MARY READY: Post election musing and a little cynicism

Since I file my column on Mondays before it appears in the Saturday paper, I’m going back to the future to share my unsolicited opinions and thoughts on the election results last Tuesday. Remember, I’m writing this on the eve of the voting, so I don’t know who won his or her particular race.

As a Republican, I will show up along with my spouse to cast my ballot for the least worst of the presidential candidates. It will be good to see old friends in line and those who work the polls and get my sticker that proclaims, “I voted.” Such things remind me of the blessings and freedoms I have as an American to vote and to have my voice heard whether it makes a difference or not. Even in my cynicism, hope springs eternal for the election of political leaders who are sensitive to the needs of their constituents.

I know. Dream on.

As usual, I always vote for the candidate who has the SLIMMEST chance of being president — the one with the common sense and a true heart for our nation. The one who doesn’t make policy based on the special interests of others. The one who has personal as well as political integrity.  

When I’m in that voting carrel, I’m neither Republican, Democrat, nor Independent. I’m an American first, and I vote for the candidate most likely to bring positive change to the overwhelming woes threatening our nation’s well-being: the economy, joblessness, outsourcing, environment, immigration, education, and the trade deficit. Not to mention Paris Hilton and the Kardashians.  

On a citywide level, I vote the same way. Of course, I hope the three council members for whom I voted won their seats. Yes, I know we were to vote for four, but I can’t in good conscience put much confidence in the remaining three.

According to last week’s Log, one wanted to see Destinites trusting in the council “to do the right things.” And even with growth, to remember the heritage of the town and its foundation on the fishing industry.

Another wants Destin to be “the place to be.” Yet another wants all businesses “full and flourishing.” And who can find fault with wanting our city and marinas kept clean? One wants us to be “festive,” and another envisions a “fiscally responsible government that truly represents the will of our residents and businesses (and) ensures open and transparent government ….”  

Please say you ain’t just whispering “sweet nothings” in our ears.

Most agree on growth, growth, and more growth along with tourists, tourists, and more tourists. As an old curmudgeon with an isolationist mentality, I say “No thanks” and stay off my petunias. By the way, I voted against becoming a city in 1984, and I still think I was right about that.

There appears to be a general consensus by local candidates as to stabilizing Norriego Point, completing the harbor boardwalk, giving local residents an alternative to Highway 98, and maintaining healthy beaches. I agree with the ones who want to see a high school and a police department. All want Destin to be family friendly. And it’s probably a safe bet that all six are in favor of motherhood, apple pie, baseball, the American flag, bunny rabbits, and Jesus.

Most important, a couple of the candidates even promised to listen to the concerns of Destin residents and business owners. Now that, folks, is ALL WE EVER ASKED. (Pardon me for screaming in caps. It’s a bad habit I picked up from Dr. Spartacus.)

Well, anyway, the city election is now history. I sincerely congratulate the winners. And I hope you will be sensitive to the people who gave you that honor and that solemn responsibility to make decisions on our behalf. Give the small business owner every break possible. Stop pouring concrete and paving paradise to put up a parking lot. Please don’t continue the insane growth by giving carte blanche to developers. And should the Tower of Babel be destroyed by a hurricane or some other act of God, take it as a sign and don’t let it be re-built.

And please be an exception to the cynical old saying, “We’d all like to vote for the best man, but he’s never a candidate.”

Mary Ready of Destin is a twice-retired English teacher and long-time area resident. Her columns are published on Saturdays.