Perception, Reality and Politics

I've done my best to stay out of the political mess that is the Presidential race in my home country of the USA.

I've sat back and watched the process over the past year with a large dose of cynicism, a fascination at how the actions of one of the candidates (pick one) effects "the people" directly and through the media.

I've listened to "talking heads" attempt to look intelligent in their analysis of the process and in defence of their chosen "champion".

I've seen friends of my youth take sides on social media, posting MEMS, videos and "secret" information that puts down the candidate they don't want to win in rather "unflattering" ways as "proof" that their candidate would be better.

I've been asked countless times by my Canadian friends "what's going on in your home country?" while expressing fear about what will happen after the election.  I'm thinking if Canadians are worried, the rest of the world likely is too.

 My fellow Americans we are being manipulated!

Anytime a campaign comes down to who's the least offensive, the one who's told the fewest lies and the one who's past "sins" are more acceptable, there is a problem.  Instead of focusing on what they will do for the country, both candidates and their supporters are spending all their time focusing on what the other candidate has done wrong in the past and why they're "unfit" for our nations highest position.

The perception is that they will change the "system" to help the average American.

The reality is that both have used the system to get where they are today and there is little evidence to show that will change in the future.

The perception that is being painted by both candidates is the country needs their expertise and help to strengthen America.

The reality is the power to change lies within the people of the USA and what is needed is a true leader.

The perception is that a leader is one who leads by example.

The reality is a leader is one who motivates others to rise up and meet or exceed their own expectations.

The perception is that a change or addition of laws will make things better.

The reality is that it will take individual action on the part of each one of us to make things better.

I don't have answers to the problems that exist in the world today, however I do know that my home country is far better than what the two candidates in this current presidential race represent.    Let's face it, we're stuck with the winner for the next 4 years and I hope that this "lesson" will pave the way for a process whereby the true leaders of our country will stand up and pave a way to bring the country's citizens together instead of dividing us.

Now for the "real" Talking Heads - Slippery People

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Is it November yet?

I know it's only the end of September and October begins tomorrow, however I want November to get here as fast as possible for two reasons.

The first reason is a return trip to Baja with some good friends for two weeks of playing in the dirt, sand, silt and sun, with a few beach days thrown in.

Baja is one of those magical places where time has little meaning, unless it siesta time.

"Idiot" laws don't exist so there are few idiots to be found.

The "social" network is what takes place at the local cantina, which is usually a brick structure with a corrugated, rusted, metal roof.  If you're in the cantina, your part of the network.

The food of the gods, namely street tacos, can be found everywhere.  The further outside the tourist areas the better they taste.

And, if you're into anything that involves playing in the dirt, hiking, biking, motorcycling or 4X4ing, Baja is a huge playground!

The other reason is the US elections!  It's about time this third rate circus act comes to an end.  I'm at the point where I really don't care who wins as both candidates and their cronies have done a fabulous job of further dividing the country and it's time to try and bring the country back together, which will be a daunting task regardless of who wins.

Both sides have taken mud slinging, back stabbing, closet hunting for skeletons and fear mongering to a new level.  This has been further amplified by CNN, Fox, MSNBC, etc... and their endless lineup of talking heads who's "expertise" will fade away the instant a winner is announced.

I'll be leaving for Mexico the day after the election so it will be an interesting and exciting time.



Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Politics...

I'll admit that I've taken an interest in the 2016 Presidential race in the United States, my home country.  I've lived the last 26 years in Canada and watching this race from north of the border, while being asked by friends in Canada what I think has been "interesting".

My interest has been less about the positions and views of the candidates and more about the "marketing" that's being done and what's "working" on the consumers (voters).

After the Republican debate last night (March 3, 2016), my advice to the voters would be to get your money back and find a set of candidates that have some self respect and who have intelligence enough to discuss and debate the issues at hand and not the size of one of the candidates hands.

The childish behavior that took place in this debate should sicken voters who should demand their candidates to show leadership, if they even have it in them.  Americans deserve more from their leaders then what they're getting now and if this is the best that are willing to step forward, Republican and Democrat, it's time for a change to the current system.

Better yet, perhaps it's time for people to step up as a whole and make their own communities better, showing the "leaders" how it's done.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker