As I write this, the presidential campaign is slowly but surely heating up.  While it appears that the Democrats won’t have the spectacle of a slugfest during their primaries, the GOP fight of the gladiators is well on its way.

I don’t have a dog in this fight yet since I’m thoroughly disgusted with both parties for getting our country into the mess we’re in.  The blame can be spread to many people over many years in our country’s history but, at this point in time, that won’t solve our nation’s problems.

The level of spin on both sides of any of the subjects currently debated is mind boggling.  When I listen to both sides of the various arguments on the multitude of news shows, I feel like Gilligan.

You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?  Remember that seen when different ones on the island were arguing, Gilligan would hear one side of an argument and say, “They have a good point.” And then someone else would state their case and he would say, “They have a good point.”  He would do this two or three times before the Skipper exploded with one of those hit-Gilligan-with-his-cap fits.

Well, I haven’t been hit over the head with anyone’s hat, though I often wish someone would slap some sense into me once and awhile.  However, I have noticed that both sides of are not above making extreme claims of actual or potential developments. Either imminent doom or incredible blessings will result, depending on who you listen to. 

I’ve heard enough of this that I’m actually finding myself doing a “reverse Gilligan” and saying, “You’re sounding crazy!” after each opinion is given.

What to do, what to do?!

Well, I’ve come to some conclusions.  One is that all I can do is all I can do (am I channeling Yogi Berra?).  There are only certain things in my life that I can control and influence.  So, if that’s the case, I will control and influence those things to the best of my ability.

Another conclusion is that I can’t, and won’t, fear tomorrow. Tomorrow always seems to take care of itself.  That said, if I am successful with how I execute my first conclusion, the second one is much easier and the outcomes are much more positive.

A third conclusion is that, if I’m going to put my faith in others to make me happy or successful, I’m doomed for bitter disappointment.  Whether it’s voting for a politician or listening to my favorite artist or teacher, I know that they’re all human and seriously flawed ones at that.  I’ve taken a lot of them off of the pedestals I’ve had them on and placed them into the sea of mere mortals of which we’re all a part of.

Why? Well, for one reason, I have found wisdom in the old saying, “Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. I’ve found this to be consistently true in school, the work place, churches and in literally every conceivable political office in the world.  Mankind becomes drunk with power and are, therefore, seriously flawed beings.

So, in my feeble mind, I’ve taken those now empty pedestals and have turned them upside down, four legs in the air.  If those people want to be on those pedestals, they’re going to have an awfully uncomfortable “sit” on one of the four legs.

By putting my view and opinion of these people in the proper perspective, I am better able to accomplish the first two conclusions that I’ve arrived at.

Otherwise, I’ll “argue and compromise and realize that nothing’s ever changed”.