There’s More In Life Than Politics

Summary

The article reflects on the contrast between past and present political climates, emphasizing the importance of not letting politics overshadow other aspects of life.

Abstract

The author of the article, Michael Patanella, reminisces about the bygone era when political elections in America were more about patriotic celebration than the divisive and hateful discourse that is common today. He points out that despite the competitive spirit, past elections lacked the vitriol seen in modern politics. Drawing from nostalgic magazines like The Good Old Days and Saturday Evening Post, Patanella highlights the value of simpler times and topics that fostered happiness and unity among citizens. He argues that there is more to life than politics and encourages readers to seek out news sources that offer a broader perspective, beyond the constant focus on political strife. The article serves as a reminder to appreciate life's many joys and to not let political differences create animosity.

Opinions

Political discourse has become increasingly hostile, in contrast to the more harmonious and patriotic political atmosphere of the past.
The day after elections in previous years saw a peaceful continuation of life, regardless of political outcomes.
Friendships and familial relationships have suffered due to contemporary political divides.
There is a wealth of topics beyond politics that can bring joy and unity, such as shared experiences of growing up in America.
The author suggests that readers should engage with media that does not excessively focus on politics, advocating for a more balanced view of the world.
Despite having lived through seven presidencies with varying degrees of personal preference for the elected leaders, the author's life has not been defined by these political changes.
The article aims to provide a brief respite from the stress of current events, particularly the 2020 election and the year's challenges in general.
The author believes that stress and politics should not be factors that lead to

There’s More In Life Than Politics

For as much as we complain about how we can’t wait until the elections are over, that never seems to stop many of us from talking about politics every chance we get. Whether with best friends, family members, or the stranger in the grocery store.

This idea came to my mind as I was reading through some of my monthly magazines. I subscribe to some of the best nostalgic magazines there are to read. Magazines like The Good Old Days, Saturday Evening Post, Reminisce, etc etc.

What I first came to realize, when reading about the politics of the olden days, is how it seems like the presidential election day used to be such a fun patriotic time in America. Maybe I’m just an outsider looking in, but when I read about those pastimes of elections, it seems like even with all the competitive spirit there was, there was NOT however hate or hurtful words. Maybe I’m wrong, but that’s just the perception I get.

Years past, when the day after the election came, the winner won, and the loser lost, and life in America went on.

Friendships didn’t end over a difference in electoral opinions, and people didn’t become hateful of their friends or closest loved one.

Has the world changed? Or has politics always turned some citizens into hate?

So, when I continued browsing through those old stories in my magazines, I realized that there was so many other topics to read about. Topics that weren’t oh so serious, and so written in blood.

Simple stories of America, the pastimes that made citizens happy, news outlets that didn’t lean red or blue, wonderful stories of what it was like to grow up in small town America, or even in the many big cities, when they were all once much more safe of a place to be. We enjoyed things like sports, before athletes thought they were politicians. Times when you knew not only every neighbor on your street, but every neighbor on every street around the blocks as well.

It’s quite important to not neglect those simpler things in life. It is important to not lose appreciation of all the wonderful experiences that make up the memories that remain in our hearts and minds, often hidden today.

I always advise people to find news outlets and read magazines that don’t cover or dwell on politics. There is afterall, more news in life, then who is running for president. Mudslinging should not be the main goal of the United States.

I am 43 years old, and have now lived through 7 presidents. Some I wanted to win, and some I haven’t. But my life has not been ruined by any of those 7 presidents yet. Life went on, and I got by the best I could. Life remained okay, and the world has not yet ended through any of those elections.

I hope this article has been able to give everyone a three minute break from the moment to moment stress of not only the 2020 election, but 2020 in general as well. We may no longer be in the olden days. There may be many happy times and moments that are all part of only yesterday and no longer here with us today. But stress is everyone’s worst enemy, and politics shouldn’t be a topic that creates enemies.

May all of you be blessed today, tonight, tomorrow and always.

MICHAEL PATANELLA