A Liberal Perspective on Midterm Elections: Why I’m Not Upset

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Growing up in a household filled with passionate liberals, I was no stranger to the tension surrounding elections. My parents were educators in public schools, and they truly believed in the power of education funded by taxes. And as anyone knows, there are plenty of politicians out there who aren’t fans of taxes.

In our home, even the minor elections felt like we were under a tornado watch—tense and unsettling. The bigger elections? Those were like tornado warnings, where the stakes felt life-altering. If certain candidates won—be it the presidency, governorship, or even a spot on the school board (especially when my dad was the superintendent and some board members wanted him out)—it felt like doom was imminent.

I remember lying awake at night, listening for the sounds that would signal our fate. If I heard cheers and applause, it was a relief! But if swearing or silence filled the air, panic would set in.

I vividly recall the 1979 election of Edward King as Governor of Massachusetts. I asked my mom if we were going to have to move into my grandmother’s living room, and through tears, she simply said, “I hope not.”

To my surprise, as elections came and went, nothing truly changed. Sure, some politicians made life harder for my parents, like those who cut education funding, but our everyday life remained the same. The same house, the same food, the same friends—just the same ol’ life year after year.

Remember those cilia from biology class? Those tiny, hair-like structures that react to toxicity? Well, mine flattened out around 1982 during the constant cycle of disappointment in elections. Even the controversial Bush v. Gore didn’t phase me much. I always cast my vote with a clear understanding of what I stood for, yet I found myself more focused on the bigger issue at hand—climate change. Many elected officials seem indifferent to it, which is disheartening.

So, how did I cope after this recent election? I treated myself to a long, indulgent lunch! Instead of despairing or threatening to flee to another country, I chose to embrace a more balanced perspective. After all, I recognize the importance of caring, but also the need to not let that care consume me.

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In summary, while the political landscape can be daunting, I’ve learned to navigate it with a sense of calm. Life goes on, and it’s essential to focus on what truly matters.