I'm just back on KOS after a 2 year absence. I left because I couldn't stand it any longer. Not that I disagreed with the people here - I couldn't stand the constant frustration and anger I felt from being reminded of how screwed up our country is in so many ways. I had to take a sabbatical, focus on the pleasant, non-political aspects of life - and refuse to read or discuss news - just to keep my sanity. Am I alone, or is this a malady affecting many in our country?
My husband is fond of pointing out the extremely low voter turnout rates in the US. In our state of Texas, the turnout is abysmal. He blames it on stupid voters. But I wonder how many are like me, just too tired to try any longer?
I still vote, and get enough information to vote intelligently, but I avoid current politics other than that. It is such a contrast from the heady days before President Clinton's election when I first became a precinct chair and drove people to the polls. Such a contrast from the days before President Obama's election. I was a delegate to our state convention for then-candidate Obama. I was moved to tears when he was elected - it was proof that young people and minorities and those of us who wanted change could make a difference. At least, that's what I thought at the time.
But, now? Congress blocks every attempt at useful legislation. The state legislators seem to get worse and worse. The Republican congress members are good for nothing except punch lines - and tears.
I know we can't just stop trying. I know that these things are cyclical. We had to endure the Bush years between President Clinton and President Obama. But, I think we are in need of inspiration again. We need something to remind us again that there is "a place called hope", as President Clinton did. We need something to remind us that "yes, we can" make a difference, as President Obama did in his first campaign. I don't hear that inspiration now.
I admire Hillary Clinton. I would be proud to have her as our first female president. But, she doesn't seem to have Bill Clinton's talent for inspiration and, right now, I think we are desperately in need of a dose of inspiration.