IN RETROSPECT

a survey or review of a past course of events or period of time.

Ok, enough foreplay, it's time for the main event.

The election is three days away, we're all exhausted, confused, and worried.

We've lost confidence in the system and now believe that whoever wins, the Republic will be in danger of falling to Fascism or  Socialism.

I recently listened to a historical podcast explaining the role of Spain during the 2nd World War. I've always wondered why Hitler didn't cozy up to Franco like he did to Mussolini?

The answer is complicated but intriguing.

The short answer is when Franco's fascist-leaning Nationalist Party defeated the government's communist leaning Popular Front he became a dictator among equals with Mussolini and Hitler. He supported Hitler's war effort with troops and ordinance but maintained his independence from both of them.

But I digress, with three days before the US election, the political pendulum is swinging right to left and back again in a confusing balance of power. Where it settles will determine our political trajectory for the next four years. 

The Republican party is not fascist, misguided perhaps, but not the party of Franco. The Democratic party is not communist, misguided perhaps, but not the party of Castro. Both parties represent grades of ideology believing they represent the best interests of America and the American people.

Yet, there are extremists on both sides protesting and rioting for drastic solutions to partisan issues. The vast majority of party faithful will negotiate for bipartisan solutions to what troubles this great country of ours. Either party will likely move to the center, except the Trump party, The real question is, where is your center? 

I'm a moderate, right of center on the economy and left of center on social issues. This doesn't mean I'm indecisive, it means I can appreciate conflicting points of view from an electorate that make up a democracy, all of whom have special interests. I believe the majority rules with due consideration for minority participation in matters important to them. 

The deciding factor on a contentious issue is the vote, whether a school board, a corporate board, a non-profit board of trustees, Congress or a Presidential election; we always put it to a vote, right?

Next Tuesday there won't be smoke emerging from a papal chimney but the tension surrounding the results will be just as palpable. 

Get out and VOTE, wear your mask, stay six feet away, and pray for your desired outcome. 

Come Wednesday morning, the sun will shine, life will go on and the Republic will have completed its cherished constitutional duty, a national election. 

Deo Volente!