I’m a proud Australian, not American, but I do have a lot of friends all throughout the States, from California & the Midwest, to New York and Florida – they range from Military personnel, students, graduates & business owners, and include NRA members, self-described leftists, those that have no preference and couldn’t care less to those that really feel strongly about the issues..
At this point, I will advise that I have the utmost respect for the POTUS candidates of both major parties – I believe that despite one’s personal opinion, and attributable labels such as liberal, conservative and the like, Americans should ultimately be proud to have a choice of two intelligent, grounded and successful individuals that no matter how you look at it, ultimately really do genuinely care about their great country and its great people..
As with any election what tends to be dismissed is that both candidates have a lot more in common than people care to acknowledge, however, what seems to be reported on and tends to make a difference more than anything are the fundamental differences in policy/matters and/or approach between both candidates – which is to be expected because even if the outcome is the same, the way you achieve it can make a difference..
Even though it’s well known that changes in the United States of America, whether they be political or economic, have an impact on the rest of the world in one way or another, I am in no way making comment based on how I feel the outcome will affect me, my family or my country and believe that while important, Americans shouldn’t allow someone speaking in that capacity to greatly sway or influence their opinions, as in the end I feel that what’s good for the American people will undoubtedly be good for the rest of the world..
I’ve been paying close attention and following this election process quite thoroughly, just as much or even more so than my American friends, whose broad ranging opinions I have listened to attentively and directly/respectfully questioned in order to better understand their origins – I’ve heard all the speeches so far, including all those from both conventions.. I can also very much appreciate that hundreds of millions of people may have deep-rooted feelings, opinions and beliefs on the subject one way or another.. Consequently, I feel mention/discussion of particular issues is beyond the scope of this letter..
Democracy is a wonderful thing; It forces Governments to pay better attention to their constituency and address the issues of the day.. It also supersedes Government complacency as it allows for its retention or redundancy based on the people’s feelings regarding the performance of their elected representative(s).. The way I described this process to my son was to have him imagine electing a Government/President or Prime minister, as though it were like getting a haircut, if it’s good, you like it and it works for you, you can do the same thing next time – if it’s not good, you don’t like it and it doesn’t work for you, don’t worry because it will grow back and the next time you get a haircut you know to try something different.. Now I understand that some unintended conclusions may be drawn from this analogy, but he’s only 9 and I felt that despite paraphrasing, it got the message across..
Party politics aside, in the end I’ve come appreciate that while both candidates bring much to the table and truly have their nations best interests at heart, only one represents the possibility of a significant change for the better, offering the potential for a true alternative to the present day status-quo.. I acknowledge that some may believe there’s nothing wrong with the existing state of affairs, but will also note that no one is trying/claiming to re-invent the wheel in this election process, and that at the core level, all things quintessential and expected can/will, not be affected..
I believe that presently the United States of America has found itself in somewhat of a rut and that an alternative to the now established status-quo may be the most advantageous way for positive progression whilst moving forward over time, as opposed to just simply moving forward.. We can all agree that no matter what, the United States of America is a great nation, a beacon in what sometimes feels like a world without priorities, and that it would take actively serious and conscious effort to change its place in the world in any way that’s not for the better..
Subsequently, with such a competent and enlightened population, moving forward is almost inevitable, but moving forward in the best possible way, that produces the best results for the majority overall, requires innovation, alternate insight and a change of approach, and that ultimately innovation, alternate insight and a change of approach deserves a chance..
Noting the aforementioned appreciation of deep-rooted feelings, opinions and beliefs, I completely understand that many may somewhat or completely disagree with this opinion, and that’s their prerogative, which I respect more than anything, however, I’d like to note that throughout history it’s been the very same type of changes to the status-quo that has brought the human race forward from wherever it was they were, faster than they otherwise would have, but that now, unlike any other time, the people have the power to asses changes, decide if the way in which they’re moving forward is in fact the way to go, and if they’re not totally satisfied, resolve to substitute however/whatever/whomever with a better alternative, in much the same way as trying something different to the last, the next time you get a haircut; because in the end, over time your hair will always grow back and then need to be cut..
