This Is Not For Kids

If you did not see the dumpster fire that erupted Tuesday night, perhaps you have caught the social media recap. I have my own personal thoughts on what types of psychological games and manipulations were being played. What strategic moves were made to mess with our minds. But that discussion could easily dissipate into a childish argument of who interrupted who more. That's what "they" want. Out of love for my wide-variety of friends, I will turn off comments or remove my post before I allow that. Those discussions are not what this post is about, and running a country isn't for children.

So...back to the dumpster fire...Wednesday morning one of my friends reposted the words of Shauna Niequest, an author I also follow and respect. In the post Shauna says that at one point she asked her children to leave the room. Here is my response, which I decided I'd turn into a blog post. (My apologies to the friend who got a full blog entry response as a comment on post! I can be wordy!)

From my response: 

I related so much when she (Shauna Niequest) asked her boys to leave the room (while the debate was going on). Daniel watched about five minutes but had he stuck around I probably would've done the same. In fact, I feel like I made a mistake watching it myself. I remember taking my two young boys dressed in their sweet little dress shirts and ties into the offices of both McCain and Salmon in D.C. to speak on behalf of melanoma research and a ban on underage tanning beds. These were policies that both of these representatives' parties opposed on principle (pro-business, small government) but their staffers politely heard us out and affirmed our concerns. I remember coaching my boys before going on the proper way to act and the polite things to say. I even kept Daniel from digging into the bowl of chip bags in the waiting area for McCain because they were just a show of hospitality and a mouth full of chips was no way to greet a government official. I was so excited for them to learn about democracy, and coming together across the aisle to get important things done which could help our nation. It was a chance to practice our speaking and listening skills and good manners. I feel like the work of so many mothers was undone in 90 minutes last night. 

I remember watching Bush and Gore, Bush and Kerry, Obama and McCain, and Obama and Romney. Something has changed. Even if we can not agree on specific policies or how to get the job done, can we agree something has gone terribly wrong? 

I'm not trying to raise future presidents. I'm not sure that I'd wish that on my worst enemy. But, I do want to raise boys who turn into grown ups who show love, joy, peace, patience and kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. And I'm praying that there's still others out there with that same goal in mind.

And I'm pretty sure my kids, my husband and I won't be watching any more debates.