cheney went into a huddle with the fossil fuel magnates and probably sealed our fate then and there, the bastard. You can't say things wouldn't have been different with Gore. When the person we want wins, change is incremental for sure. But it matters. (I know you agree.)

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  12. Of course I agree Murr. Sometimes my cynicism shows through, but I will be voting again despite myself.

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  13. What a gorgeous view. I can see how the drive home is calming.

    There is such a stark contrast between approach an ideology, I think who wins the election this time around matters as much now as it ever has. And in light of recent political implosions, I'm finally starting to enjoy myself.

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  14. I remember the picture you posted of last winter of horses and a snow crusted barnyard. Now we're looking at fall color. Is it possible? Time is relentless and just keeps moving along.
    I know what you mean about politics, although, I have to admit, I look forward to what funny thing Mitt is going to blurt each day.

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  15. Personally, I find politics a waste of time. We all know, or should, what Obama wants to do and what Romney wants to do. It'd be nice if they were only allowed one sheet of paper to list what they think, how they feel, and what they plan to do and then pass it out to all the voters. And, that's all they could do. Anything more is a waste of time.

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