The World According to Mark

By Mark Tabola

It is amazing... As we all have been made critically aware, it is "election season" in the United States of America again. I'm very amazed at how many people are stopping me to talk about politics. And I don't mind. If you're stopping me to talk to me about it, it must be something that is important enough that you have to tell SOMEONE... And frankly, I'm glad it's me people talk to, because I'm not going to "attack them" for whatever they say. And sometimes I get to learn something I didn't know before.

I don't mind the discussion. I don't mind hearing different thoughts or beliefs on this front. I don't mind when I agree, and I don't mind when I disagree. I think, and this is my opinion, that it's more important that we visit about it when we need to than not discuss it at all.  And also that it's more important to figure out what you want and figure out which candidate you want to vote for and go vote.  So yes, I encourage everyone who is able to legally vote, to please go and do so!  

But the rest? It's really none of my business. It's not my business to tell you how to conduct yourself in this regard. Vote, don't vote.  Which party or candidate do you like? What you think should be the right stance on numerous topics. But I will treat everyone with the same honor and respect that I hope they show to me when we meet out in public. Or even in private. I want an honorable, respectable encounter. Because, to me, that's something uniquely "American" about politics. Freedom to have your own opinions, feelings, thoughts, approaches, and leanings, all without being attacked for it.