World According to Mark

By Mark Tabola

Well, I'm going to do it! I'm going to say something regarding the Political scene! And I do hope you continue to read from here forth, because I'm confident that what I have to say is worth your time. I am also positive that what I have to say isn't what one is going to expect. So here goes.

I did not watch last night's Presidential Debate. I caught news about it prior, and now after...  The news leading up to it did not have my hopes up for anything good, and the news this morning confirms it.  I may take the time to watch it later, but not right now. But the biggest reason I didn't watch it is because I knew it was going to be less of a debate and more of a "show."   And I wasn't looking for a "show!"

I guess I remember my experience from grade school, back in Sixth grade... And that's when I got my first really in-depth education about the political process, Presidential Elections, and of course, the debate!  I remember that one of our assignments was to watch and report on the debate among candidates. I remember that the debate was very orderly, professional, and moved swiftly. The candidates in the debate were aware of things like their time limits, when they could speak, and how to handle rebuttal.  It was all handled very cleanly and professionally.

I miss those days. I miss the idea that the people being put on that debate stage were being held to a standard of professionalism, conduct, and demeanor that was respectable and honorable. I guess I'm very old-fashioned, and far more so than my parents would think! I am an optimist, I guess... and I hope that as the future rolls towards us, there can be a return to proper conduct and decorum, and proper handling of things like debates. I hope we can see a return of professionalism and poise in our political systems, and among the candidates. And I hope that the improvements come sooner than later if they come at all.

I guess I'm just a dissatisfied voter at this point! And neither side seems to be on track, at that level.  And it makes me very frustrated, because folks who claim to be my polar opposite often tell me of their goals... and the majority of what they share, I agree with!  It makes me think that most of America may also be the same way. It makes me wonder how much we all agree on, that is getting lost in the political process. And it makes me wonder how much easier and simpler things would be if we could remind each other of what we agree on? I guess I'm just a hopeless optimist, and far more old fashioned than I thought!