Election Imaginings




At this point in the election year, as I watch and listen to the candidates tell what they will do when elected president, I decide no candidate satisfactorily addresses my concerns. I stopped watching “debates” after the first one, at which I determined the debate missed the mark of what I learned about debate in high school. Seeing news reporting on debates certainly throws enough light on them to convince me that I missed very little of substance and solutions facing my country and sparks my imagination for something better.

As I contemplate what concerns me as a voter and an American citizen, the words of the song “Imagine” by John Lennon resonate while I consider the answer. I too imagine a different world, and believe with enough imagination in the hearts and minds of people who see a better world, we will not be labeled “dreamers,” but problem solvers of the highest degree: intelligent, empathetic, successful.

Imagine if the billions of dollars spent by candidates seeking election were spent on carefully thought-out programs design- -ed to address the problems facing the more than 300 million citizens of our country.

Imagine if instead the elections were financed differently, with each candidate being provided the same amount of money for their campaigns, and no private or corporate funds allowed. Imagination could surely bring about a different sounding campaign: one of civility and discussions and debates of real issues.

Imagine if we could value all humanity as one. Imagine if we could accept each as our brother and sister and truly love them. Imagine no hate. What a world and what solutions would abound.

Imagine if candidates addressed the problems facing the least among us. Imagine if each child were expected to continue education and earn a college degree. Imagine if the candidates and legislators could seek and find a way for this to become reality. Imagine our country with educated citizenry.

Imagine if all families enjoy the economic opportunity to provide for their health and welfare and their way to pursuit of happiness. Imagine if the candidates and legislators could seek and find a way for this reality. Imagine our country with healthy citizenry and this opportunity.

Imagine taking liberty with the meanings of Ben Franklin’s saying: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This proverbial quote (also similarly quoted as one from Aristotle), flashes the possibility that each possesses the ability to become healthy, wealthy, and wise. I imagine candidates and legislators implementing programs to accomplish this possibility for all our citizenry.

Perhaps these imaginings label me as a “dreamer,” but I hope many will dream and imagine with me a better country, governed by dreamers of unlimited imagination, leading in a better way for all.

GAIL JOHNSON, BCRW



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