Dad Revisited

We’ve been watching the debates this season. We are not normally political people, but this season things have seemed… different.

My wife has VERY strong convictions about who should lead the nation. I agree with her, but I am not as strong in my convictions. It seems that our children agree with us. However, I wonder if they believe what they say, or if they are swayed but what my wife says.

I say that with great care. When it comes to this election, my wife has little love for the opposing party. The last few weeks have been especially troubling, and she believes the blame sits squarely with the Republicans. Let me say that I agree with her on many of the things that she says. I also should add that I know we are not the only influence on their politics However, when I talk about the issues, I try to be neutral and offer both sides, even if it means playing devil’s advocate. I want my children to make their own choices, but it’s difficult to do when you feel very strongly about the issues. A parent is influential even when they don’t know it. “Careful the things you say. Children will listen.”

Some folks think that their children should espouse the same views that they have. It seems that the folks who are most influential on their children are further from the center. I am a bit closer to the center than many, and as such I have been known to agree with either Republican or Democratic ideals, depending on the issues. Until recently, I was a registered Independent. My wife convinced me that I should register with a party so I might vote in the primaries. I registered as a Democrat. That doesn’t mean that I disagree with all Republican ideals.

I think John McCain is a good man. I think McCain is more of a centrist than he appears to be these days, but he knows you don’t win an election from the center. Obama knows this as well. As we get closer to the election, they move to the left and right. You have to get to people on the issues they feel most passionately about. I have a problem with all of the rhetoric during campaign season. As such, I try very hard to make sure my kids know the issues, and that we have open and non-judgmental discussions so they can know the issue from all sides.

I just wish the guys and girl would get a little more specific on all that they wish to do. My dad always says “compare apples to apples.” It’s getting difficult to do when both sides keep serving up oranges, lemons, and bananas.