What I did instead of analyzing Plato's "Republic"

So, once I began procrastinating and once my internet decided to start working, I decided to write an editorial. Or something like one. Lol. Its not flawless, I might occasionally have lied, and it could use some editing, but I thought I'd share- a half a year earlier than I had planned:


Sailing is one of the most wholesome and gratifying activities in which one may partake. And if you have spoken with my father for any length of time, you will undoubtedly be familiar with his affinity for all things sail-related. It is a passion that rewards its devotees ten-fold. Drifting across a quiet lake while at mercy to the changing wind– but with the ability to adjust accordingly by pulling in the mainsail or releasing the jib– serves as both revitalizing nautical experience and valuable life lesson conveniently provided in the comfort of a lazy summer’s day.
Allow me, now, to taint the experience with pragmatic political allegory.

The winds are about to change.

Not necessarily for better or for worse, but certainly to enough of a degree that it would be convenient to have someone somewhere shout an advisory “Prepare to come about!” so the rest of us aren’t hit in the head with the weight of the boom.

There are a number of individuals running for the Presidency of the United States. An eclectic group on either side, they include a pro-choice, pro-gay rights, Republican former mayor, a maverick-conservative military hero, a former First Lady, and a skinny new kid with a funny name.

Personally, to have Republican nominees for whom I have enough respect that I am not brought to tears at the thought of one of them becoming Chief Executive is enough of an excitement in itself. (If you still wonder at my political affiliation, I will simply respond with my memory of being a sixth-grader, standing stubbornly against the legitimately-less-forgiving half of the adults in the country, declaring the irrefutable greatness that was the Clinton administration.)

Despite my soft spot for skinny new kids, and to the disappointment of my fellow Obama’08 campaign volunteers, this is not an attempt to rally my district for a single candidate but rather an attempt to start talking about that which has been taboo the past few years. It seems as if when we disagree with good friends about political issues, we agree not to talk about it– which, though as courteously Northern a mentality as it is, does not resolve any problems a particular friend may be experiencing. We can challenge ourselves to talk about both positive and negative aspects of the current state of our union, and we can now bask in the possibilities of candidates who operate against the political grain. As patriotic as red and blue appear when set side by side, purple is a lovely color, too!

For the moment, the wind of political change is no longer coming solely from starboard or port, but in a whirl-wind of non-partisan ideas from partisan individuals who may agree on very little, but care about this country very much.

This will be an election year like no other, with a variety of candidates like that which we have never seen. The opportunity to take part in a grassroots campaign is easier than ever before, so long as you have any sort of access to the vast, open waters called the Internet.

So my challenge to you is this: Let the wind catch your sails, Embrace your ability to determine the course, and Enjoy the ride!