On Saturday, I decided to cancel this piece, a piece that was to be a parody of our upcoming presidential election, comparing the drama and characters to a football game. However, when I was about to complete the first quarter, I realized I was heading in the wrong direction. I was turning into ‘them’…the candidates and the extremists supporting them.
This was supposed to be political satire, poking fun at both candidates with strong political overtones. I coined the following nicknames: Tan-Man, Puff Daddy, The Big Divider, Bouffant Boy. Sleepy Joe (borrowed this one), Delaware Joe, Aviator Joe, and Where am I Joe. The longer I wrote, the darker the prose. It was almost like someone else was guiding my keystrokes.
I found myself writing about divisiveness, hatred, violence, and this darkness that is covering our country. A darkness so dark I truly feel I may never live long enough to see a beautiful sunrise again.
With every paragraph, I became angrier and more sarcastic. Then, I stopped for a moment and thought, “Hell, I gave up name calling around the fifth grade, like most of us. This is taking me to a place I hate.” I took a break and went outside to listen to the birds, hoping to see our wild rabbit who has become friendly, and clear my thoughts. When I returned to my desk and read (again) what I had written, I knew it was time to stop. For I knew, if I continued, I would offend almost every half-way intelligent person who would read this piece. And, most of all, I would offend myself.
I wanted to make several points, but with soft sarcasm and thoughtful similes. What I ‘wanted’ became lost after the first paragraph. Therefore, this piece will never be finished, let alone published. However, I will keep a copy of the unfinished first quarter, as a reminder of what I do not want to become.
I leave you with these thoughts, “Our Democracy is based on many principles, two of which are ‘Rule of Law’ and ‘Majority Rules.’ Let us respect both! Accept the results of the election with dignity and grace. And, always remember…“We the people!”
