A few thoughts on Election Day plus 1

 

It is Election Day plus 1 in America, and many contests remain undecided as of noon in Illinois. 

The day after an election is usually one of elation for some and soul-crushing disappointment for others. Not long ago most understood, whether a winner or loser, it was time to accept the results and move forward. Many had a hard time moving forward in 2016, and some never made peace with the idea that Trump was president.

And now we don't know for certain if Biden won, or if Trump earned a second term. Commentators already are comparing the 2020 election to the one conducted in 2000 and say we might not know the outcome until January. I hope not.

Like many Americans, I am ready for this election cycle to be over. I consider myself an independent and try to avoid partisan politics. All of this partisan gamesmanship is tedious to me. May it all be gone.

I'm not big on political party affiliations and labels. I like candidates who try to tell me the truth and at least give me the impression they're not looking to steal public money. Yes, my bar is set rather low, but it works for me. I admit that most of the candidates I like lose their races. That's one of the many reasons why I avoid many predictions about election results or anything else. 

I'm not big on identity politics. I like elected officials who strive to work for the common good, regardless of sex, color and all that other stuff. Those kind of candidates are hard to find these days, I think.

That stated, I also have a pretty good sense of what it is beyond my control, and the outcome of elections are generally far beyond my control. I do my part, but I try not to get emotionally invested in elections.

So if your favorite candidate won yesterday, congratulations. If your man or woman lost, sorry for the defeat and better luck next time. If the contest you are most interested in is still undecided, may patience be with you.

I find peace in the thought that the outcome is part of God's big plan, and I will look for the silver linings in whatever the days ahead offer us. 

-- Thank you for reading. Comments and questions are always welcome. Post them here or email me at kbotterman@gmail.com.