It's Just An Alternate Universe.....

America's political "season" is always interesting.....and it seems to last forever. Most years I don't listen to the noise (or try not to) and begin to concentrate once the parties select their candidates and we can begin to compare the policies and record of each candidate in order to try to make an informed decision.

Pretty hard to ignore the noise this year....and impossible for me not to comment. Presidential politics seems to have found a new reality and we're all being sucked into the "discussion". Or rather the finger-pointing and the name-calling and the third grade playground bully behavior that highlights much of the process. So many times, as I watch a candidate on TV making some ridiculous comment and then see the competition's angry response my jaw drops. These are the men who want to lead America?

Early on as one candidate (who shall remain nameless here or I might get a notice from his lawer that he's suing me) began to speak out I thought to myself "This is a joke." "He can't be serious." "No one can seriously support him."

I'm not laughing anymore.....he's got me convinced that the Party of Lincoln is about to nominate an unqualified blowhard to lead their race for the Oval Office. He's responding to the masses and the fact that they are fed up with politics as usual (as am I) but he's also fanning the anger and the fear and the prejudices that divide us. He's using our "worst" sides to grease his slide right into the White House.

So now I'm worried and frankly frightened for America's future. I simply cannot imagine this man as President. As leader of the free world......as a serious, knowledgeable, experienced voice in our more and more complex and worrisome world. A candidate with no specific policy discussions. How does he really think the leader of another country will respond when he says, "Do it my way or else!" A candidate who just says, "I can do it just because I can" isn't saying much.........but sadly, maybe he's saying enough. He's saying what his supporters want to hear....even if it doesn't make much sense.

I will walk into the voting booth in April for Wisconsin's primary election and again in November for the general election. I will make my selection and hope that my vote counts. Please let my vote count.

Please.