By Peter Karlovics -
I know people are frustrated by the messiness of our process, and the noise and visual pollution that political campaigns create.
I wish people would recognize that noise and visual pollution for what it is... the beautiful sound of mother freedom clearing her throat before the people speak on election day. And that doesn't happen in a dictatorship, where everyone is quiet.
People love cynicism, because it is easier to dismiss all candidates as "corrupt" or "dishonest." Cynical Americans do not have to research the candidates,their positions, their records of performance, their integrity, etc.
Cynics get to paint everyone with one broad brush from the comfort of their armchair, instead of participating in a constructive fashion by selecting the best candidate from the imperfect selection offered.
There are others who simply want "quiet." Dictatorships that kill people, take their property, and trample their rights are very quiet... deathly quiet.
I remember visiting Communist-dominated Hungary, a dark grey place, where people looked at the ground while they walked...and said nothing. The country was nothing short of depressing.
After the fall of Communism in Hungary, I visited again. This time, there were billboards selling products, and people were talking to each other... and there was the most beautiful sight of all... a political billboard featuring the picture of a candidate, upon whom someone had drawn a mustache.
I love the noise and clutter of campaigns. It is part of what keeps America free and great.
And for those who hate elections....it is simple laziness to ignore elections, which is not any type of virtue.
My hat is off to every political participant, left, center and right, who gets into the arena, and tries to make a difference, whether through volunteerism, campaign donations, writing in support of political positions, or by running for office.
They do more to help our government find its way than any cynic who equally hates everyone.
