A Capraesque View of Politics

Candace Wade

A Capraesque View of Politics

I was raised with a Capraesque approach to politics. I can feel you curling up like salted slugs at the idea that I’m going to write about politics. Giventhatthe security of our shrinking future and the wellbeing of our children and grandchildren balance on political governance, I’m going to wade into the rosier view of voting, politics and Washington, D.C. in honor of the November 8 election.

My experience has been that people in the South will holler about politics, but have a visceral feeling that talking about it is less acceptable than outing great aunt Hattie’s penchant for shooting Liberals from the front porch. I grew up pickled in political chutney in Los Angeles. My sister and I perched at the edge of our seats at the dinner table and sparred with my parents and each other. We learned to be lively about our opinions but respectful. My parents encouraged the conversations and our disparate points of view

The duty to vote was engraved on my conscience. The bitter emotional and physical battle that American women fought inorder to be granted -- granted -- the right to vote in 1920 with the ratification of 19th Amendment was recent history enough to dig the engraving a little deeper.Then, 45 years later we had to enact The Voting Rights Act of 1965 to strengthen the 15th Amendment of 1870 that gave all men (including black men) the right to vote. Americans suffered and scarified so we all could cast our vote. We are of a generation that can still relate to the suffering previous generations endured from which we benefit. My parents made it clear – you vote.

I’m corny. My first vote was a hair-on-fire thrill. I still feel that way – like flags should be waving and the Blue Angels shouldmake passes over the Church of the City where we vote. I settle for the little “I Voted” sticker pasted on my shirt.

Platforms and personalities aside, the fact that we, the people of the United States of North America, finally have the first woman to get this close to being President – and may become President, is a stunning symbolic shift for our granddaughters. The sign that reads “The Fathers of Our Country” at the National Portrait Gallery would have to be changed. This is historic in our country’s current history.

Wecan helpgrandkids get a taste of the “voting gumbo.” Casting the ballot is sort of the final product to be savored. The vital ingredients include educating ourselves,thinking critically, identifying issues that really matter to older voters (Social Security, Medicare, drug costs and the financial and safetyimpactsof climate change).

Paging through an array of newspapers with the grandkids can instigate conversations that don’t involve Converse Chuck Taylor Low Tops or Jaden Smith. See what the youngsters have to say. Help them substantiate and challenge their beliefs. You’d be guiding them onto the path of critical thinking and thinking for themselves. Ice cream could be involved.

Apathy drags down our democratic system of governing. We as citizens can blame ourselves if we don’t vote and/or get involved. You have the time and knowledge to loosen the soil so their experience of being a participating American takes root. Takethe grandkids with you when you vote to strengthen their “participation” muscles.

The most effective way to get a “pumped on politics” high is to extricate the kids from their over-stressed parents for a long weekend on a Granny/Grampy Field Trip toour nation’s capital. A pair of comfy shoes (with extra insoles) will transform you into the coolest tour guide as you lead them from the Lincoln Memorial; past the Viet Nam Memorial Wall; through the WWII Memorial; past the Washington Monument and the White House; down the Mall where citizens have gathered (and flew kites)throughout our history; to the U.S. Capital vibrating with political energy.

Hustle the kids into the tour of the Capital.They can actually sit in the gallery to watch the legislators they see on the evening news. Take in a Congressman or two by touring the Congressional Office Building that houses their representatives. Point out the bronze plaques by the open doors that read “Welcome, Please Come In” under the state seal. Explain that the U.S. and state flags on either side of the door are symbols that the duty of Congress is to work for the good of the country and their state and not their political party.

The U.S. government is us and we are the U.S. government. We “mature lifestylers” have contributed so much and still have much to contribute. As participators, being involved with our political process is fun. It challenges our brains. It keeps us active. It certainly gets our blood pumping.

Having a Frank Capra view of politics is certainly more fun and offers more fertile groundfor a positive relationship with your grandkids than, let’s say, a moreJohn Carpenterish position? Who knows, maybe one of them will run for office then you can blame them for all of your troubles. Explore for information on visiting Washington, D.C.

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