It’s the End of the World or at Least that’s What They’re Saying

You may already be aware that the world is coming to an end in 2012; however, I’m not referring to the speculation that surrounds the end of the Mayan calendar, which will occur on winter’s solstice on December 21. Yes, there are plenty of people who think the world will end on that date. But there’s also quite a few who are convinced the real end of the world or at least the United States will most certainly happen on November 6, depending on which candidate wins the Presidential election.

All I can say is hold on to your hats. It’s going to be a bumpy ride. Frankly, I’ve never heard so many end-of-the world and apocalyptic statements coming from commentators, pundits, and presidential candidates than I have heard in the past year. It seems that our very existence as a species is at stake in this year’s election. To say it’s over the top is an understatement. And to be fair, this is coming from both parties.

I know it’s hard to know what to believe. And to be honest with you, the media doesn’t make it any easier. You just get the feeling that every network has picked their candidate and staked out their position. One thing is for sure the media is going to play a major role in this year’s election. The spin doctors are working overtime convincing you that their candidate is the only one who can save us from utter destruction.

You are going to hear a lot of terms thrown around in the next few months—take back America, restoring the American Dream, class warfare, American exceptionalism are just a few of the many terms that you will become familiar with in the coming year. Fear can be a strong motivator. Sometimes it causes us to do things that absolutely make no sense. Nobody wants to lose what they have.

I can’t tell you who to vote for or whether or not the hype is real or imaginary. Yes, there’s a lot at stake. But somehow, no matter who wins the Presidential election, the sun will rise the next day, and America will go on. All I can say is don’t believe everything that you hear and see. Just because somebody on television is offering their opinion doesn’t make it true. You need to check it out for yourself and get the facts.

Don’t buy into the slick 30 second Presidential commercial spots. Sure, they’re going to look good and convincing, but they’re just like a donut, they offer a lot of empty calories and a hole in the middle. Is it the end of the world? Is America finished? Only you can decide that. But for me I’m not buying into the fear. I want a candidate who is a straight shooter who is not trying to scare me but will articulate a clear vision for America that includes all Americans, not just the ones that agree with his or her policies.