Growing up, my parents were passionate liberals, both dedicated educators in public schools. Public schools rely on taxes, and as you may know, some elected officials have a particular disdain for them.
In our household, elections—regardless of how significant they seemed—felt a bit like a tornado watch in an area not known for storms: unsettling but not quite dire. Higher-stakes elections, however, were much more like tornado warnings. If a certain candidate were elected president, it would spell disaster. If another won the governorship, we were in trouble. And if the person running for the school board succeeded, we were really in for it, especially since my dad was the superintendent, and this candidate had made it clear they wanted him out.
As results rolled in late at night, I would lie awake, listening intently for sounds that would reveal our fate. If my parents erupted in cheers, we were safe—hooray! If I heard them curse or, worse yet, silence, it felt like the end of the world.
When Edward King became Governor of Massachusetts in 1979, I nervously asked my mom if we would have to move in with my grandmother. Her tearful response? “I hope not.”
Imagine my surprise and relief when, after various elections, not only did we never have to relocate, but life remained unchanged. I’m not saying it didn’t matter who was in power—my parents certainly felt the impact when a tax-cutting politician took charge, and it was a relief when a candidate who supported public schools was elected. But at the end of the day, we kept our house, our meals, and our friendships. Life went on, year after year.
Do you recall learning about cilia in biology class? Those tiny, hair-like structures on cells? When exposed to toxins, like smoke, cilia can become flattened and eventually stop working altogether, leading to issues like emphysema. Well, my election cilia took a permanent nap around 1982, and they’ve never really recovered. I wasn’t even particularly shaken by Bush v. Gore, despite understanding the gravity of the situation.
I always make it a point to vote, and I know precisely what my choices mean and why I stand by them. However, the most pressing issue remains climate change, and many individuals who were elected or reelected on Tuesday either disregard it or deny its existence. My response to this reality the following day? An indulgent three-hour lunch.
So forgive me if I’m not devastated or filled with despair over our future. It’s not that I don’t care; I just recognize the importance of not letting my worries consume me.
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Summary:
In this reflective piece, Jamie Thompson shares a personal account of growing up in a politically charged household. Despite the anxiety surrounding elections, Thompson expresses a sense of resilience, noting that life remained largely unchanged regardless of who was in power. Ultimately, the focus shifts to the pressing issue of climate change and the importance of maintaining a balanced perspective amidst political turmoil.
Keyphrase: Liberal perspective on elections
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