Do People Really Care About the Issues? Not Really...

Last week, my Grandfather passed away; I loved him dearly and will miss him. Many of his business partners, friends and family members were there at the funeral, before his body was taken away. We reflected on the many fond memories that we had of him and shared his favorite quotes. For instance, one the stick’s to my mind is, when he had an unsatisfactory meal he would say, “I ate better when I was poor”, or he would always say to us, “ Go 1st class always”. One other one that I would always hear is “I will support you but not serve you”, there were many others that I still quote from time to time, that came from this great man.
After the funeral, the large crowd of mourners went to a large hall where there was nice dinner and open bar, it was 1st class, of course. Many of us saw the many friends and relatives that we haven’t seen for many years and recounted the last time they saw them. After the dinner and a few martinis later, the many discussions lead to the latest on politics. By then, the large crowd dissipated and most of the people in the hall were close family members.
It started with the usual question, who were they were going to vote for in the coming presidential election. Afterwards, the line in the sand was drawn and the finger pointing started. There were many for Hillary, some for Obama and a large part was for McCain, though as the discussion started to get heated and the low blows of name calling were thrown out to some. None of the issues that are a real concern for the world ever came up.
There were the usual spurts of so and so voted for the war, and the other guy did not or she’s a bitch and that guy has a Muslim middle name. Some would say that McCain was too old and then the older people listening would be offended and disagree. Others would say that Hillary was a Socialist/ Communist and Obama was the Manchurian Candidate, both bent on world domination. Then the Hillary and Obama supporters went after each others neck and the McCain supporters watched and chuckled.
As night creped in, the bar closed and many of the children’s eyes grew tired. The adults moved the party back to my grandfather’s house along with the discussion of politics. Many lines were crossed, some were offended and others just laughed it off while opening up another bottle of wine. My grandfather always enjoyed a good argument/ discussion, so I think he would have approved.
As I reflected back on it, none of the key issues were ever discussed. No one talked about the gas prices, the war, or any other pressing issues of our time. Though, when I listen now to the current candidates, I’m not hearing anything about the current issues affecting the American people. It’s the same old personnel attacks against each other, when I asked my family members, what each candidate stands for that they support, I just get a blank spare.