Peace at the Polls

Blessed New Month, Bestie! We are witnessing what is arguably the most contentious political race to the White House. Dems perceive Reps as racist misogynists. Reps perceive Dems as entirely too liberal and plain clueless. My organization has been tasked, for the first time in the US to observe the election. We have observed 125 elections in 40 nations but never nationally. We are non-partisan and do not possess a God Complex. We understand every nation/culture is to be analyzed its own context. Now in the US, people are nervous and jittery…

What does observing entail?
Sit there and stare, for hours, quite literally. Each party also sends their own poll watchers so the mood is always tense. Polls are open 7-7p. My shift is 6a-2p. We go from polling site to polling site. I have made it my mission to humanize everyone I meet. As we near the finish line, I will be sharing some poll chronicles with you, dearest reader.

Today I sat with 2 older white gentlemen. They were poll watching on behalf of their parties. You may ask what political party watchers are from but I never ask. I allow the conversation to flow in a non-political direction. I suspect one is a retired Judge, he mentionned being in the court system for decades and he just had that old money/power look… I began “have you seen my nails”. He smiled, “how colorful.” I asked if he’s ever had a Mani/Pedi. He told me, “no dear, men in my generation dont have – hmm Nailogists?” Told him he was missing out. Told him the water has bubbles and they massage your feet. He looked at his nails with a big grin. The man was sold.

There we were, a possibly Republican older Gentleman of a certain social status and I, very visibly non-Republican; discussing Mani/Pedis. Turns out, that’s the key to World Peace. There is one thing I have learned about humans, everyone softens up to a bit of tenderness. —- One Love.