Let's get political

We are in the midst of the "silly season" where politics get in the way of everything else. From now through the August 3 primary (especially) in West Michigan we will be subjected to the slings and arrows of not-too polished campaigners who, up until now, have been fairly civil. There have been a few debates. I've heard some radio and tv ads. A couple of ironically similar stuffers have been carefully not put inside my mailbox but rather tucked into the screen door. I've seen little if any print advertising yet. Candidates I don't even know suddenly want to be my "Friend" on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Some minds are made up, even if voters have no idea who they are supporting or what they believe in. And there are plenty of good reasons to vote for each candidate:

"Heck, he played pro-football. That's good enough for me!"
"She goes to my church."
"He's pro-life and that's my only issue."
"He's an outsider and not a party hack."
"He's a veteran lawmaker who knows how to get things done."
"She's a TeaParty member."
"He's the only Democrat in the race."

So far, so good. But it's July.  It's too damned hot. And the gloves are coming off.

Suddenly, men I've known and respected a long time are pointing out each other's flaws. And they're pointing out that others are pointing out each other's flaws. The endorsements are coming in. Candidates will jockey to explain how being on a list of "qualified" candidates right alongside their opponent somehow makes them more qualified. Some will accuse others of vandalizing their signs. Overzealous volunteers will make mistakes. Tired candidates will say something stupid. Yes, it's the silly season. Term Limits did this to us. For years now, candidates at all levels simply played musical chairs while newcomers hung out on the sidelines waiting for a chance. 2010 is that chance.

I have been asked to support a number of candidates. In all too many races, an acquaintance of mine is running against another acquaintance. I choose not to play. Is that wrong? I will cast my vote in the semi-privacy of the rickety voting stand with a black marker and then slide the giant card into the machine watching closely to make sure the little number increases by one as I do so. Only God and I will know.