People often ask me why I don’t write politics. Here’s my list:
1. It’s B O R I N G… for the most part. Whether it’s me or another writer, we have heard everything about it thousands of times. Every day. Every night.
If you have insomnia, read a political opinion piece. It’s more effective than opium. And more destructive. I have yet to hear anything new in several years.
2. It’s 95% emotion and 5% information. Americans love to fly the flag of their favorite ideology and party… right or wrong. It’s a stupid way to run a country. I remember a bumper sticker back in the Vietnam days that literally read, “MY COUNTRY RIGHT OR WRONG”.
NOOOO! I not only support my country (Many of my friends call me an American chauvinist), but…NO! That doesn’t mean I gave the government my permission to do bad stuff. They can kiss it.
3. People will vote for a rotten sack of flesh just because he or she is in their party, and pass up a competent and decent candidate because that one isn’t. I only vote for the man (or woman). Period.
The sheriff of my county has been in office for a decade or more. He has expanded the Sheriff’s Department and it’s a large well oiled machine and the county is one of the safest in the nation.
If my life is in danger I call 911 and a BUNCH of cop cars will show up in about four minutes, driven mostly by big well armed deputies. And maybe a helicopter. I’ve seen it happen many times for other people. His deputies are very well trained and most have degrees in law enforcement-related courses.
He is a Democrat and I vote for him every single time. Some friends of mine won’t. Personally I don’t care where he stands on “global warming” or “transgender issues” (not that he gives that stuff much attention). He does his job. That’s all I ask.
My county commissioner is an old timey politician. If you have a problem as a constituent he drops by your house to help you work it out. He is also a Black Republican and a decent guy. My Democrat friends wouldn’t vote for him if their lives depended on it. I don’t care what he thinks about abortion, pronouns or Kamala’s weird laugh. The man does his job. That’s all I ask.
I am not a member of any party. As a comedian once said, “I refuse to join any organization who would lower their standards to have me as a member.” I am independent.
Since I turned 21 decades ago, I have been a card carrying member of both of the criminal organizations… off and on. No more.
My first vote in 1972, when I was a young very left wing disgraced ex-student was for George McGovern. His stats in the election:
States won: 1
Electoral count: Nixon – 520. McGovern – 17
As you can see, not a good idea to rely on me to tell you who to vote for.
Most of my election votes over the decades kinda went like that.
I have my opinions on all the issues, like everyone else, but it’s not my place to beat you over the head with them. At this point in time I’m not going to change your outlook. And you’re not going to change mine.
The only thing that will save us is humor… and its mother: the truth.
I’m just a miner with my pickaxe, crawling through the dark holes breaking the worthless rock.
To find that little piece of gold: a funny story.
Thom Caraccio ([email protected]) is a retired musician and retired motion picture scenic artist living in West Palm Beach, Florida who hails from Columbus. He graduated from S.D. Lee High in 1968 and still considers Columbus his real hometown.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
