Thinking small

I hate politics.  I really do. 

It brings out the contrary side of my nature; you know, that teenager-like side that refuses to agree with your parents no matter what they say? 

It gives the undeserving far more than their alloted 15 minutes of fame.   Oooh, here's a new rule that will solve our budget issues in a few months - politicians (and pundits) who get more than 15 minutes of fame should be taxed for the excess. 

It forces us to distill hugely complex problems into tweets/soundbites, which are decidedly not helpful.  For example, from the right: Obama sucks.  From the left: Republicans suck.  From the middle: WTF is going on?

I spend a lot of time (too much) thinking about these issues on a macro level, worrying about lofty things like "society" and "our culture."  (Especially when egged on by my dad, who delights in forwarding me emails that he knows will get my blood pressure up.  :)  ) I'm not sure why I do this.  I'm not a politician, academic, journalist or celebrity foster mom.  I'm just a gal from rural NH with delusions of grandeur.  Clearly, I am blessed to have the time for this kind of thought; after all, I'm not out hunting boar or building a shack from pine needles. 

Today in a meeting, I was expressing that I simply could not figure out how to take a large map of available parking and shrink it down to a business card size.  I have been trying for weeks and can't seem to make it work in my head.  It's a mental block, and it's ridiculous.  I can whip out a 34 page brochure like nobody's business, but this little project is confounding me.  One of my staff sweetly and jokingly said "You just can't think small."  We all laughed, but I think she's on to something. 

Here are the facts:

I have one vote.

I am not a lobbyist.

I am not a lawmaker.  

I am not a thought leader.  There are probably 8 people who read this blog.  (and I love each and every one of you!)

These facts clearly illustrate that I will not change the world anytime soon.  I think it's time to go back to striving for smaller victories.  Time to use the brains and skills I've acquired to do some fruitful and useful work, instead of obsessing over faulty forwarded emails and the infuriating genius of Fox News. Time to focus in on what I actually have the power to change. 

And unfortunately, time to realize that changing my dad's mind about politics is a bigger job than I can handle, one that might require lobbyists.  Love ya, Dad, even if you are misguided.  :)

(addendum: while search for a funny photo/image to post with this entry, I came across these two books, which brightened my mood considerably.  I think I know what I'm getting my Dad for Christmas. Both are available on Amazon.com)