We Need Love and Peace

Man, I need to start my blogging earlier!  I've gotta sleep.

I did just want to put in my two cents for the election: T.H.I.O. (Thank Heavens It's Over.)  I think it's interesting for a while, but all of the politicking gets so ugly that I can't stand it.  I haven't even listened to the radio in the past two months because of all the ads.

I think the most interesting (and obnoxious) race in Utah was for the second congressional district seat.  Utah is a very RED state, with both senators, and two of three congressman from the GOP.  Salt Lake county tends to be a bit more liberal, which I can appreciate, although I refuse to align myself with any political party.  Even so, Congressman Matheson (a democrat) has been a representative for the past 10 years, and he has done fairly well.  I like him.  His main challenger during this election was Morgan Philpot, a representative in the Utah State House of Representatives.  I was intrigued by Philpot at first, because he made it sound like he would bring new energy and ideas, etc., etc.  Then his ads started coming out attacking Matheson.  And SO MANY SIGNS on roads, overpasses, everywhere saying "Matheson = Pelosi" and "Philpot = Patriots," and "Go Philpot!  We the People support you!"  The sheer number of signs seriously pissed me off.  Even so, I think the Matheson = Pelosi signs were the worst; how can you say that one democratic congressman from Utah is even close to being a Nancy Pelosi?  Matheson has not always voted along party lines; I think he actually tries to represent Utahns, because he knows he will not be re-elected if he doesn't.  Even so, Philpot's campaign was at least 75% negative, which drives me batty.  I only recall one "negative" television ad from Matheson's campaign, pointing out that Philpot missed more than 200 votes as a state representative (just not even showing up for the vote), then moved out-of-state while keeping his title and his state benefits.  That was the game-changer for me.  If Philpot felt he could get away with that kind of behavior in the State Legislature, how could we possibly trust him when he's on the other side of the country?  I'm just glad it's done and the Philpot signs are disappearing (finally).  Let's just move on, shall we?

I did like Peter Corroon's concession speech.  He ran for Governor, and lost by a considerable margin to the incumbent.  But when he gave his speech, he said something to the effect of, "We are all winners.  We have elected Governor Herbert, who is a good man, and who spends every minute of the day working for the good of the state of Utah.  I give him my whole-hearted support."  That was very classy to me.  I wish all of the losers could come out with their heads held high like that.

I think I hate it so much because of all the conflict.  I hate confrontation and competition, even when it's not me doing the competing.  Can't we all just get along?  And can we please have a moment's peace before the pundits start zoning in on 2012?