Tag Archives: presidential election

Fear and Hope

The reaction to the results of the recent U.S. fascinate me.  I include mu own emotions in this analysis.  As Spock, the unemotional Vulcan from the fictional TV series Star Trek, would say -Fascinating.

Start withFear

In the run up to the election I was fearful that Trump would win.  Of course I was not alone in this with many news stories supported this.  And of course talk about flight to Canada as a safe haven.

Followed by Hope

The day after the election I found myself strongly feeling hopeful.  President elect Trumps post victory actions seemed positive.  My self talk focused on the thought “It’s going to be alright”

In fact it might even be better than that other candidate, what was her name again (Hilary something)?  These trade agreement changes and tax cuts could be a good idea.

These blatent optimism is not mine alone with many of my collegues espousing this approach.  This is all about living in the moment.

The electoral contest was up in the aircreating an unknown void filled by worry and fear.  (Actually a very common circumstances)

Remove the unknown and voila, hope and optimism abound.  The underlying facts become less important in the face of certainty.  Worry no more, the die is cast.

One Caution

“Don’t worry it’ll be fine” is a great sentiment.  Optimism and hope certainly are more likely to lead to good outcomes that fear and worry.

That being said, there is a risk of too much optimism allowing the bad to get worse.  Remember, optimistic or not, be on guard.

 

 

Election Day Quote

Today is the US presidential election.  It comes around every four years.  This years contest has drawn a lot of attention from around the world because of one candidate – Donald Trump.

Election Day Quote

I came across the following quote this morning that puts a bit of perspective on the days proceedings.

” What counts now is not just what we are against, but what we are for.  Who leads us is less important than what leads us —  what convictions, what courage, what faith —– win or lose.”  – Adlai Stevenson, US Statesman and former presidential candidate – 1952

Much of the discussion in this campaign has been around the candidates themselves.  The debates have focused on personal attacks against each other as has most of the advertising.

Sadly, as Stevenson notes, this is the least important factor.  Considering what we are for rather than against,  is a more powerful perspective with a higher probability of a successful result.

It’s a boy or it’s Girl

Unfortunately this most acrimonious of contests has been all about the negative.  That is the complete focus has been on attacking the other candidate.

For Donald Trump, of course, this is a standard tactic, he is a bully by nature afterall.  For Hilary, she decided not to take the high road and fight back.

The losers in all of this will be the American people, for many they have chosen to provide their support based on what they are against.  Ultimately it is highly likely the voters will regret this, whoever wins.

Moral Behaviour Consequences

If you work for NBC,  are in the public eye and represent the networks brand, and   if you make vulgar and misogynistic comments should you be fired?

You might recognize this question is about today talk show host Billy Bush who was filmed trading lewd and insulting comments with Donal Trump 11years ago.

The democrats got their hands on the tape and released it just before last weeks second presidential campaign debate.  The intent of course was to put “the Donald” in a bad light.

Unfortunately for Billy Bush,  the network of course feels the need to send a message that they have high moral standards.  Firing Billy Bush changes nothing, the obnoxious behavior is done and cannot be undone.

Fire Billy, elect Donald

For me ther is something seriously wrong with this picture.  A television personality is about to suffer serious consequences for bad behavior because it has gone public, BUT Donald Trump could still be elected preisident.

Just checking the logic here, it is not okay for a TV host to practice bad behavior, but the next person potentially to be elected to one of the most powerful positions in the world can with impunity.

Wow, scary thoughts.

Lets Nuke Em

To imitate some of the outrageous statements that have been part of this campaign to date, I will postulate the following as a scary but of course unlikely scenario – an exaggeration to show how important it is for the president to have a strong moral pulse.

Mr. President a group of school girls have been kidnapped by a terrorist organization.  What are your orders? Let me see the pictures.  Hmmm I wouldn’t ” do ” any of these girls and they are just women, no worries, just leave it. Why waste time on them?