My upbringing was steeped in liberal ideals, with both of my parents dedicating their careers to public education. As you may know, public schools are funded by taxes, and there are many politicians who harbor a strong aversion to taxation.
In our household, elections, even those that seemed minor, carried a sense of foreboding akin to a tornado watch in a region not known for severe weather. Major elections, however, felt more like tornado warnings in a storm-prone area: the stakes were high, and if certain candidates won, we feared for our future. The thought of a particular individual ascending to the presidency or governorship was enough to send shivers down our spines, especially when one of the school board candidates was gunning for my father’s job as superintendent.
As election results trickled in, I would lie awake, anxious for the sounds that would ultimately shape our fate. A chorus of cheers from my parents meant we were safe, while any swearing or, worse, silence indicated impending doom.
When Edward King was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1979, I innocently asked my mother if we would be forced to move into my grandmother’s living room. Through tears, she replied, “I hope not.”
Imagine my surprise and relief when, despite the turmoil of elections, life remained unchanged. While it was undoubtedly challenging for my parents during tax-slashing administrations, we continued to enjoy the same home, food, and friends—our lives remained remarkably stable.
Reflecting on this, I liken my emotional response to elections to the cilia in our bodies. You remember those tiny, hair-like structures that line our respiratory tract? They react to harmful substances, becoming flattened under stress. My own “election cilia” have remained dormant since roughly 1982, and even events like Bush v. Gore didn’t ignite the despair in me that others felt.
I consistently cast my vote, well aware of my reasons and the issues at stake. However, what truly matters in the grand scheme of things is climate change, an area where many elected officials seem indifferent or outright skeptical. In light of this reality, I chose to cope with post-election feelings by indulging in a three-hour lunch. I won’t claim to be devastated or to lament our future. It’s not that I don’t care; rather, I recognize the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective.
For those interested in exploring family planning options, this is one of our other blog posts that covers various topics including at-home insemination kits and their applications. You can find more insights about these options on Make a Mom’s artificial insemination kit page. Additionally, for those seeking authoritative information, this resource on artificial insemination offers a comprehensive overview.
In summary, while election outcomes can be stressful, I’ve learned to manage my expectations and focus on what truly matters. Life continues, and maintaining perspective can lead to a more peaceful existence.
Keyphrase: Liberal perspective on elections
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]