I often rail against those who are given a free pass for making bad choices, somehow their choices that have put them and others in bad situations become my fault, or society’s fault, or anyone’s fault but their own. We all have the opportunity to make good choices and bad choices—most of us are fortunate to mostly make good choices, and accept responsibility when our choices produce bad results. Today, I want to speak to those who have made choices that I may not agree or support—but respect. Choices some may call bad and some may call good.
Tuesday I made a choice. With many choices available I had to choose one. So did (most of) you, you made a choice—one choice out of many choices available. I take my freedom to vote and choose who will represent me very seriously. I think that my ability to choose, my decision to choose and ultimately my choice is very important. But as important as the choice I make is, my respecting your choice is even more important—even if your choice was different than my own.
I do not need to agree with your choice for whom to vote, and I may not always agree with your reasoning for your choice; but I always try to understand that reasoning and I do respect your choice. This respect in the voting booth is foundational to the success of our democracy and our nation. Over time no one “wins” every election, but collectively we do win every time through our peaceful transition of power and continuity of governance at all levels. The candidate whom I support may not win the election—I will be disappointed but ultimately I need to continue to exercise my freedom to vote and acknowledge the freedom of others to do the same and recognize my role in the process and accept the outcome with respect for those who “won.” This respect over two centuries has allowed us to become the greatest nation on earth, and while perfection is impossible to achieve we are closer than any other in our pursuit. No other nation has the continuity of peaceful transition of leadership and constitutional governance as the United States of America.
The past two decades we have seen a tremendous erosion of respect for the choices Americans have made in the voting booths. “Professionals” have bred, fed and nurtured a cult of disrespect for those whose choices do not match their own—and galvanized followers to behave similarly. Us versus Them diatribes and instant opposition to others have transformed our national politics from offering diverse ideas and solutions for debate to schoolyard squabbles, nastiness and name-calling. There are no good ideas unless “my guy” presents them—no discussion of alternative solutions, no presentation of facts or proposals, just flat out opposition, slander and distortions to generate support. A disrespect of the votes cast by those whose choices did not match their own substitutes for civil discourse in opposition and presentation of alternatives. Labeling and name-calling substitute for ideas and policy.
To quote Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Tuesday’s gone with the wind,” and with it is the chance that either Presidential nomination will be sewn up before the party conventions. We are heading into a historic summer where it is very likely both the Republican and Democratic Conventions will actually be about choice and determining who will represent each of the parties in November. Because of this we face several more months of campaigning—several more months of internecine insults, distortions and characterizations. Several more months of Democrats to disrespect the choices made by other Democrats, and Republicans to do the same—all in an effort to win.
Whichever candidates emerge from the national conventions in Minneapolis-St Paul and Denver will have been badly battered by members of their own party, providing ammunition for the other party to continue the battering. Very negative, spiteful and disrespectful statements will be made—all to encourage us to make a choice.
Between now and November, millions of Americans will exercise their freedom of choice in voting booths, most likely historic numbers of Americans will exercise this right. In November we will get to choose again. Important choices for all of us as each of our individual choices will ultimately determine America’s choice. I respect each choice, regardless of the result. Disagree, perhaps. Support, perhaps. Respect, absolutely.
Join me in demanding this respect for your choice and your Democratic neighbor’s choice, and your Republican co-worker’s choice, and your Libertarian brother in-law’s choice—regardless of what that choice is.
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