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For most of human history, throughout time and
place, from small villages to great empires, the majority of people
had no voice in their own governance.
Interestingly, in a lecture series for The Great Courses, Professor
Patrick Grim noted that in 1980 only 43% of Americans polled thought
there were important differences between political parties, whereas
today that figure stands at 74%.
Such divergent opinions as to whether it is Donald Trump or Hillary
Clinton who can best lead the U.S. forward is complicated by the
fact that both candidates are seen to have shortcomings, not only by
their detractors, which is to be expected, but also among some of
their own supporters.
How then is a voter to arrive at a decision? One factor to consider
is that each individual is seldom in total agreement with any other
individual, including a best friend, spouse, etc., therefore, it is
not truly unusual that a voter would disagree with his or her chosen
candidate on some issues.
With only several weeks before the election, undecided voters
appear to be weighing Donald Trump’s controversial statements
against Hillary Clinton’s already high untrustworthy rating which
was recently exacerbated by the WikiLeaks revelation that important
policy position statements she makes to the public at times conflict
with those she makes in private.
There is a saying which is used throughout a variety of cultures:
“Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater,” which means, don’t
throw out that which is desirable along with something undesirable.
Along a similar concept, I have coined the word “chroneclecticism”
to describe my own personal philosophy, which in simple terms,
involves drawing insight from many schools of thought and cultures
throughout time. While I certainly do not suggest that everyone
should adopt my philosophy, I have found that when I mention it to
others, I am often told that they also engage in a similar thought
process, although they may not have put a name on it.
For voters who are still undecided, it may help to consider, after
the bathwater is discarded, do you expect to have a candidate whom
you trust to address the issues which are important to you?
In this rather raucous election, it is not only Americans, but much
of the world which anxiously watches to see which baby will emerge
from the murky water victorious.
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