I Voted, But I Am Going To Consider Mark Twain’s Wisdom Regardless Of The Outcome

Summary

The author, Kim McKinney, reflects on the importance of individual action and community diversity in the face of political outcomes, emphasizing personal responsibility and the power of kindness and cooperation beyond the ballot box.

Abstract

Kim McKinney has cast her vote in a swift and efficient process, but she acknowledges that her ballot reflects a mix of beliefs that may seem contradictory. She emphasizes the importance of diversity in ideas within her community and the role of individual voters in shaping the political landscape. Despite the divisive nature of politics and the potential for disappointment, McKinney argues that the collective power of citizens to care for one another can outweigh the influence of politicians. She cites Mark Twain's wisdom on loyalty, kindness, and the importance of questioning majority opinions, urging readers to focus on personal actions and community involvement rather than solely relying on political leaders. McKinney, an idealist, believes in the potential for Americans to realign their values and engage in more constructive discourse, ultimately changing the world through neighborly conduct.

Opinions

The author values a diverse range of opinions and believes that this diversity contributes positively to the community.
She expresses sadness over the inevitable disappointment some will feel post-election and criticizes those who lack a vision for unity.
McKinney points out that the power of the people outnumbers that of politicians, and that voters have a responsibility to enact change beyond just voting.
She encourages a focus on kindness and helping others, suggesting that these individual actions can have a significant collective impact.
The author quotes Mark Twain to support her views on loyalty to one's nation, the power of kindness, and the need to reflect when siding with the majority.
She challenges the reader to not only vote but also to actively engage in making a difference, rather than passively lamenting election outcomes.
McKinney believes that personal values and actions are more influential than political affiliations and that constructive arguments are preferable to bitter disputes.
She advocates for being a proactive and compassionate neighbor as the most effective way to change the world.

He makes a lot of sense

“Loyalty to the Nation all the time, loyalty to the Government when it deserves it.” — Mark Twain

I just voted. It was perfection. Only one guy was in front of me in line. I walked up, went through the whole process, and voted. I was in and out in less than ten minutes. We have lots of early voters here, so I wasn’t surprised.

My completed ballot reflected a mishmash of beliefs. If anyone would happen to see it, I suspect it may confuse them. I vote differently than most. Sometimes I vote for someone who is similar to me, but often I vote for someone who thinks very differently than I do. I try to maximize beliefs and opinions and the number of ideas that will be generated by most of those who will be representing the people. That seems to me to bring the best out in a community.

Unfortunately, my community, like many others, does not always show a diversity of ideas. But perhaps we are getting there. Maybe I help.

People are going to be disappointed in people as this day goes on. Some will lose faith in humanity. This makes me sad, but I also believe these people don’t have the power of vision.

Some will end this day feeling like “winners,” others “losers”. I like to blame politics and how downright icky it seems to be these days, but the truth is this — we drive the ickiness. We give the power to our politics.

There are more plain ole regular people than politicians. Over three hundred and thirty-one million. Yes, politicians in office can do all kinds of crazy things that impact all of our lives dramatically, but if the rest of us look after each other we can change this country. Voters or not, we have power (though I believe those who exercise their right to vote have more power.)

So many seem to miss the point. Even after voting, you can only control you. We will survive whatever the results if we, individually, exercise the best parts of our character. Kindness. A willingness to notice needs and help our neighbor. A belief everyone is our neighbor. Remember, we outnumber the politicians, even if sometimes it seems they have more power.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain

See something wrong? Maybe you need to talk less and work at changing things a bit more. Often our rhetoric destroys our message. What if we spend more time focusing on changing what needs to be changed and not depending on politicians to do it? What if politicians start to follow us, instead of us following them?

You can spend the next four years screaming your woe, or you can do something that will truly make a difference. I’m sorry if you are disappointed. I am sure there are areas where I will be. Frankly, I already am as we had a few local races with no choice, and at least one candidate I do not trust to do good things for people will be in office (that blank next to the name was not filled in by me.)

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.” — Mark Twain

Even if all elections go as you wanted, you also have a responsibility. Don’t walk around with blinders. Are you listening? Are you thinking for yourself and not buying the rhetoric? Are you a humble and compassionate “winner”?

Remember that we have one president, one vice president, 100 Senators, and 435 voting members of the House of Representatives. If you are an American citizen, you are one of 331 million. If “we” work with others who are like-minded, and surely with those numbers you can find some, who can be the most powerful?

I am an admitted idealist, but I believe we can make a significant difference in the way we live our lives. Talk less, do more. I hate the lack of “indivisible” in our lives. My great hope is that at some point our values will realign and arguments will become less bitter and more constructive. In the meantime, however, exercise your true power. Be the neighbor you want to have. There’s no better way to change the world.

“Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.” — Mark Twain

Kim McKinney is an avid voter, but not one who wants to give her power away. No matter what the next four years brings, she is prepared to live the values in which she believes

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