Over the past week, news reports and commentary about the final hours of the presidential election have intertwined with coverage of Hurricane Sandy’s assault on the East Coast of the United States. Warm smiles behind shiny promises of a bright future fill the screen, replaced a minute later by dazed and frantic faces surveying a moldy, waterlogged present. I feel as though I’m watching the closing scene of The Godfather, in which quick cuts take us back and forth between an infant’s baptism and the brutal killing of rival family members. The movie forces us to think about values and priorities, and the damage that can be inflicted by empty words and shortsighted decisions.
New York and New Jersey are not considered political battleground states, but they look as though they’ve been through a war. Ten days ago, most voters in that part of the country were concerned about unemployment, rising prices, health care, and the deficit. Today, many of them are wondering where they’re going to live, and focused on how cold they feel and how hungry their children are.
Meanwhile, the candidates have continued to spend millions of dollars to replay savage, partially-true television commercials, and to travel the last miles of the campaign trail, repeating those same messages in person to cheering crowds of supporters.
Had this all been part of a movie, the character in the role of the president would have abandoned his re-election efforts — ignoring the exasperated pleas of his chief of staff and other advisers – and headed to a devastated neighborhood to distribute blankets and bail out the basement of some shocked citizen who’d been planning to vote against him. Eventually the incumbent’s opponent, realizing how inappropriate and insensitive it is to keep campaigning amid so much suffering, joins the president, and together they deliver hot food and medical supplies to the grateful masses. Along the way they generate a new-found hope for the nation and, no doubt, one or both of them utters something about what it means to “truly reach across the aisle to help our fellow man.”
Had I seen such a film, I would have been rolling my eyes and adding to the cynical consensus: Oh, Hollywood, there you go again. None of this would ever happen. What world are you living in?
Politicians, with the top prize within their grasp, turning their backs on ambition? Sacrificing their own future to directly benefit other human beings in a time of need? Extending a hand in order to comfort, rather than to injure? It would make for pretty lame cinema. But in real life, that’s what I’d call moving forward. And a reason to believe in America.
"HE WHO"
November 6, 2012
Pardon my ignorance regarding American politics (our Canadian politics are becoming so vile I can’t get by them to study those south of the border), but did that not happen last week when Obama stopped campaigning and ultimately Romney almost did?
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bronxboy55
November 6, 2012
Obama did postpose a few events. But it’s gotten to the point where everything politicians do seems staged, scripted, and screened. Nothing seems genuine. They don’t spend a lot of time doing what’s right, but rather on creating the appearance that they are.
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charlywalker
November 6, 2012
It’s all smoke and mirrors……
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
I don’t know, CW. It seems that way sometimes, but I have to believe that underneath it all, politicians are real people who care and try to do the right thing. I guess it would be easier if the cameras weren’t always on, and if every word and gesture weren’t endlessly dissected and analyzed.
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nailingjellotoatree
November 6, 2012
Well put! I was just discussing this morning the fact that politicians should have to drink from the same cup of us common folk.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
I think they all start out that way, and it’s one of the reasons they get elected in the first place. But the career politicians run the risk of losing touch. They forget where they came from, and their compassion is replaced by a desire to hold onto the office at any cost.
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rangewriter
November 6, 2012
In many ways, we, the people are to blame for the smoke and mirrors. We demand to know every single detail about our politicians, about what they say and to whom. Our media follows them around like a pack of hound dogs in heat, waiting for a verbal slip up or the beginnings of a deal that might move the entire country forward; and so the politicians must pander to us, to what we want to hear, to what we think they should be doing. People look back and say this or that President of the past accomplished great things…but those prior Presidents had a lot more room to explore, to think outside of the box, to try things, to change what wasn’t working and try something else. We’ve sort of gotten what we asked for. Staged, scripted, entertainment.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
It’s a tricky balancing act, I guess, to be a representative of the people and a leader at the same time. The president has to be convicted and decisive, but also needs a certain level of support to be effective. Doing so while working under a microscope takes its toll, and something eventually has to give. What gives, often, is integrity. But sometimes what began as a clear and sincere vision shrinks into paralysis. Let’s see what happens now that Obama doesn’t have to worry about reelection.
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Ashley
November 6, 2012
One thing I noticed when our city flooded a few years ago ( massive devastation, but maybe not quite on the scale of NY and NJ) the sight of so many strangers jumping in to help their newly homeless neighbors was enough to warm even the coldest of hearts. If I saw a candidate jumping in and working their arse off because they honestly wanted to, and not for a photo opportunity, I would have to slap myself awake. Loved the post:)
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
Now you have me wondering if it’s even possible. Can a celebrity or political leader show up during a crisis just to help out — without the media jumping in and recording the whole thing? And then when the rest of us see the resulting images, we assume it was nothing more than a photo-op. So rather than feeling inspired, we become even more disillusioned.
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Juniper
November 6, 2012
A lot of good sentiments, thank you BronxBoy and Rangewriter!
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
Thank you, Juniper. Good to see you here again.
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shoreacres
November 6, 2012
Well, I disagree completely. The President (or, in this case, the people campaigning for the Presidency) should not have to be charge of such a disaster. FEMA, state and local agencies, assorted NGOs and individuals themselves should have taken advantage of the warning they had to prepare for contingencies as best they could. Once the extent of the damage became apparent, it would have been the role of the President and state officials to call out the National Guard, for example, to fly in supplies of food and water, but there’s no reason for them to be on the soup lines.
I’ve been through plenty of hurricanes, lost a house, had a rebuild a business and seen a friend die while rescuing others. The last thing any of us needed was another flood of politicians coming in for photo ops. What we need are politicians who will help to construct a society that will continue to work in the face of disaster – because the next one is just down the road.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
I guess I’ve watched Dave one too many times. I love that movie. Still, I wouldn’t mind seeing political leaders who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty — not in a photo-op kind of way, but in a Jimmy-Carter-skinned-knuckles-aching-back kind of way. For similar reasons, I think all doctors should have to spend a week sitting in a wheelchair or lying in a hospital bed. It’s easier to care about someone else’s suffering if you have some idea what that suffering feels like. And by caring, I mean doing something.
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strokevictor
November 6, 2012
Brilliant commentary! Maybe we would be better off turning campaigns over to Hollywood writers and directors. I really enjoyed this, especially today.
Thanks
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
I’m sure in some ways, that’s already happened. Thanks for the kind words.
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amelie
November 6, 2012
Well said. Obama seems like he did well, cutting through the red tape considering how many millions were in trouble. But movie drama-wise, Christie really stole the show. “Get the hell off the beach” (from Irene) and “You don’t need to be taking pictures of the ocean” were such hilarious lines. He’s a straight shooter. I wish he would cross over to the progressive, science-based side so he can tell it like it is.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
Specific political views aside, Governor Christie is exactly what I’m talking about. I like Andrew Cuomo, too, and can’t remember the last time both New Jersey and New York had smart, no-nonsense governors in office. It’s encouraging. Thanks, Amelie.
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morristownmemos by Ronnie Hammer
November 6, 2012
I was struck by the “what if” scene you created with the politicians forgetting their campaigns and jumping in to help those in flooded homes. The closest such story in real life was the NY marathoners who, after Sunday’s race was cancelled, ran to the areas needing help.
All the cries for donations have been met with distain because of stories about the money donated to help Haitians after their devastating storm. That money was squandered and stolen before it ever reached the people in such desperate need.
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Josephine Rose
November 6, 2012
that’s just sad! 😦
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
Donations ending up in the wrong pockets is a problem. As you said, it affects not only the immediate situation — in that case, Haiti — but also future relief efforts. Even otherwise reputable organizations, such as the Red Cross, have stumbled badly.
I think one of the president’s main roles is that of Executive Inspirer. Reagan was no genius, but people responded to him on an emotional level. Kennedy and Clinton had that quality, too. Maybe it would help if every once in a while, the president forgot about the political implications and just did the right thing. What could be more inspiring than that?
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Coyotemoonwatch
November 6, 2012
Well said. Exactly my sentiment.
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
Thanks for reading, Coyote. It’s good to hear from you.
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writingfeemail
November 6, 2012
As usual you have your finger right on the pulse and recognize the dying heartbeat of true patriotism. I’m not even sure the people left in the ravaged parts of NY and NJ and who are still without power will be able to vote. Perhaps that was why they weren’t more important than the campaigns. Hopefully, they will all get the chance to cast their ballot.
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
Renee, many people in NY and NJ managed to cast their votes, despite the difficulties. But the numbers are definitely down from four years ago. In New Jersey, the drop was well over 300,000. Obama was going to take both states no matter what, so at least the outcome wasn’t affected by something as unavoidable as the weather.
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Amiable Amiable
November 6, 2012
“Get me the big mop!” the President would say! 😉
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
“Snap out of it!” the Vice President would reply.
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marymtf
November 6, 2012
Forget about Hollywood, that’s ‘once upon a time stuff’. Neither of the US condenders seem worthy of the top job. But then again the same can be said in Australia about our current prime minister and the opposition leader. If you ever get a chance to watch our question time in Parliament you will see what the people running our country do to earn their crust and keep their jobs.
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
Mary, I’ve been in Canada fourteen years, and I still can’t figure out what goes on in Parliament here. It just seems like a lot of yelling and people all talking at once. I always expect them to start throwing things at each other and pulling each other’s hair.
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earthriderjudyberman
November 6, 2012
I’d been thinking of that scene in “The Godfather,” Charles. The hypocrisy always fascinated me. That’s a fitting statement for many of those running for office as well … promise us the moon before the election … and then let us down – not so gently – afterwards.
My hope is that we put all our political differences aside on Wednesday, Nov. 7th, and work together for all Americans. An idealistic thought, but we have to start somewhere.
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bronxboy55
November 8, 2012
I agree, Judy. It seems as though politics has turned into a game that focuses on hurting the other party, rather than doing the things that government is supposed to do.
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dearrosie
November 7, 2012
Gosh Charles what an interesting challenge. I’d like to imagine Mitt Romney and President Obama working together handing out blankets and hot soup!
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
I can’t imagine a more striking image to represent democracy, Rosie — the extreme opposite of the dictator dining in his sumptuous palace while his people starve a few blocks away.
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Stacie Chadwick
November 7, 2012
You’re writing about something that truly matters. I, on this historic day, instead chose to talk about my vagina. Thank you for redirecting my thoughts in the right direction, Charles.
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
On the contrary, Stacie, your post is filled with insight and humor. I read it twice, and wished I’d written it both times.
http://geminigirlinarandomworld.com/2012/11/06/im-coming-out-of-the-closet/
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Tori Nelson
November 9, 2012
Best. Comment. Ever. Vaginas are important, too!
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
Tori, I have to add a link to your new post, as well. It’s indescribably beautiful.
http://torinelson.wordpress.com/2012/11/09/birth-and-day-day-day/
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Betty Londergan
November 7, 2012
Amen amen and amen — I’m happy for the Obama victory, but I’m praying for some bipolar (I mean bipartisan) action where both parties get together and start addressing some of the really difficult issues facing this country … and this world. This is the time and this is the place. Thanks for your always thoughtful post… p.s. that baptism Godfather scene is one of my all-time favorite bits from a movie ….ever!
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
I was expecting more dramatic change in the Congressional elections. If anything meaningful is going to get done, a lot of people will have to be willing to walk away from the spiteful political nonsense and start working together. It could happen. Couldn’t it?
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Val
November 7, 2012
You have true soul, Charles.
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
Thank you, Val. Coming from you, that means a lot. I hope you’ll resume blogging, when the time is right. I look forward to it.
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Michelle Gillies
November 7, 2012
Well, it was no Hollywood ending but at least the “election” coverage is over. I find it amusing how strongly we Canadians feel about the American election. It is out of our control. We can’t vote but we certainly have our choices made and stress over the outcome. We probably know more about these candidates than we will ever know about someone running for Prime Minister. I am hearing/reading the collective world breathe a sigh of relief at the results.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
I can hear most Americans responding to your comment: “What? Canada has a Prime Minister?”
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Michelle Gillies
November 7, 2012
I would laugh if it wasn’t so close to the truth. When I first met my brother-in-law years ago (not that he is any wiser about Canada now), we were in a debate about the long lines/waits at the border crossings. He suggested we get the Queen on it. I thought he was kidding but when I looked at him I realized he was deadly serious. I asked him why I would want to do that. He said, “Doesn’t the Queen run Canada?”. I kid you not, true story.
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bronxboy55
November 7, 2012
Well, she is on the twenty-dollar bill.
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Michelle Gillies
November 7, 2012
Yeah, that’s it.
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susielindau
November 7, 2012
This is such a great point. I was thinking about the bombardment of ads here in Colorado. Millions of dollars could have been donated to those in need instead of completely taking over every commercial air-time spot. Only in Hollywood is right.
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
You have to wonder how effective those commercials can possibly be. Judging by the election results, it seems as though they just cancel each other out, and the only real beneficiaries are the ad agencies and media salespeople.
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susielindau
November 9, 2012
Exactly! I hung up on both parties since we were inundated with phone calls too.
Ah! Do you hear that? That’s the sound of silence, for a little while anyway… 🙂
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Sir Allen, Knight (@AllanDouglasDgn)
November 8, 2012
Another excellent essay, Charles. Many good points. At a time when we must either laugh or cry (because crawling under a rock will do no good) I can only say:
“Political language—and with variations this is true of all political parties, from Conservatives to Anarchists—is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” ~ George Orwell
“We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.” ~Aesop
“When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; I’m beginning to believe it.” ~Clarence Darrow
“Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.” ~Author Unknown
“If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.” ~Jay Leno
“Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.” ~Oscar Ameringer
“There ought to be one day – just one – when there is open season on senators.” ~Will Rogers
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bronxboy55
November 9, 2012
Allan, these quotes seem clever in a simple kind of way, but there’s obviously a lot of complex emotion churning just below the surface. We criticize and make fun of our political leaders. At the same time, we’ve entrusted them with a great deal of power. The humor makes us feel better, momentarily, but the laughter is the nervous kind. For me, Orwell’s words are the most chilling.
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Mitch Mitchell
November 9, 2012
It was definitely an interesting scenario wasn’t it? Things did stop for a couple of days though and based on the little scuttlebutt we got, Christie lost a lot of respect for Romney and his team, who wanted him to come campaign with them rather than being with his constituency. And then Guiliani, who should know better, gets out there saying Obama gave the worst response ever to a disaster… Yeah, politics are politics but humanity always takes precedence. It’s a nice dream Charles, and I think if there had been an extra week both candidates might have done what you were hoping for.
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bronxboy55
November 11, 2012
I guess the timing of the storm — days before the election — was a big factor. I hadn’t heard anything about what Giuliani said, but Christie handled himself well. It’s interesting that no matter how advanced our technology gets, we’re still at nature’s mercy. Where are those domed cities we were supposed to be living in by now?
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Arindam
November 10, 2012
Sir Charles, few days earlier me and my friends were praising your politicians, because our news channels were showing that, Obama cancelled his campaigning event to take charge of the office just when Sandy was about to make landfall. Seeing this, I really thought our politicians need to learn something from these people. But now you share it from a different perspective. Then again the next day I heard Mr. Obama’s victory speech; and I just loved it. I’ve never heard a politician promising people of that country that he is going to ask help from the opposition to move the country forward. Again it was very inspiring for people like us, who every day see politicians of ruling party charge opposition for corruption and the next day we see opposition is doing the same. And it’s an never ending cycle which no one among us knows when it’s going to stop.
I too believe now the politicians must sacrifice their own future to directly benefit other human beings in a time of need. I am not sure about other part of world, but it’s sad that it’s not seem like it is going to happen soon in our part of world.
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bronxboy55
November 11, 2012
I have no way of comparing politicians from the two countries, Arindam, and I obviously don’t know what really goes on behind the closed doors of the US government. When Obama says he wants to work with his opponents, I have no doubt that he’s sincere, but I also know that he’s saying what the public wants to hear. The United States is evenly divided along party lines and solving most of its big problems will require compromise and cooperation. Unfortunately, those things are seen as signs of weakness these days. Everyone seems to understand that it’s necessary, but who will take the first step?
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icedteawithlemon
November 13, 2012
Thank you, Charles, for expressing so succinctly the disarray that has been rambling through my brain for the past couple weeks (you have a habit of doing that). Last year I wrote a blog about how much better this world would be if I were in charge, and you responded with a request to be my Secretary of Bureaucracy Disposal or Ambassador to Italy. After reading this post, I am convinced YOU are the one who needs to be in charge–or at the very least, you need to be the guy grabbing the President’s ear and filling it with common sense.
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bronxboy55
November 15, 2012
I’d still rather be Ambassador to Italy.
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Patti Kuche
November 18, 2012
Sandy and the election seem so long ago already but for many, as you know, the reconstruction from the devastation is going to take a long time. A week is a long time in politics, the election a seeming blip as new events roll in like crashing waves. Mitt meanwhile is crying in his cups, apportioning blame here, there and everywhere. Free from campaigning and party restraints at last it would be nice to think Mitt et al could roll their sleeves up and donate some serious money to the Sandy funding. As pioneers of small government they are perfectly placed to put words into action.
You should write your movie!
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bronxboy55
November 19, 2012
The reconstruction will no doubt take years, Patti. But the way we’re overwhelmed with a new sensational story every other day, it won’t be nearly that long before most people forget all about the storm and the damage it caused. Thank you for your recent blog posts about Sandy’s aftermath, especially the photographs. Sometimes we need to slow down and really take a closer look. You’ve helped a lot of people do that.
http://nylondaze.com
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