Why the Election Matters, and Why Not To Worry
Editor's Note- Today's post is by Wilson Reynolds, a friend of mine who also runs his own blog, Political Pensées. He writes passionately about politics from his home in Illinois and enjoys following sports and current events.
I've met a few folks recently who have personally vowed to tune out of the political conversation for the remainder of the election cycle. Probably a good decision, right? After all, most people who have followed closely have begun to fear for the future of the American nation. But this presidential election holds such significance that it may be costly to not care.
I'm sure it's a cliché by now, but the American people are at a crossroads yet again. In the past, it's been a choice between liberal or conservative policies, a referendum on the appropriate size of government. This dynamic is certainly in play in the 2016 election, especially as the Democratic Party has been pushed far left of center by Bernie Sanders. Yet we all know that the story this year is Donald Trump. Just twelve short months ago, his campaign was simply fodder for political satire. Looking back, we realize that his primary campaign was to some extent an ideological one, fueled by supporters who had committed to a brash outsider, propelling him past countless scandals. Now Trump has both the status of a political revolutionary and the Republican Party standard-bearer.
Thanks to the Trump phenomenon, this election has evolved. Normally, the focal points of the election would be foreign policy or the economy or social issues or other concerns. There is no doubt these will play a large role this year. Yet 2016 will be a vote on leadership. America must decide which candidate is best equipped to lead the nation into the uncertain future. To be indifferent would be reckless, not to mention poor citizenship.
I'm not in the prediction business, nor am I prepared to endorse a candidate. But I do realize that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are not the greatest options in terms of leadership. If you're more than a little concerned, I understand. However, my hope is that America will refuse to be known as "Clinton's country" or "Trump's country." There's a reason that early Americans changed "God Save the King" not to "God Save the President" but instead to "My Country 'Tis of Thee". As Americans, our identity lies not simply with our leader, but rather in the great nation that We the People represent.
