On Election Day 2024

An election can feel like a bend in the road, a choosing of a new direction, or staying the course and enduring (or enjoying) another term of the status quo. The election in the USA today is looking a lot like a pivotal crossroads. Harris and Walz are relatively unknowns especially since they seem incapable of articulating any policy or specifics on how they are going to do what they say they are going to do. Harris has had a chance to implement positive changes as Vice President under Joe Biden, but has not been perceived as a doer or even an idea person in her four years in that roll.  Can it then be concluded that the next four years will be similar to the last four years if she wins? It seems to me that America has declined in those years in many areas.

Then there is Donald Trump. He is a known quantity as he was president for 4 years and has a track record. 

The polarization and antagonism between the two camps has never been so palpable. The final outcome of the election could result in rioting in the streets, no matter who wins, and both sides have a history of this kind of 'sore loser' behavior. As I write this, there are maps being published on where riots are likely to occur after the results of the election are known.

At best, we will know in a few hours who won. At worst, it will be days or weeks as recounts and judicial recounts and court cases are ramped up to clear up any perceived hanky panky at the ballot box. 

Regardless, America will be changed from what it is or even what it was. The forces that are driving division in the population are going to be strengthened, one way or the other. I lay the blame for this at the feet of the media, who have never in their history been so blatantly biased on every news story. We need to get back to investigative, unbiased journalism so that everyone gets both sides of every story. The voter is not stupid and given accurate information about any issue, is quite capable of making an informed decision based on critical thinking. At least, that is the way it used to be when paper ballots were cast by citizens who were registered voters, and we knew the winner hours after the voting stations were closed.