I’m a Liberal Who’s Not Disheartened by the Midterm Elections

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Growing up, my parents were passionate liberals, both dedicated to their careers in public education. Public schools rely on taxes, and, as you might expect, some politicians really don’t like taxes.

In our home, even the less significant elections felt like an ominous warning of a storm brewing in an area unaccustomed to such chaos. Major elections, however, were akin to tornado alerts in a storm-prone region: If a certain candidate won the presidency, we’d be in trouble. A new governor? Trouble again. And if someone was elected to the school board, we were truly in deep water, considering my dad was the superintendent and that candidate had made it clear they wanted to see him gone.

Election night was always a nail-biter, as I lay awake listening for the sounds that would tell us our fate. If my parents erupted in cheers, it meant we were safe—hooray! But if I heard swearing or, even worse, silence, it felt like the end was near.

When Edward King was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1979, I nervously asked my mom if that meant we’d have to pack up and move into my grandmother’s living room. Through her tears, she replied, “I hope not.”

To my surprise and relief, elections came and went, and we never ended up in that cramped living room. In fact, life remained pretty much the same. I don’t mean to say that who was in charge didn’t matter; it certainly did. It was disheartening for my parents when a tax-cutter took the reins, and much better when someone who supported our schools came into power. Yet, year after year, we enjoyed the same home, the same friends, and the same meals.

Remember those cilia—the tiny, hair-like structures on cells—from high school biology? They flatten when exposed to harmful substances, like smoke. If they’re continually suppressed, they eventually stop working altogether. My “election cilia,” if you will, went dormant around 1982, and they’ve never quite recovered. I wasn’t even particularly upset about Bush v. Gore; I understood the gravity of it all but didn’t let it consume me.

I always participate in elections, knowing precisely what I’m voting for and why. Ultimately, the most significant issue is climate change, and many of those elected recently either dismiss it or deny its existence. On Wednesday, I responded to the results in the best way I knew how: with a delightful three-hour lunch. So, forgive me if I’m not devastated, filled with despair, or planning a move to France. I see the value of caring, but I also recognize the importance of not letting it consume my happiness.

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In summary, while political outcomes can feel overwhelming, it’s essential to maintain perspective and find joy in everyday life, regardless of the tumultuous political landscape.