Voting
Don’t let the truth get in the way of making a deal. [Or, gathering votes.] — American Greed [here’s the program] Succeed and Soar exists to encourage lives lived well. These posts avoid politics. Because current campaign advertisements have spooked me worse than the movie Silence of The Lambs, I ask, Why: Aren’t people who would lead uniting us behind positive, uplifting goals? Must we learn about candidates through advertising, which can mis-lead? [Example: Ads in the 1950’s said cigarettes were healthy when tobacco companies new better.] Can’t people who would govern begin with strong backgrounds in community service? Is the press and news media handling elections like the Kentucky Derby, the Masters Tournament or the Superbowl? Shouldn’t the 4th Estate provide verified information and insights instead of point spreads? I believe, as Abraham Lincoln said, the United States is currently Earth’s best hope of creating a second Eden, when we address what Condoleezza Rice called our “birth defect,” slavery and disenfranchisement in their various forms. To become a country that’s a shining example of human potential: Ramsey Solutions says, “Vote Wisely: Demand Honesty and Integrity.” Here’s how. The point is: How can we expect people who will cheat and lie to win elections be good leaders? Some misleading, mean-spirited ads I’ve seen should disqualify those candidates. Scientific American offers these ways to be a better voter: Vote with an eye toward the common good Broaden news and information sources Read more Consider insisting that 2024 local, state and federal candidates demonstrate they can unite us in making our communities and country tops in advancing justice, freedom, living wages, quality housing, excellent education and outstanding health care for all Aren’t these goals that can bring us together? Succeed and Soar! Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire. More Thoughts on Voting Vote and encourage others because: One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors. — Plato, Greek Philosopher It isn’t about who is the majority in Congress. It’s about, are people educated and enfranchised and resourced enough to participate in the government that purports to be of the people, by the people, for the people? We’re missing the people part—and not because people don’t care, but because we’re not doing our job as a country, as a culture, to make democracy work. — America Ferrera, Actress and Political Activist Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote. — George Jean Nathan, American Drama Critic and Magazine Editor Reviewed May 4, 2024
Post Election Oasis
You must be the change you want to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi Have you, like me, worked to avoid being upset about this election? Tuesday morning, I woke with the sobering thought that personal preparations must be made to thrive in a country that could wrap me in energy I don’t want. Therefore, I decided to: Become my own sovereign nation Create a constitution describing conditions in my territory Outlaw certain behaviors in my domain Deny border crossings to anyone who violates my country’s laws and constitution. Where did I get such notions? First, when a teenager, I discovered Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata which begins, “Go placidly amid the noise and the haste.” Near the end, the poem advises, “whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.” Desiderata ends, “Strive to be happy.” Second, an Ancient Truth on how to change the world. Third, this prayer, which begins: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference.” Fourth, The Four Agreements. Click here for a short and lovely, profound and enlightening video. Wanderings & Wonders Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in my Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! Sandra Gould Ford NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.