Growing up in a household where both my parents were devoted liberals, I was always acutely aware of the political landscape. My parents worked tirelessly in public education, and as anyone involved in that space knows, funding comes from taxes—a concept many politicians seem to abhor.
In our home, even minor elections carried an unsettling vibe, akin to a tornado watch in an area that rarely faces such storms. The significant elections, however, felt more like actual tornado warnings: with every presidential or gubernatorial race, it seemed like our lives were on the line. The stakes felt even higher when it came to local school board elections, especially since my dad was the superintendent and some candidates openly aimed to replace him.
As the results rolled in late at night, I would lie awake, listening intently for any signs that would indicate our fate. If my parents erupted in cheers, relief washed over me—we were safe! But if I heard cursing or, worse, silence, I braced for disaster.
When Edward King was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1979, I anxiously asked my mom if we would have to move in with my grandmother. To my surprise, she answered with tears, “I hope not.”
Yet, as the years passed, I found myself pleasantly surprised that despite the political turmoil, our lives remained largely unchanged. I don’t mean to downplay the impact of political leadership—it certainly affected my parents’ lives when less favorable candidates took office. But life continued in our cozy home, surrounded by familiar faces and routines.
Remember those cilia we studied in 10th grade? Those tiny hair-like structures that react to pollutants? Well, my political cilia seemed to have flattened around 1982 and never quite bounced back. Even the contentious Bush v. Gore election didn’t faze me as much as one might expect.
I always cast my vote with clarity on my beliefs. Yet, as I reflected on the midterms, one thing stood out: climate change remains the pivotal issue of our time. Many elected officials either ignore this crisis or deny its existence. The day after the elections, I chose to celebrate this realization with a delightful three-hour lunch with friends. So forgive me if I’m not devastated or threatening to abandon ship for France. I recognize the importance of caring, but I also understand the value of not letting it consume me.
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Summary:
In this piece, Jessica Lane reflects on her upbringing in a politically active liberal household, recounting the anxiety surrounding elections and their perceived stakes. Despite the turbulent political landscape, she finds solace in the consistency of her family’s life and emphasizes the paramount importance of addressing climate change. Balancing concern with a healthy perspective, she chooses to celebrate life rather than succumb to political despair.