Follow me on Twitter! @philgriffins
I LOVE politics! I do! I love the conversation, the varied opinions, the arguments, the quiet strained dinners with my in-laws, and even the ended friendships. Maybe not the last one, but you get my point.
However, there is one thing I don't love.... The political ads!
I am one of the unfortunate souls that live in a swing state. Even worse I live in a swing district! When you look at where TV money has been spent, I am in one of the top 5 areas in the entire country!(shudder) I have seen more political ads during this election then during all the previous elections together. Phil is a funny guy, right? No! Several times over the last few weeks, I have seen back-to-back ads. "Phil, That's not bad, get over it." I'm sorry, I misspoke. They weren't back-to-back ads. They were back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back ads. That's right six political ads in a row. No, I can't just change the channel, they were on every channel I turned.(Plus, I can't find my remote!)
The worst part about these ads you ask? Besides trying to explain to my children why we should elect anyone? (because everyone is made out to sound horrible) It is the inaccuracies, no strike that, the lies that fill these ads. You want to put an ad on TV and tell me what you are going to do for us? Great, go for it! Sadly, that is not what happens. My (least) favorite ad today was one where two "teachers" are talking about how horrible this one guy running for office is. How he cut all of this money to public education... tsk tsk, STRING HIM UP! Um, but the entire ad is a lie. One of the "teachers" is to young to have had a job during the time they are speaking about. The other is NOT a public school teacher. She doesn't even have a teaching license in the state of Virginia! The cuts they are talking about? I won't bore you with more of the ad, but the cuts they discuss, not true either. So now not only do I have to watch an ad with a false premise, but not even the people in the ad are not who they say they are!
I am just plain sick and tired of watching ads that have no basis in reality. And yes, your political party is responsible for some of these attack ads. No, it doesn't matter that you think the other guy made more ads that lie. In this case, Everyone is wrong!
I really am blessed to live in a country where I will get up Tuesday morning, go to my voting place, and it relative security and safety...vote. Do I care who you will vote for? Yes! However, that is a blog post for another day.
On a final note, I hope that my friends, family, and colleagues that live in and around New York and New Jersey are able to vote. Hurricane Sandy knocked out power to millions, people are struggling to find gas, and many communities had their polling places completely destroyed. My prayers are with you and I hope you are able to conduct your civic responsibilities safely and without waiting for hours. May your vote count!
On the plus side, if you haven't had power over the last week... you haven't had to watch these political attack ads!
I can't believe you stole my post for tomorrow evening!!! I had a solid plan and you nailed it pretty well here. You know I am just going to have to try to out "rant" you now. Great post Phil!! Now I am going to have to work to equal this one. By the way, we are in total agreement. Can't stand the ads...Arrgh! But I may dislike the politicians just as much. I suppose we need them though.
ReplyDelete