Stress and Politics

We are in the midst of another political season (when are we not?). You can hardly open a newspaper or turn on the news without seeing GOP candidates speaking at some small town city hall or local catfish restaurant (how is it that Mitt Romney had only eaten catfish once in his life??). Political ads are running during the commercial breaks, and even the President is getting in on the game early. It can be overwhelming. Some pour over every article and interview trying to make an educated decision. Others simply say "forget it," and choose not to vote due to what I call "voter fatigue." 

Can elections cause stress for those not involved in political campaigns? Sure they can. Sit down in any main street coffee shop and listen to the gentlemen (and sometimes not so gentle-men) debate political issues. "Are you for this issue or against it? Do you support the such-and-such amendment? I can't believe you don't support gun control! I can't believe you don't support immigration reform! Feuds have been fought over such matters. Families have divided over property tax increases. Why does this happen? Everyone has his own perspective, based upon his past experiences and childhood teachings. If each of us could walk in another person's shoes, we would see things the way he sees them. If your grandfather and father were avid hunters and took you hunting from the time you were knee-high to a squirrel, you probably support gun-ownership. If your parents attended Woodstock, lived in a tent, attended PETA protests, and only ate things they grew in their own garden, you probably do not support gun-ownership. It is all about perspective. What you grew up believing about the world flows through your veins as truth. However, truth is relative to experience and situation. Some individuals can become so engaged in the political experience, they fail to see this. They lose sight of what is important. I have my own opinions on political issues, and which side of the aisle I tend to agree with is irrelevant. I believe that most of us want the same things. We want Americans to be healthy, happy, and free. We want the best for each of us. The disagreement arises in the ways to reach those lofty goals. Yes, there is corruption in American politics (just like any other country I am certain). It would be naive to believe otherwise. However, it is also naive to believe that those who believe differently than you are always wrong, or that they don't care about the insert-your-political-issue-here. Maybe they just believe there is a different way to resolve the problem. Maybe their grandfather took them hunting or protesting or oil-drilling, or whatever!

Relax. Yes, many political issues are important, do not think I am dismissing serious issues that government must address. However, if politics cause you to reach "Elizabeth, it's the big one!" status, it might be time to take a break, take a deep breath, and manage your stress! Find your happiness, or you won't be around to fight that political fight!