Election Day 2016

People have died for the right to vote in this country; American women didn’t have it until 1920. The right to vote means something.

I voted. I don’t agree with these few signs in the neighborhood for the Republican candidate, but presumably even these neighbors exercised their right to vote (let alone their right to free speech). Not thrilled at all about my vote for NYS legislators (ugh), but I was firm that I voted right for my federal legislators and the executive branch.

But, at this hour of Election Night, or the wee hours of the day after, I guess I’m trying to keep perspective.

The tough part of governing is always the issue. Can we hear each other out, put aside the pettiness, and be able to effectively work together? I’ll plead with us all here about that, whatever will happen going forward.  And remember: breathe. I’m trying to do my own meditative pause.  Let’s see what happens next.

(cross-posted at sswslitinmotion.tumblr.com)

Chicago Cubs Won the World Series!

It has happened: after midnight of November 3, 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series!  They did it – they finally did it, after a 108 year drought. That Game 7 was insanely ridiculous – an extra inning, and a rain delay!   The world as we know it has changed; just please don’t let the world go completely crazy and don’t make it the end of the world… btw, and nice fight, Cleveland Indians.

The World Series was a nice distraction from Election Day madness.

So, it turns out that there was a reason why we didn’t vote on November 1, the actual first Tuesday of November:  we don’t vote when the first November Tuesday lands on November 1 apparently as a religious accommodation to those who observe All Saints Day.  I liked the explanation from NPR’s Domenico Mantanaro: convenience due to a 19th century agrarian society, religious accommodation, business-related reasons, and politics.  It always goes back to politics.

Ok, staying away from more politics. On to looking for more distractions… New York City Marathon and getting an hour back.  Enjoy the week!