I’ve Not Been a Good Buddhist

One of the ideas of Buddhism is letting go of your attachments in life. Holding on to those “attachments” leads to suffering. Well, during this political campaign especially, I have become attached to the outcome of this mid-term election. Will the Democrats retain control of the House and Senate or will those Republican/Tea Party “boogie” men & women take control. Will this country stay on the path of progress and reform or fall back into business as usual and gridlock. My shorts have been in a knot.

On the internet, the radio and especially the TV, I am reminded every day of the dangers we are facing from this Democrat or that Republican candidate. This one was a witch when they were younger and that one tied up women and worshiped false idols! It can almost get comical. And perhaps that is what we should be doing is laughing…laughing at all this craziness and the millions of dollars being spent on both sides trying to influence our vote.

Think about it. All this money being spent on these crazy attack ads being spewed back on forth on both sides could be going to fixing this country and solving our problems. Instead, it is being wasted on the pursuit of power and buying influence. It is maddening. My biggest fear is that too many voters have lost the ability to think for themselves, to reason, to evaluate the messages that are bombarding us day and night. How many no longer look for the truth or verify what they are being SOLD? Voters are being swept away in a sea of negativity and fear. In their anger and frustration, they rush to judgment only to awaken the next morning and realize they’ve hung an innocent man, they’ve bought the Brooklyn Bridge. There will be regret and sorrow for what they have done, but too late… the deed is done.

If I were a better Buddhist, I’d go vote and then sit back and laugh and let go. What will be will be. I would deal with the outcome and move on. Life is short. But like I said, I’ve not been a good Buddhist.

Food for THOUGHT…