The Daily Times

Election Day.

I’m not overly enthusiastic about it. I’m not apathetic, either. Simply put, I’m not a fan of settling, picking the better of two evils or selecting the least worst choice.

I honestly can’t believe this is where we are at this point in our nation’s history. We have created a country that spans the breadth of an entire continent, incorporating myriad races, cultures and creeds. We have survived economic, natural and political disasters. We have constructed cities marveled upon by billions, mastered mass production and sent men to the moon. We have tried to serve as a model to the entire world community through our words and deeds.

Where is this country?

In my Dec. 11 column, “Little change seen in campaign shenanigans, politics in general,” I shared some thoughts and concerns with readers. I expressed a general dissatisfaction with this election cycle. At that time, I saw a bunch of political campaigns focused on divisiveness, hate speech and not so subtle pandering to fundamentalist Christians. I was appalled.

In the same column, I also expressed dissatisfaction with President Barack Obama. I voted for him in the last presidential election. I bought into his campaign of hope and change, because I was tired of the way this country had been run throughout the previous presidency.

At that time, I decided to write a conclusion that shocked one of my colleagues. She thought that I went too far. Here’s a reminder:

“I can’t say that I’ll vote for Obama in the next election as I’ve not chosen my candidate yet. My decision will be made on who I believe can help this country the most. We are a country in crisis, with a crippled economy and so many people searching for jobs.

“If things have gotten so predictable and ugly this early in the election season, I’m not interested in what happens next.

“Four years ago, I voted for change. And, I haven’t seen it yet.

“Everyone’s still using the same playbook, pandering to the same fears, hopes and dreams. It’s petty, silly and insults the intelligence of every free-thinking American.

“Maybe, I’ll move to Canada. I hear it’s nice this time of year.”

As I look back upon this conclusion nearly 11 months later, I think that I didn’t fully grasp the current political situation. I didn’t challenge myself enough. I didn’t push the envelope enough.

Let’s look back at the past 11 months. More divisiveness, hate speech and not so subtle pandering to fundamentalist Christians. Then we were treated to the finest political delicacy: Rhetoric. We later heard about abortion/women’s rights, socialism/social responsibility and Obamacare/Romneycare. How about all the talk about “class warfare”? I bet you really liked that one. I personally loved it! Nothing makes me feel warm and fuzzy like a constant reminder of my own financial inadequacies in light of two wealthy men — one being considerably wealthier than the other, of course.

I wonder if Obama looks upon Mitt Romney’s vast wealth in the same way that I look upon the president’s bank account. No. I bet that he doesn’t. Baby got (green)back(s).

Regardless of your political leanings, can you say that THIS is what you want from your political process? I mean honestly. Do you?

We could obtain more mental and emotional stimulation from the back of a cereal box. And, I love me some of those cereal box games. All those bright colors, big words (more than one syllable!) and linear conclusions.

Wow! Do you think that General Mills can turn the 2016 presidential election into a cereal box game? I’d totally play that game!

As it is right now, my attention span is waning. These two candidates haven’t organized a rock concert, thrown out barbs or aired an overly simplistic attack ad in like three seconds. I’m so bored.

I know who I’ll be voting for this Tuesday. But it won’t be because I’m completely wowed by my candidate, who is simply better than the other guy. Regardless of my feelings on the campaigns, we all have a role in this election, so I’ll step up and play mine. See you at the polls!

Amanda Greever is assistant managing editor at The Daily Times. She writes a weekly column in the Sunday Life section. She can be reached at 981-1161 or (amanda.greever@thedailytimes.com) Follow her on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com _editor.