Election Day!

The polls are about to close in the Mid-west.
I voted this morning and then made a 400 mile drive to Central Illinois.
I am thankful that we are able vote for our government representatives. I do think that we may all be better off if we somehow managed to shorten the campaign season and made it a little less divisive.

I do not like the political labels that are assigned to voters. I get Democrat, Republican, Independent, Libertarian, etc. But the assignment of liberal and conservative don't always fit very well. I consider that I am theologically conservative, fiscally moderate, and socially liberal.
I would say that I am a small government Democrat (even though I am still registered as a Republican). I do recognize the need for government service and there are social programs that need to be taken care of.

I don't understand the GOP that on one hand says they want less governmental regulation and then on the other hand, they push for more regulation on LGBT rights, religious rights, health and reproductive care, etc. What are you standing for -- less government or more regulation? I think it comes down to less regulation over our stuff and more regulation on your stuff.

I can identify with some of the issues that are considered conservative but am rarely considered to be conservative. And I am opposed to some of the issues that are considered to be liberal issues.
There was a time when politicians were able to look at issues rather than party lines. Crossing party lines for issues that benefited your district of state was common. Today, the party disciplines members by withholding funding or committee assignments for crossing the leadership. When you get a candidate from a certain party, you can expect them to hold to the party line.

Given the divide within the major parties, I anticipate more former Independent candidates (like Sen Sanders) running in party primaries in the future.

Whatever your party, whatever your label -- we are all Americans.
Let's act like it.
It will be OUR president that gets elected.
It will be OUR congress that gets elected.

Let's be grateful for our government and our voice in how it is administered.

John <><