Voting: For the Party, the Person, or the People?

It is not a surprise to anyone that the 2016 Presidential campaigns and election season is unique. I personally avoided watching the first debate because the conflict makes me uncomfortable. I did, however, watch the second Presidential debate last night because I felt it was important to be informed and engaged. After all, I’m lucky enough to be an American citizen with the perk of democratic voting. While watching, and cringing, I was repeatedly concerned about the future: the future of our great country… my personal future, both financial and physical safety… and the future of our youths.
 
My thoughts are: will the voting on November 8, 2016 lean towards
1) Party line
2) Personal views of the Candidate or
3) for the future of all People?

Voting for the Party

• “I’m a Republican/Democrat so I vote Republican/Democrat.”
• “My parents are Democrats/Republicans so I am a Democrat/Republican.”
• “I disagree with my Party’s candidate, but I support my Party.”
• Assuming 2016 Candidates are the same as 2014 Party candidates (or 2010 or 1980 or Kennedy or Lincoln).
• No matter who is on the ticket, you vote for the Party (Republican or Democrat) not the abilities, qualities, or character of the Candidate

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Voting for the Person

• This year, this is beyond tricky since both Presidential Candidates have negative personal qualities.
• Picking the “least bad” person
• Watching the debates, tweets, ads, and interviews to determine each Candidate’s beliefs on domestic and foreign policies, women’s issues, fiscal responsibility, as well as character, mannerism, and personality.

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Voting for the People (aka our FUTURE)

• Setting aside previous beliefs about the Party and the Person for the greater good.
• Analyzing the words and actions of each Candidate. Words and actions that can change our society for the worse.
• Determining how the USA will be viewed by terrorists, dictators, or the UN when the next President is elected.
• Children need to be protected; how will your vote help or hurt our future? 

Some Things to Consider:

• As a counselor, I teach and reinforce healthy character development in teens (and adults), including Respect.
• Bullying is the lack of respect.
• What message do children (and adults) receive when a Candidate insults, lies, makes false accusations, and threatens others? #LockerRoomTalk ?!? WTF?
• Saying, “It’s just words” minimizes and trivializes Bullying! Bullying is 90% words. Words hurt.
• The Presidency is not a dictatorship. The President cannot threaten to put someone in jail without merit. The President cannot make a unilateral decision. The President cannot insult others because he/she doesn’t like what another person says. A President who does not listen to others is dangerous.
• ALL People Matter. #BlackLivesMatter. #WomensRights. #ReligiousFreedom. #ChooseKindness. ​--> Our next President should (MUST) agree with this. 

What will Your choice, Your Vote, be on Election Day?
 
Hopefully, you choose Your Future, and My Future, carefully.

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​By Bree Winkler, EdS, LPC, CAMS

Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, GA. Begin your therapeutic journey with me today.