Given the historical significance of the recent election I have decided to write some of my thoughts about it.  To start I want to say that, besides John F. Kennedy's campaign and ultimate election to the presidency, this year's race between John McCain and Barack Obama was also very interesting and exciting  for me to witness.  Given my understanding of politics now as compared to the 60's I decided to view the candidates and their strategies more from a psychological perspective than based on their stated positions.

This decision was also based on the skepticism that I have regarding how much of what the candidates say that I'm willing to believe will happen once the results of an election have become known.  My belief at this time is some of what is said is primarily geared only to winning and to "playing within the rules of politics".  As dissapointed as I have been with this reality over the years I also recognize something about human nature.  It is not particularly easy to not be who you really are over time.  As the saying goes, You can fool some of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time".  Over time the candidates who were elected will show what they are willing and able to do for all of us.

It is with all of this in mind that I want to acknowledge that people who do not see their candidate win are usually dissapointed and some of them become frustrated and angry.  These negative feelings are usually connected to concerns about the government and now what is "going to happen to me and my family".  One of the main messages I heard behind all the campaign rhetoric was it is up to each and every one of us to contribute to making a difference.  Regardless of whether or not your candidate won the world remains a stressful place.  I believe that by each of us taking responsibility for making the world a better place to live we can not only reduce our stress, but also become part of the solution to the challenges we now face.

I welcome your comments and questions.  Above all else I wish everyone good health and peace of mind. 

Check out more articles by Alan Simberg here.