So, as the election nears, I thought I would pass on this family story. One of my parents is a huge democrat … the other a loyal republican. For this story, it doesn’t really matter which is which. During the times when politics are discussed in our home and I am, or my brothers are witnesses, the scene plays out like this: My dad begins by dissing the opposition, heaping praise on his party of choice and slowly working himself into a political frenzy. As his face turns a bright red, he shouts out party slogans. No research needed. What is said in commercials produced by his party are 100% true … the opposing party ads are “Lies, lies, nothing but a bag full of lies!” All the while, just a few feet away from his fury, my mother sits quietly reading. After about 15 minutes of ranting, my dad stops to take a deep breath. At that moment, my mom closes her book, glances over her reading glasses, and quietly says, “And then I go into the booth and cancel out his vote.” My father storms out of the room and my mother continues her reading. As far as I know this has been going on during their over 60 years of marriage. They still are very much in love despite their political differences. So, to all my Facebook friends who continue to spew the propaganda of their party of choice and post their political messages … just remember this: Somewhere, someone is reading a book, watching a movie, or quietly enjoying the day just waiting to go into that booth in November and CANCEL your vote. I may be that person. But just like my parents … I still love you.
---Spiff Carner
