You know, I remember the last presidential election season like it was yesterday. In fact, even though I have tried to forget it, I cannot.
Believe me, I've tried many, many times. And now, I feel like I'm having a bit of a chief executive flashback.
Sigh and shudder.
People, people, people: Are you as sick of the nasty campaign ads as I? Good Lord, another 40-something days of this nonsense? Not sure I'm going to make it to Election Day unscathed.
The thing is, it isn't just the presidential election ads which are mean-spirited and overall ghastly apparently it's required at every level of bureaucracy and I, for one, have about had it.
Listen, I'm exhausted, OK? I don't have the patience for all this stupidity, and I think it's about high time the folks writing, producing and directing political ads in all forms hear the rest of us clearly when we say, "Dude, enough already!"
Can't anyone just say what they think succinctly and respectfully anymore? Just once, I'd love to hear straight talk from a candidate without him/her ripping his/her counterpart into itty bitty bits. How can we be informed about where a candidate stands when it's on his rival's neck?
And so, in honor of the wonderful, ongoing PBS-series encouraging free speech, here's a little something-something I like to call "This I Believe, Presidential Election Edition" by Patty Kimerer.
I believe in God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and that I have the right to say so openly if I wish.
I believe in the Judeo-Christian principles upon which this country was founded - because I believe they got that one right, folks. I also believe that everyone has the right to worship God however they see fit and I respect the religious philosophies of others.
I believe if you condone an advertisement with the words, "I approve this message" it should contain content that you would be proud to have your Grandma watch.
I believe in free enterprise and that small businesses are just as crucial as big ones to our economy.
I believe in helping those who need it, period. But I also believe in working hard. Speaking of which
I believe Congress isn't working, literally. I don't think they put in nearly enough hours, effort or good old-fashioned elbow grease. I also believe they have no right to decide what kind of healthcare the rest of us will have to live with when they themselves will not. Congress, hmpf.
I believe that Republicans and Democrats have some really good ideas. And some really bad ones. And, much like the elderly couple I befriended at the Dunkin' Donuts in Niles this week, I believe a third alternative might be terrific.
I believe that the more you cram your agenda down my throat with annoying radio and television ads, nuisance phone calls and wasteful mailers (that I throw directly into the trash, btw) - the less likely I am to vote for you.
I believe that I don't have the right to tell you how to vote, but that if you are of age and physically able, you owe it to the men and women who gave their lives to make this a free country to do so. Every election.
I believe that members of the U.S. military deserve unwavering respect and support no matter where they are because they are fighting the good fight on behalf of us all.
I believe you need to be a citizen of these United States to cast a vote here.
I believe that, no matter how flawed our electoral system / campaign process, I'm still proud to live in America, which I believe is the greatest country on earth.
Oh, well. Hang in there, everybody - I believe election season has to end eventually
Kimerer is a Tribune Chronicle columnist and potential write-in candidate for president. Comment on this story at www.tribtoday.com or email editorial@tribtoday.com.