The Butler Says…

Well, the presidential election of 2012 is over and it seems that a lot of people are quite dissatisfied with the results. Where do we go from here? Here are my thoughts if you care to read any further.

First, let me say that I did not vote for President Obama’s re-election. While this is not a post on the “politics” of the election, I had my reasons and an online post by a friend late last night captures them well.

All I’ll say is that I would actually be able to breathe watching this celebration if our national debt wasn’t 5 trillion, GDP wasn’t 33% less than it was in 2010, and our country wasn’t even more divided than it was 4 yrs ago. 4yrs ago I took a positive approach and said “Let’s just make this work” based upon the hope our country seemed to have. It is going to be a sad sight to watch this country hemmorhage jobs in 2013 when our major corporations turn around and collectively give us the finger.

Politics aside, I am astounded that billions of dollars were spent on years of campaigning and we wound up with the same Republican controlled House of Representatives, the same Democratic controlled Senate and the same President. I feel frustrated that we seem to be bound for another presidential term of gridlock in our nation’s capital and that little, if anything productive will be accomplished. BOOM! Then it hits me. Our elected officials are reflections of us in the sense that we ‘the people’ voted for them. In the sense that we are pushing the button to vote on people who we feel represent our personal agendas.

So today, on the day after I’m left with the thought that if I am dissatisfied with the direction of our country and the policies that our elected officials do (or don’t!) pursue, then meaningful change must begin with me. For did I not vote based on my own personal agenda?

To effect change in my own life and my piece of the world, I reckon I need to honestly answer these questions. What have I done to help improve my country, state or local community? What have I done to help a neighbor or someone in my community who is in need? Have I done anything at all to help make my own world better? Will I set personal political preference aside and work with others in my own piece of the world to make a difference?

It seems to me that (whichever side of the aisle one is on) if we have a problem with the gridlock in DC, maybe each of us individually should address the gridlock and lack of action it reflects in our own lives and work to change and better our nation by helping those we can, when we can, where we are at! Government will never be able to impact a life with the power that an individual can bring to the table!

So as we move past the election, no matter how satisfied (or dissatisfied) we are with the outcome, can we each  determine to personally change the world each day? can we not say “I will help someone today.”? Can we not say “I don’t care what your politics are, I’m here when you need me.”?

We should honor our president. We should pray for his success and that he is able to accomplish many great things for our country. We should also strive to  personally embody the change we long for in our government.  Maybe then and only then will the gridlock in DC be broken because then the reflection of us in our elected officials would be much different.