New Year’s resolution

Welcome to a new year. There is something profound about being part of a new year, making new marks on Earth's blueprint and being part of history's upcoming presidential elections. I am elated to be a part of the new year. So much so, that I have convinced myself to make a New Year's resolution and encourage you to join forces with me to pull it off before the upcoming election.

Actually, I was convinced by watching the debates. I would like to reduce elements of expected hatred we have between the political parties. Why is it called a party when there is no gaiety?

Seriously, how can politicians attack each other so ferociously and leave with respect for themselves? I was convinced that these European-Americans (the African-American candidate is no longer running) were bulldogs disguised as white upper-class political figures and I began looking for the one most attacked. I found that person was Mitt Romney. Romney's presence was as welcome as President Obama's. Once the main attack dog sprung, the others followed. Mitt Romney knows now what it feels like to be a female in a CEO position in corporate America. He probably has an inkling of what it is like as a minority, I thought. After hearing him betting Rick Perry a meager $10,000 on something I now cannot recall, I retract that he knows how it feels to be anyone but the privileged and wealthy.

One of the attackers, Newt Gingrich, with three marriages and god (purposefully lowercased) only knows how many affairs to his credit, wants to put poor and minority children to work as assistant janitors. Why not encourage men like himself to be mentors for these children?  I cannot see why he is so adamant against nontraditional marriages; being a Baptist and committing adulterous acts, he is destined to face God's wrath himself.

I do not think the fight among them would be as fierce as the fight between parties. On the other hand, Ron Paul advocated for the battle between parties to end. People applauded his heartfelt words for the two parties to come together. But, open attack is leveled against Paul on charges of being a racist. Talk about digging up old bones: Paul has to defend himself once more.

What do we do when looking for the right candidate to represent us? They can attack each other, leave the race, and join forces with the same individual they attacked. What does that tells us?

Well, for the person holding office at present:

"But what we can do, as flawed as we are, is still see God in other people, and do our best to help them find their own grace… what I strive to do… pray to do… as President of the United States — I'm also someone who deeply believes part of the bedrock strength of this country is that it embraces people of many faiths and of no faith," President Barack Obama said on CBN.com.

To honestly see all citizens as the strength of our country regardless of religion, gender, color or other adjectives we use to stereotype each other, there would not be a need for tolerance because respect would be in its place.  So, my New Year's resolution is to see you not as a Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, Libertarian or whatever, but as strength to our country. I'm curious to know: do you think Rick Perry or Mitt Romney, when they are no longer running, would give their $10,000 to help with my student loans or pay down the deficit? I bet you $10,000 they would not.