Presidential Debate?

Okay, I am going to bite the bullet and delve into politics for a moment.  I am a registered Republican, but struggle with aligning with the establishment of the party of Lincoln.  So, am I a Democrat? ..................Sorry, I was laughing at myself for a moment...................okay, I'm finished.............No, seriously, I'm finished now, no I'm definitely not a Democrat.  Libertarian?  Well, perhaps, but there are many positions within that party that I struggle with.  Basically, I'm a fish out of water, and I am getting the impression that many of us are feeling the same way.  I even sense this in many of my friends, who are Democrats and voted for President Obama, are feeling a similar sensation.  This leaves me with a thought, idea, or perhaps, a conclusion?  Perhaps.

Bare with me for a moment on this next thought; why don't we form the American Party?  I know, I know, that sounds silly, but consider this: last night I watched the debate, listened to the commentary, considered the positions, and decided that if I set aside the rhetoric, it's two parties fighting for power; Democrats and Republicans.  Shouldn't the power be in us?  Why give it to the parties?  I know, I know, this may seem simplistic and wishful, and perhaps it is, but even if we remain a part of the party we've chosen to align with, we DO NOT have to bend to their will.  I see this happening in the Republican and the Democrat parties even now.  The rise of Donald Trump, which I'm still trying to wrap my head around, is proof that many no longer want the, good ole boys club effect, to influence our governments anymore.  On the Democrat's side, Hillary is way ahead, but Bernie Sanders, a Socialist, is giving her a run for her money.  This to me, is a clear indication that we are sick of parties and their leadership--so, let's vote as Americans!

I will say this, I am pleased with the subjects being discussed during this election season, and I give The Donald a lot of credit for that.  We are coming to a national election that will, hopefully if the trend continues, give us a clear choice between to different directions.  We really haven't had this for many, many years.  We have had massaged candidates that move our country to a "progressive" end and the only difference is which party is in the driver seat.  One party wants to socialize big business, the other wants to socialize morality by redirecting wealth (stealing money) to where they think is should be distributed.  My problem with that thinking is that it would eventually remove MY choices, MY life decisions, MY obligations, MY charitable acts, MY mistakes, etc.  I want to benefit from my triumphs and suffer the consequences of my mistakes.  Consequences can suck, but they teach me important life lessons.  It is my sincerest hope that we will have clear differences to choose from.

I love this country, I love what we stand for.  I pray for our success and hope that we will remain strong and influential nation.

In the tradition of, Was That Out Loud", this is usually the type of imagined discussions I will have on long drives or alone in the house that gave rise to this blog.  Usually my wife will ask me who I'm talking to and I have to ask,  Was that out loud?