Politics is only the beginning

I think we are all weary of the primary season. Most of us are of an age where the temptation to be a cynic is impossible to resist. We live in a state where the State House too often leads to the Big House. Right now, the ineffectual lawmakers in Springfield have the State budget in a cryogenic state. Projects all over the Lincoln kingdom are on "pause" because no one is prepared to allocate funds. And closer to home, Toddy keeps streamlining basic county services so he can shift the costs saved to employ his pals. And ex-offenders. I believe in a second chance as much as the next person, but come on! Is there no shame in Cook County? The city is a system unto itself. Enough said.

On top of the local mess, we have recently lived through contentious campaigns, muddy election results, and the use of false data as the basis for a war. It is a small wonder that the message of change is seductive. It is also tragic that the mantra "cannot get any worse" is applied to all of the current candidates. We are setting the bar pretty low.

I have attempted to hold my heart back so I can get to the root of the candidates. I admire John McCain's tenacity and patriotism. I am awe-struck by the energy level and intelligence of Hilary Clinton. I am seduced by the possibilities inherent in sending a newbie to DC, and Obama's message of CHANGE appeals to me. Most of all, however, I am ear-weary of the talking heads and the microscopic attention paid to side issues. Pantsuits. Ministers. Tempers. Enough!

Just when I thought I could not be affected by the rhetoric or the verbiage, I saw a picture of Barack Obama, speaking to 65,000 people in Oregon. It is not the patina of the candidate that had me spellbound, it is the spirit of everyday Americans who were pressing together to be part of the process of electing our next leader. If they had shown up for another candidate, my reaction would be the same: how fortunate we are to live in a country where the power derives from the people. Sure, there are bumps and bruises, and sometimes the people may get it wrong or be temporarily blinded. Every four years, though, we get a "do-over".

In recent years, the art of politics has become a blood sport, and the art of statesmanship has evaporated. We will doom ourselves to more of the same if we do not encourage the art of compromise and cooperation. Obviously, there is much work to be done at this fragile time. No matter who ascends to power, I, for one, still have the audacity of hope. After voting in 8 presidential elections, however, it is tempered by reality. For our children's sakes, I am pulling for change.