What I Learned From Not Watching the Debates

I didn't watch the debate last night or the one before it.  In fact, I didn't watch the VP debate either.  (Well, technically I watched 9 minutes of that one, but I don't think that really counts. ) Instead, I watched Acts of Valor, Downton Abbey, and, Shadowlands, respectively.  Before you condemn me as a card carrying member of the apathetic set, let me assure you that I read the transcripts the next day and thoroughly examined my facebook and twitter account for all pertinent information. :)  What did I learn? AMERICA IS AWESOME.  Seriously.  I know there are lots of things that are very, very, very imperfect and even downright wrong about our country, but, on the whole, this entire election process shows that we've still got it.

When the band of patriots launched our revolution in 1776, the idea of a republic by the people and for the people wasn't a new one, necessarily, but it sure wasn't a popular one.  Not to put too sentimental a face on it, but our forefathers, facing horrible odds, did a bang up job creating a government that would attempt to balance man's natural tendencies toward greed, power and violence and create an atmosphere of peaceful political discourse.  (side note: I think the inclusion of this line in the Declaration of Independence is genius: that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new governement, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.  It effectively allows for revolution, therefore taking it off the table.  Somehow, when something is legal its a lot less appealing.  Nice reverse psychology TJ! )  Anyway... despite the name calling and ugly, negative campaign ads, our process is most definitely a peaceful one.  Our debates, while testy and heated, don't result in bloodshed.  You can publish, tweet, FB, or yell from the rooftops how horrid you think our president or wanna be president is, and no one will come to take you away.  Want to stand outside the Supreme Court or the White House and protest for months on end? Go for it. Feel like making angry phone calls or sending disgruntled letters wishing a pox on Congress and all their household. Knock yourself out. (Just don't send any literal pox.) In fact, wallowing in our freedom and mocking our elected, or possibly elected officials, has become an art form and, in true American style, a big business.

Are there parts of our system that need tweaking? (Read: Electoral College.) Absolutely. The beautiful thing is we can do it without fear of retribution, intimidation, or imprisonment.  As Mr. Jefferson stated, its our right to alter the system. We are the system. That is a beautiful, beautiful thing.

This January, when the president, whoever he may be, is sworn in on the steps of the Capitol, a united group of Americans (some happier than others) will stand peacefully behind and in front of him as a testament to over 200 years of this noble experiment.  I, for one, will be watching.