Things are coming far too rapidly now to keep to just one topic this week. Here, now, is a brain dump of things leading up to the election.
.Why are we still having debates? Both sides have long since stopped using debates as a debate and rather as a regurgitation of talking points that never answers an actual question. Same for the “Town Hall” where whatever question someone does ask is immediately followed by a story about something else. We need to find better ways to evaluate candidates rather than their ability to interrupt their opponent. I’m thinking an XBox Madden tournament or footrace. It would, at least, be more entertaining and just as informative on who to vote for.
.Another flare up that was overshadowed by a fly in a recent debate was the checking for an electronic earpiece in a candidate’s ears prior to the debate. Like someone would be off stage feeding them facts or lies or recipes for Pop Tarts in their ear. What would be so wrong with that anyway? Ronald Reagan famously didn’t know jack squat about stuff, but hired smart people who educated him on the important stuff and then he called the play. Great leaders lead, but they also don’t lead alone. They have to have the best and brightest helping to move faster. What’s so wrong with them pitching in to help their boss during a debate? Seems like you might get more truthful and effective answers than dueling sound bytes.
.And while we’re on the topic of electronic enhancement, I think, after decades of denial, I’m finally coming around to allowing electronic help for baseball officials during Major League Games. And, at least, a better system than them going to “New York” for help on tough calls. The way they have it is stupid and if there’s technology out there to make folks better, then let’s do it. Forty years of umpiring had trained me to shut that down, but watching four umpires stand around talking about a play when there’s a 200 foot replay of it right behind them seems pretty silly. Make the sport better. Let’s go.
.Back on the topic of voting – in researching last week’s column on handwriting rules related to matching your signature to your driver’s license, I also learned that nearly every county in every state has different rules for voting. Many of these are to cater to the party in power. Typically, Republicans want to make it harder to vote and require more checks and hoops to jump through. Democrats would like their cats and Martians to vote. I get it. Game the system to help you win. I think, however, that it shouldn’t be different depending on where you live. Everyone in America should have the same dumb system – that way, at least, we can know what it is. I live in Clay County and there’s a three page document on their website outlining the right ways to vote. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have that kind of time. I just want to pick my guy or gal and GTFO.
.Finally, we’re less than two weeks away from Election Day (or week, or month, depending on how long it takes to count these things.) Have you started thinking about your post-election plan to engage with your friends who disagree with you on the election? Unfollowing on Facebook will only get you so far, and once those Trump flags and those Biden signs are put away, we’re all going to need to figure out a way to stand in line at the grocery store again. I realize some of you might not be ready yet, but you better make a plan, otherwise you better stock up on those canned goods. Might be a long winter alone.
(You’ll never feel alone when you’re following Chris Kamler on Twitter as @TheFakeNed or watching him on Landmark Live at plattecountylandmark.com)
